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Good News in Slidell- June 9th

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Joshua Wichterich selected as White Linen and Lagniappe 2025 poster artist

Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert and the members of the Slidell Commission on the Arts would like to congratulate Joshua Wichterich for being selected as the White Linen and Lagniappe 2025 Poster Artist. His artwork, “Stars, Sweet Tea, and a Slidell Soiree” will be featured on the event poster and publicity materials.

“We are incredibly happy that Joshua was selected as the White Linen and Lagniappe poster artist for this year,” said Mayor Borchert. “His talent and passion for Slidell shine through in his artwork, and he has created a poster that truly captures the spirit of this event. I’d like to thank the Slidell Commission on the Arts for their work in selecting the poster artist.”

Joshua B. Wichterich is an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and founder of Blue Wing Press. He has illustrated more than 60 children’s picture books, designing many from cover to cover and assisting bestselling authors in self-publishing. A prolific artist, Wichterich continuously refines his craft. His art has been featured in numerous Slidell exhibits, including the 2018 Mixed Media exhibit, where he won first place for his large watercolor piece, “Second Death.” He also showcased his art in the 4 Corners art exhibit in 2022, sponsored by the City of Slidell and the Olde Towne Arts Commission. He frequently exhibits his work at Notting Hill in Olde Towne for event such as Arts Evening and White Linen and Lagniappe. In the summer of 2024, the City of Slidell hosted his art show at City Hall, All in the Family, where he exhibited his art along with pieces from his sister and work created by his grandfather that had never been publicly displayed.

Wichterich is also an advocate for artists, art, and children. He dedicates many of his children’s books and art to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany and is working on an art installation for the museum with the art students of St. Tammany Parish, which will debut in the fall of 2025. Joshua has been proudly featured in local publications such as the Times Picayune, the St. Tammany Farmer, Nola.com, and Social Northshore. He was awarded the title “The Northshore’s Best Artist of East St. Tammany Parish” by Sophisticated Woman magazine for two consecutive years and has been featured on four covers of Slidell Magazine, collaborating with editor Kendra Maness Davis and with artist Kylah Odle.

“I am honored to have been chosen at the White Linen and Lagniappe 2025 Poster Artist, and thrilled to have my work represent this event,” said Wichterich. “Creating ‘Stars, Sweet Tea, and a Slidell Soiree’ was a joy. Inspired by my ‘Mad Hatter Tea’ piece which is part of my Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland art series, I crafted this whimsical watercolor and ink illustration to capture the unique charm of Olde Towne and Slidell. I’ve woven in little ‘easter eggs’ of my favorite local treasures throughout the piece. It’s a story of friends, family, and Louisiana critters, all dressed in their finest white linen, enjoying the magical atmosphere of a Slidell evening with music, moon pies, and delightful conversation.”

Wichterich will be selling signed copies of the event poster during White Linen and Lagniappe.

The 9th annual White Linen and Lagniappe takes place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. This event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to browse artwork while shopping at antique and boutique stores, listening to live music, eating hot food and enjoying cold drinks all throughout Olde Towne Slidell. Admission is free.

For more information about White Linen and Lagniappe, call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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PUBLIC MEETING: US 11 Corridor Study Meeting to be held June 9

The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) will host a public meeting to gather community and stakeholder input on the findings and preliminary project alternatives under consideration for the US 11 Corridor Study. This study focuses on identifying improvements to US 11 (Front Street) between LA 433 and Fremaux Avenue in Olde Towne Slidell.

The study will explore modifications to travel lanes, streetscaping, integration of walking and bicycling features, water management and resilience enhancements, and related improvements aimed at enhancing safety, promoting multi-modal use, and improving the quality of life for all users.

The public is invited to attend the meeting to learn more about the proposed improvements and provide valuable feedback.

Meeting Details:

  • Date: June 9, 2025
  • Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Format: Open House with opening presentation
  • Location: Slidell Auditorium
  • Address: 2056 2nd St, Slidell, LA 70458

The meeting is free and open to the public.

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Tease Me Band Closes Out Bayou Jam Spring Concerts on June 9

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series concludes on Sunday, June 8, with a performance by Tease Me Band starting at  5:00 p.m. at Heritage Park. Admission is free.

“Pack your lawn chairs and bring the whole family to Heritage Park for an unforgettable evening of music,” said Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert. “Our Bayou Jam concerts have become a cherished tradition in Slidell, offering the perfect opportunity for our community to relax and enjoy great music in Heritage Park.”

Tease Me Band is an energetic cover band from Slidell that has been electrifying audiences across the Northshore and beyond. Known for their captivating performances, they are guaranteed to play your favorite song and have you dancing in the park!  This dynamic band features the vocal talents of Kel Ladut, with Gee Ladut handling guitar and additional vocals. The rhythm section is powered by Greg Vaughn on drums and vocals, David Tarantolo on keys, and Russell Loeffler laying down the bass and vocals. For more information about the band or to watch videos and hear samples of their music, visit TeaseMeBand.com.

All concerts are held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Heritage Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by noon on the day of the event through the city’s website and Facebook page.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and follow us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: CDBG Plan Review and Public Meeting on Monday, June 23

UPDATE: The time for the meeting has changed to 5:30 p.m. The press release below has been edited to reflect this change.


