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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS

The Washington Parish Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May, 19, 2025, at the Washington Parish Courthouse. The meeting was filled with commendations, critical funding announcements, community updates, and public safety discussions that reflect the ongoing efforts to strengthen and serve all corners of the parish. 

The meeting opened with proclamations recognizing National Nurses Week, in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Parish President Ryan Seal presented plaques to Cindy Ingram, president elect of the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA), Taryn Hill, Chief Nursing Officer at Riverside Medical Center, Tren Garbo, Chief Nursing Officer at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, and Jimmy Siebert, CEO of Riverside Medical Center. 

A second proclamation celebrated Childcare Provider Appreciation Day, with a plaque presented to Jennifer Jarrell of Garden of Knowledge in Bogalusa for her dedicated service to young learners. 

Clelie Dugan, Executive Director of the Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center for Women and Children, thanked the council for a $75,000 donation. The funds will launch a Sexual Assault Survivor Program, pay for an in-house counselor, add an extra day or operation, art therapy, and funding for emergency housing, food, and clothing. 

Sonnet Ireland, Director of the Washington Parish Library, announced the launch of the 2025 “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program, featuring events like The Dinosaur Experience, storytellers, hula dancers, and Shaggy the Mime. The program is funded by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, and Louisiana State Arts Council. Ireland also announced that the Thomas branch will reopen soon, and progress is being made toward opening a new Varnado branch. Additionally, a $3,000 Dollar General Literacy Grant will fund literacy materials, book giveaways, and snack activities. 

A resolution was passed to continue Washington Parish’s agreement with the Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA). The program assists low-to-moderate-income families with forgivable grants that can be used for down payments or closing costs and partners with lenders to provide homebuyer education.

The council approved the appointment of Lacey Clarkson as Director of Finance, following a recommendation from Parish President Ryan Seal. Clarkson, a Certified Public Accountant with twelve years of government accounting experience, will replace Donna Graham, who is retiring on June 30.

The council also voted to appoint William Lloyd Quave to the Washington Parish Fire Protection District #7 Board of Directors. The board, which requires eight members, has been reduced to four following the resignation of four board members. Quave’s appointment brings the board one step closer to a functioning board.

In another key agenda item, the council approved launching the YACC Road Sandbagging Location Project, funded by the RCIP Grant, a disaster recovery initiative. The site will provide critical access to sandbags and improve emergency preparedness for parish residents, particularly during flood events.

During public comment, a resident expressed concerns about a structure in Varnado that is to be used to relieve overcrowding at the Washington Parish Jail and whether it is safe for both inmates and neighboring residents. Sheriff Jason Smith addressed the concern, explaining that the jail is currently housing 245 inmates and detainees, far exceeding its 144-inmate capacity. Sheriff Smith said that he building under consideration was once used as a work release facility for state prisoners, and while it is not intended as a long-term solution, all options are being evaluated. Sheriff Smith assured residents that judges are actively working to reduce the docket backlog to help reduce overcrowding. 

Concluding the meeting, Parish President Ryan Seal gave his report on parish operations. President Seal noted that auditors have been in-house this week, and their findings will be available soon. He also highlighted recent maintenance work:

• 473 bags of trash collected across 43 roads
  
• 30 signs installed on 21 roads
  
• 11 locations clear cut for visibility and safety
  

The council wrapped up its business for the evening with multiple signs of progress in infrastructure, public services, and community health.