Ten Year-Old Hero Recognized at Parish Council Meeting

Ten year-old Carson Painter was recognized at the Washington Parish Council meeting on July 14, 2025 for an act of bravery and love. While enjoying a day at the Bogue Chitto River, Carson’s dad had an accident and was submerged in the water. With remarkable courage, Carson pulled him to safety, then paddled a kayak, alone, to call for help. Thanks to her quick thinking and determination, her father survived. Carson’s heroism is a shining example of strength, selflessness and the spirit of Washington Parish. Parish President read and presented a Proclamation in recognition of Carson's actions. (See the video beginning at 14:00)

The Council began at 5:30 PM with Public Hearings on 4 ordinances: 1) An Ordinance Governing the Installation and Maintenance of Drainage Culverts on Private Property. 2) An Ordinance Amending Permit Requirements to Perform Logging Operations. 3) An Ordinance Authorizing Debris and Material Removal and Master Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. 4) An Ordinance to Allow the Washington Parish President to Enter into a Pre-Positioned Contract for Disaster Recovery Consulting Services. All four Ordinances were later approved.

Following the Proclamation honoring Carson Painter, (See the video beginning at 17:40) the Council heard from ADAPT representatives Rusty  Fornea and Rhonda Gunnell who described the myriad of free services provided to parish residents. To learn more about ADAPT, visit their website and their Facebook page.

In other business, the Council 

• Introduced two ordinances (to be discussed and voted on at the next Regular meeting): 1) An Ordinance to Relocate Ward Four, Precinct 4-9 and 4-9A, Voting District of Bogalusa, Washington Parish, Louisiana. 2) An Ordinance to Amend the Amended Compiled Ordinances of the Washington Parish Alcohol Policy.
• Adopted a Resolution of Appointment to the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority Governing District Board of Directors.
• During the Public Participation segment of the meeting (See the video beginning at 46:30), Sheriff Jason Smith provided a report that included the extent of overcrowding at the Parish Jail, progress toward having a new jail facility in the center of the Parish, special events permitting, and an update on the summer camp for youth. Also, several residents spoke regarding a variety of issues.
• Heard reports from President Seal and his staff (see the video beginning at 1:01:00). Reports included road work performed, road work to be performed, trash picked up, permits issued that shows growth, improvements to be performed at the courthouse, update on the Louisiana buyout program in Bogue Chitto Heights, thefts of road signs, and improvements in the Varnado community. 

Following additional comments by Council members, the meeting adjourned.