Community Accountability Network

Tag: Ouachita Parish

  • Local Rescue Raises Alarm Over Deadly Cat Virus at Shelter

    In an exclusive interview, a West Monroe cat rescue owner is speaking out after losing dozens of kittens to panleukopenia, a highly contagious and often fatal cat virus. She says the local shelter did not disclose that some cats were exposed, and several kittens she rescued died despite strict care.

    She also warns that members of the public adopting cats from the shelter could unknowingly bring home the virus, putting their families and pets at risk. Rescue operators say multiple kittens have died this year under similar circumstances, and the outbreak may have been kept quiet.

    At the time of publication the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter was unavailable for comment. I will continue to reach out for a statement. This story is ongoing.

  • Ouachita Parish Fire Department — Chief Robert Moore Interview

    In a sit-down interview, Robert Moore, Fire Chief of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department, said the department’s mission is simple: to serve the public and meet community needs.

    “We’re here to help,” Moore said. “I just don’t think people realize everything we do.”

    Many residents only interact with the fire department during emergencies, but Chief Moore says the department provides far more services than most people realize. He has served with the department for nearly 15 years and brings more than 35 years of public safety experience to the role.

    Ouachita Parish operates as one unified fire district, covering nearly the entire parish outside of Monroe and West Monroe. Unlike many areas in Louisiana that rely on small volunteer districts, Ouachita Parish runs as a coordinated system with 15 fire stations, with a 16th station planned along Highway 80 near Trapp Field, currently projected for 2028.

    While fire suppression is a core responsibility, about 80% of calls are medical. Many firefighters are paramedic-certified and provide advanced life support, often arriving before ambulance services. The department is also the only local agency with mechanical CPR devices on every frontline truck, allowing consistent chest compressions during cardiac arrest and transport — a critical factor in survival, especially in rural areas.

    Despite covering more than 600 square miles, the department holds a Class 3 fire rating, considered exceptional for a district of this size and one that can positively affect insurance rates. Moore says the department plans years in advance for major purchases like fire engines, ladder trucks, and stations, allowing them to operate without debt or bonds and stay within budget.

    The department also offers several free services many residents don’t know about, including free smoke alarm installation, fire safety education in schools, CPR and first responder medical training, fire protection reviews for new subdivisions, and assistance with gas or carbon monoxide concerns. If a request falls outside their jurisdiction, staff help connect residents with the appropriate agency.

    Ouachita Parish Fire Department maintains an Urban Search and Rescue team and is part of a regional response network activated through the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. Local firefighters have deployed to floods, hurricanes, and other disasters both in Louisiana and out of state. The department is also trained and equipped for high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, and water rescue, with all equipment and training maintained in-house.

    While life-threatening emergencies take priority, firefighters also respond to animal rescue calls when needed, including animals trapped in vehicles, trailers, or dangerous situations. In many cases, animal control or law enforcement requests assistance due to the specialized equipment required.

    The department employs approximately 190 personnel, including firefighters, dispatchers, training staff, and maintenance crews. On any given day, at least 46 firefighters are on duty, working 24-hour shifts. The department operates its own in-house fire academy, which lasts about a year and includes EMT certification and fire suppression training. The department is currently hiring and expects to bring on around 15 new firefighters this year.

    Those interested can learn more at:
    – ouachitafire.org
    – 318-325-1621
    – Facebook

  • Industrial Groundwork in Ouachita Parish?

    OPPJ — Public Records Review

    Over the past few weeks, I’ve been digging through Ouachita Parish public records. Looking at budgets, meeting minutes, audit reports, and capital outlay documents. I’m trying to better understand how parish tax dollars are being spent and what long-term plans may be underway.

    One pattern that stands out in the records is the parish’s repeated use of two categories: East Ouachita Economic Development Capital Outlay and West Ouachita Economic Development Capital Outlay. These funds appear throughout the financial documents and meeting minutes and are specifically tied to economic development spending.

    In plain terms, “capital outlay” usually refers to money used for large projects such as infrastructure, engineering work, planning, and development preparation. It is different from routine expenses like payroll or daily operations. Capital outlay funds are typically used when a government is investing in long-term projects.

