The Washington Parish Council recently met on Monday, June 12, 2023. Following the invocation by special guest Dr. Superintendent Benson Magee and the pledge, the minutes from May 22, 2023, were approved. The Council then voted to adopt a resolution to authorize the Parish President or his designee(s) to sign agreements between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and Washington Parish Government for funding of sidewalks in downtown Franklinton through the Louisiana DOTD 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
The President's Report began with a Proclamation honoring Dr. Superintendent Benson Magee of the House of Faith Church of God in Christ, Inc. on the occasion of his 95th birthday. Dr. Magee is known for his quiet spirit, honesty, and humility, but knew God needed more from him. He became a great witness for the Lord. Dr. Magee met and married the love of his life, Ollie Magee Warren and together they brought eight children into the world who God blessed to become preachers, missionaries, evangelists, entrepreneurs, educators, musicians, singers and much more.
Dr. Magee earned his doctorate from the Feltus Theological Seminary and has been involved in numerous ministries.
Parish President Richard Thomas recognized and acknowledged the many accomplishments of Dr. Superintendent Benson Magee and honored him for the contributions he has made not only for the citizens of Washington Parish but on this Earth. True to the character of Dr. Magee, he humbly accepted the Proclamation from President Thomas.
President Thomas continued with his report by announcing that on June 13 a meeting would be held to discuss the combining of the Washington Economic Development Foundation and the Franklinton Area Economic Development Foundation. This has been in the works for a while and the two entities will become the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation.
President Thomas added that Parish Government will be closed on Monday, June 19 for the first time in observance of Juneteenth.
On Friday, June 30, Parish Tractor of Poplarville, Mississippi, is hosting a Washington Parish employee appreciation luncheon for parish outside work crews at Location One on Dobson Street. Location Two will also attend and employees will be treated to burgers and hotdogs in appreciation of all their hard work and dedication for the parish. Lee Parish is the owner of Parish Tractor and Keith Morgan of Franklinton is one of his top salesmen.
President Thomas also reported that the parish is missing two historical markers on its road. The Choctaw Trail marker on Choctaw Road and the First Washington Parish Courthouse marker on Highway 16 near Enon. The signs have been destroyed and cost approximately $2500 each to replace. DOTD no longer pays for this, and Parish Government is searching for funding to replace both signs. President Thomas stressed the importance that these markers are replaced so that the history of the parish continues to be on display.
In other departmental reports, Director of Public Works Ken Wheat gave a brief history of the parish's Animal Shelter and explained that in 2019 the state put all shelters under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agricultural Veterinary Services. Since that time the shelter has received near perfect inspections. Mr. Wheat praised Manager Kelsey Knight on her ideas and enthusiasm for the shelter. A remodel has just been completed with updates to painting, the ceilings and the HVAC system. These have made a dramatic difference in the appearance and functionality of the shelter. President Thomas interjected that all this has been done with no new taxes earmarked for the shelter.
Transportation Manager Danny Knight gave a summary of the various road crews' accomplishments for the past month. Of note were that the crews had delivered 168 tons of asphalt on 16 roads covering 23 miles, bushhogged 256 roads covering 360 miles, and picked up 338 bags of trash on 34 roads. Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall announced that Location Two will be getting a much-needed remodel with painting, new flooring and restroom refurbishment. He also praised the crew's work on the George Jenkins Bridge and explained that the crew had practically rebuilt the entire bridge. His office is also very excited about Phase II of the sidewalk project for Franklinton and believes it will really be something nice for the town of Franklinton and for folks who use the sidewalks from the Courthouse to the Washington Parish Fairgrounds.
Finally, at President Thomas's urging and with an explanation that the President's Report is his time to call on someone who is present, Jason Smith, Candidate for Washington Parish Sheriff, spoke briefly to the Council. He explained that when he retired from the Marine Corps in 2016, his plan was to live quietly on his farm. However, he has taken on the burden of running for public office and sees the process with new eyes. He believes that most people in the parish simply want peace and a safe community, and that the sheriff is ideally situated to be the person who makes the parish safer and more peaceful. He announced his candidacy in February and has enjoyed meeting with folks from across the parish and hearing of their concerns. If elected, he plans to make a difference in Washington Parish.
The Council ended the meeting with congratulations to Dr. Superintendent Magee and wishing a happy Father's Day to all dads. Chairman Shawn Rice ended with announcing that the movie night hosted by the Chamber of Commerce was cancelled and has been rescheduled for July 29.
