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Council honors life-saving teen, tackles parish-wide issues from drainage to jail expansion
CARIE EDWARDS
CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS  

The Washington Parish Council convened on Monday, July 14, for a packed agenda that featured the recognition of a heroic youth, the approval of ordinances, updates from local agencies, and a report from Sheriff Jason Smith on the ongoing challenges at the parish jail. 
A standing ovation filled the council chambers as Carson Painter was honored with a proclamation for saving her father from drowning in the Bogue Chitto River. After he struck his head and became submerged, Carson rescued him from the water and kayaked alone over a quarter of a mile to find a phone and call 911. Parish President Ryan Seal emphasized the significance of her actions, stating, “Washington Parish takes great pride in recognizing outstanding acts or courage and selflessness by its citizens, especially those that go above and beyond in service to others. Thanks to Carson’s swift and courageous actions, first responders were able to reach her father in time to provide critical aid and transport him to safety.

The council unanimously passed four ordinances during the meeting. 

• Ordinance No. 25-758 authorizes the parish to inspect culvert installations on private property to ensure proper drainage standards are met, addressing problems caused by incorrectly sized culverts installed by residents. 

• Ordinance No. 25-759 raises logging fees. 

• Ordinance No. 25-760 permits landowners to retain ditching debris, which eases the burden on the parish to haul and dispose of it. 

• Ordinance No. 25-761 approves a consulting agreement to assist the parish with disaster recovery and FEMA compliance. This consultant will help ensure regulations are followed, documentation is submitted correctly, and the parish receives the maximum possible reimbursement for disasters. 

Two ordinances were introduced for future consideration. Ordinance No. 25-762 proposes relocating Ward 4, Precincts 4-9 and 4-9A in Bogalusa with the stated goal of improving voter “access.” Ordinance No. 25-763 proposes updates to the Washington Parish Alcohol Policy, with further discussion expected at upcoming meetings. 

Resolution No. 25-1409 was presented to appoint a board member to the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, which supports mental health, addiction recovery, and developmental disability services throughout the region.

Rusty Fornea, Executive Director of ADAPT, Inc., encouraged residents to utilize the nonprofit’s free opioid recovery services, which are funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program connects individuals with treatment providers using evidence-based practices, aims to reduce stigma, educates the public and distributes free NARCAN and fentanyl test strips in response to rising contamination risks.

During his report, Sheriff Jason Smith addressed several key issues. He reiterated that jail overcrowding continues to be a serious challenge. Recent funding approved by the Louisiana legislature has allowed the parish to move forward with plans to purchase property for a new jail facility. An offer has been made on 20 acres off Highway 10, though a response has not yet been received. A previously proposed temporary inmate housing site in Varnado is now on hold. Sheriff Smith stated, “I cannot assume the risk when it comes to security,” due to the location being 26 miles and 40 minutes across the parish. 

The Sheriff also expressed concern about several parties and events that occurred without following the proper permitting procedures. He urged the council to streamline the permitting process to help residents comply more easily. Additionally, after speaking with multiple entrepreneurs, Sheriff Smith called for a simplified process for registering businesses in the parish.