    The documents show the parish approving funding connected to planning, engineering work, and infrastructure improvements under these economic development categories. While the records do not name a specific company or project, these types of expenditures are often associated with early-stage development planning.

    Another detail that appears consistently in the records is the geographic separation of spending between East Ouachita and West Ouachita. That type of distinction can sometimes indicate that development planning is being focused in particular areas of the parish rather than applied evenly everywhere.

    In many communities, the early phases of industrial or large-scale economic development follow a fairly predictable pattern:

    1. Engineering or feasibility studies are approved
    2. Infrastructure planning begins (roads, utilities, site preparation)
    3. Capital outlay funds are allocated
    4. Sites are prepared or certified for development
    5. A company announcement may happen later

    The documents reviewed so far appear to show activity that fits within the early stages of that process. However, the records themselves do not identify a specific industry, company, or project.

    Another interesting piece of the puzzle is that some of the investments appear tied to infrastructure and development planning that could support large projects requiring significant utilities, broadband access, or transportation access. Those types of investments are often made years before any official announcement is made.

    To be clear, this does not mean a specific industrial project or company has been confirmed. What the documents show is that the parish has been allocating funds and approving planning activity tied to economic development infrastructure.

    At this stage of the investigation, the goal is simply to understand what these funds are being used for and what long-term development plans may exist.

    I am still requesting types of documents that often provide more detail about whether a parish is preparing land for future industry or large employers.

    As always, I want to be clear that I am not an attorney and not claiming wrongdoing. My goal is simply to review public records and help make complex government documents easier for the community to understand.

    Public information helps everyone better understand how our local government is planning for the future. We deserve to be informed. As I look through the OPPJ meeting minutes, I haven’t found any public information on plans for industrial development but in my opinion, the financial records seem to indicate that is the direction they are heading. I wonder at what point a public announcement would be made?

  • Where Did the COVID Relief Money Go?

    OPPJ — ARPA Spending Review

    I’m not an attorney or an accountant. I’m simply a citizen reviewing public records and trying to understand how public funds are being used.

    One of the biggest questions that came up during this review is this: How was the federal COVID relief money actually spent in our parish?

    What ARPA Funds Are

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This program sent millions of dollars to local governments, including Ouachita Parish. These funds were intended to help communities recover from the pandemic through things like:
    – Public health responses
    – Economic recovery
    – Infrastructure improvements
    – Assistance to nonprofits and community organizations
    – Replacing lost government revenue

    Because this was federal taxpayer money, it’s important that the public understands where it went and what it was used for.

    What the Records Show

    After reviewing the ARPA reports and spending records, the funds appear to have been distributed across several different areas. Examples include funding for:
    – Infrastructure and capital projects
    – Workforce development initiatives
    – Nonprofit and community programs
    – Economic development efforts
    – Administrative and professional services

    Some funding was directed toward organizations and community programs, while other funds went toward planning, infrastructure improvements, and regional development projects. Many of these uses fall within categories that were permitted under federal ARPA guidelines.

    However, one thing becomes clear when reviewing the records: the spending is spread across many different departments and reports.

    Why That Matters

    Because ARPA money was distributed across multiple programs and funds, it becomes difficult for the public to quickly answer a simple question: How much money went to each project, and what outcomes did it produce?

    Instead of one simple list, the information appears across:
    – Multiple departments
    – Multiple projects
    – Multiple financial reports
    – Multiple funds

    That means it takes significant time digging through records to piece together the full picture.

    Questions Worth Asking

    Based on the documents reviewed so far, there are a few questions that naturally follow:
    – How were projects selected for ARPA funding?
    – How much of the allocated money has actually been spent?
    – What measurable results are tied to these projects?
    – Were these spending decisions clearly discussed in public meetings?

    These aren’t accusations. They’re simply the kinds of questions communities ask when millions of taxpayer dollars are involved.

    Why Transparency Matters

    Federal COVID relief funds were meant to help communities recover from a historic crisis. Because of that, the public deserves to understand:
    – Where the money went
    – How the decisions were made
    – What benefits the community received

    Public records exist for exactly this reason. As I continue reviewing documents, I’ll continue sharing what I find so the community can better understand how these funds were used.