The City of Slidell invites public review and comment on the City’s 2025‐2029 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan and the 2025 CDBG Action Plan. The 2025 Consolidated Plan is a five year plan that identifies priority needs, lists goals to meet those needs and anticipates activities that may be funded. It is a comprehensive analysis that identifies community needs, definespriorities and focuses funding to best utilize CDBG resources by:

  • Assessing Homeless and Other Special Needs.
  • Providing a Housing Needs Assessment.
  • Conducting a Market Analysis.
  • Assessing Barriers to Affordable Housing.
  • Creating a Strategic Plan to: Address Priority Needs; Establish Goals for the City for the Next Five Years; Develop a Homeless Strategy; and, Create an Anti‐poverty Strategy.

The 2024‐2025 CDBG Annual Action Plan identifies specific projects the City will fund with Community Development Block Grant Funds. The City‘s allocation for PY 2025 is $207,836. The City utilizes 80% for project activities in the CDBG Target Area, Census Tract 409, and 20% for Administration and Planning.

2025‐2026 Action Plan Proposed Projects

  • Public Facilities & Infrastructure: Enhance and develop public facilities and infrastructure within CT 409.
  • Building Partnerships: The City proposes to create partnerships with local nonprofits.
  • Urgent Needs: Public Facility Improvements: Provide public facility improvements that have a particular urgency and are designed to alleviate existing conditions that result from a serious and/or immediate emergency that threatens the health or welfare of the community. Improvements will be limited to the CDBG Target Area CT 409, as defined by HUD definition of area benefit.
  • Urgent Needs: Public Service Activities: Provide public services that have a particular urgency and are designed to alleviate existing conditions that pose a serious immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and will target applicants who are by definition, limited clientele, who are by HUD definition, presumed benefit recipients or who satisfy documented low to moderate income requirements.
  • Fair Housing Education and Awareness: Encourage community education to increase the understanding of housing discrimination and fair housing.
  • Administration and Planning: Efficiently administer and manage the program funding and reporting.

As part of the public review process, the City will hold a public hearing for public comment on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Mayor’s Community Meeting Room, First Floor, City Hall, 2055 Second Street, Slidell LA 70458.

All residents, particularly low to moderate income persons, are encouraged to attend the hearing. On‐ street and municipal lot parking is available. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. Virtual/remote attendance is available, and the attendance link will be posted at least 24 hours prior to each meeting on the City’s website, or the link can be obtained by contacting the City’s CDBG program.

A draft of the action plan is available for review at the City of Slidell Planning Department from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday and on the City’s website at www.mysllidell.com through June 24, 2025. To request the meeting link, a particular accommodation, for inquiries about accessibility, comments, or to ask questions, email cdbg@cityofslidell.org, call 985‐646‐4320, or, deliver written requests to CDBG, c/o Planning Department, 250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 203, Slidell, LA 70458.

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Lionel J. Washington Community Pool Opens Memorial Day

Beat the heat this summer at the Lionel J. Washington Community Pool, which opens on Monday, May 26, 2025. Admission is just $1 per person. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the pool, located at Possum Hollow Park, Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. Please note that once school restarts later in the year, the pool will only be open on Saturdays until Labor Day.

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City Office Closed May 26 in Observance of Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert and the members of the Slidell City Council would like to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Two special events are scheduled to commemorate their service. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery (34888 Grantham College Dr.) will host a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. And on Friday, May 30, the Slidell Garden Club will hold its Memorial Day Observation at Veterans Park (2602 Second St.), at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend both events and pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

City offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, and will reopen during regular hours on Tuesday, May 27. Essential personnel will remain on duty. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

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Bayou Stampede Brings the Thunder to Bayou Jam on June 1

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series continues on Sunday, June 1 with a performance by Bayou Stampede Band and special guest Caroline Tebbs, starting at  5:00 p.m. at Heritage Park. Admission is free.

“Pack your lawn chairs and bring the whole family to Heritage Park for an unforgettable evening of music,” said Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert. “Our Bayou Jam concerts have become a cherished tradition in Slidell, offering the perfect opportunity for our community to relax and enjoy great music in Heritage Park.”

Bayou Stampede, a country and classic rock band, brings its energetic performances to venues across the Northshore and Southshore of Lake Pontchartrain, as well as larger festivals and fairs. The Slidell based band loves performing for their “Fan-Fam” and like supporting venues that champion local live music. Bayou Stampede consists of Bryan Simmons on vocals and rhythm guitar, Felicia Murret on vocals and percussion, John Pfeifer on vocals and lead guitar, Joe “Hot Rod” Lincoln laying down the bass, and Jimmy Boitnott driving the rhythm on drums.

Caroline Tebbs

Caroline Tebbs, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Slidell has been writing stories and songs since childhood. A student at the Lipscomb School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee, she performs pop and country music, showcasing her talents on acoustic guitar and piano. At 16, Caroline released her first album, “Good Enough,” and has since followed up with an EP, “Romance, Bigger Person,” and additional singles. Whether performing solo, with her guitarist Sean Murray, or with a full band, Caroline has graced stages in Nashville and at venues and festivals across the Northshore when she is home. She is a recipient of the St . Tammany Parish President’s 2024 “Emerging Artist” Award.

And be sure to join us on Sunday, June 8, for the final Bayou Jam of the spring season with Tease Me Band. All concerts are held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Heritage Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by noon on the day of the event through the city’s website and Facebook page.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and follow us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

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