  • What’s Going On Between the Judges and OPPJ — Part 2

    Deep Dive into OPPJ

    Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney. This is just my understanding based on public documents.

    • All of the sitting judges in the 4th Judicial District Court are listed as plaintiffs in a separate lawsuit against the Ouachita Parish Police Jury (OPPJ).
    • Because of that lawsuit, they stepped aside (recused themselves) from the Frost Tower case to avoid any appearance of conflict.
    • Court revenue from fines and fees has gone down in recent years.
    • The judges asked OPPJ for more funding to help cover expenses.
    • OPPJ increased funding for the judges from about $118,000 in 2022 to $525,000 in 2023.
    • Budget documents also show the Parish’s General Fund is under increasing financial pressure.

    To better understand the financial side, I’ve submitted a public records request asking for:
    – Payments made to outside lawyers (2023 to now)
    – Contracts and invoices for those legal services
    – Budget line items for legal expenses

    This isn’t about picking sides. It’s about understanding what’s happening and how taxpayer dollars are being used.

    I’ll continue sharing updates as documents come in — and I’ll stick to what can be proven.

  • Frost Tower LLC vs. OPPJ — Part 1

    Ouachita Parish Police Jury Deep Dive

    Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. This is simply my understanding of the court filings based on the public record.

    A company called Frost Tower, LLC has filed a lawsuit against the Ouachita Parish Police Jury (OPPJ) challenging the Parish’s subdivision regulations, specifically Chapter 21.5 of the parish ordinances.

    According to the petition, Frost Tower owns about 68 acres and wants to subdivide it into residential lots. The company is asking the court to declare that the Police Jury does not have the authority to enforce these subdivision rules as applied to them, and to stop the Parish from enforcing those rules on this development.

    The Police Jury responded in December by filing what are called “exceptions” and defenses. In simple terms, they are arguing that:
    – If someone is challenging the constitutionality of an ordinance, certain procedural steps must be followed
    – The Louisiana Attorney General must be properly served
    – The case may have been filed using the wrong type of court procedure

    They also deny the allegations and ask that the case be dismissed.

    One unusual development: all of the sitting judges of the Fourth Judicial District Court have recused themselves from the case. According to the recusal order, the judges are currently involved in separate litigation that includes the Police Jury, and they stepped aside to avoid any appearance of bias. That means a different judge will have to be assigned to handle this case.

    At this point, the case appears to be focused heavily on procedural issues before the court even reaches the larger constitutional question.

    Again, I am not offering legal advice. I am simply summarizing what is reflected in the filings. I will continue to follow the case as it develops.

  • The Crooked Smile of Leadership

    Ouachita Parish Leadership Under Scrutiny

    First things first:
    This is Part One of a series examining leadership and public trust in Ouachita Parish. Its purpose is not retaliation, but transparency. I am calling on local government leaders to review these concerns, evaluate Shane Smiley’s continued fitness to serve, and take appropriate action — including removal from the Ouachita Parish Police Jury if warranted.

    If meaningful action is taken to restore public trust, this series does not need to continue. If it is not, future posts will focus on documented patterns, community impact, verified claims I have uncovered, and mechanisms for accountability. The goal is simple: leadership that reflects the standards, presence, and integrity Ouachita Parish residents expect — especially in moments when the community needs it most.

    When video footage surfaced last year showing Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Shane Smiley speaking harshly and using profanity toward young female employees at his Monroe restaurant, Catahoula’s, it sparked widespread concern. Smiley apologized publicly but refused to resign, maintaining that the incident did not warrant removal from office.

    Since then, discussions and unverified rumors have circulated about workplace culture and his personal life, adding to growing public discomfort with his leadership. Multiple residents have expressed disappointment in his absence during the recent winter storm, citing a lack of visible leadership and communication during a critical time.

    During my recent investigations into Shane Smiley, I have uncovered information suggesting that his actions were not isolated and may continue to occur behind closed doors. While he remains active in official parish business, many residents feel accountability has not been fully addressed.

    Although this article primarily focuses on events from the past year, the concerns are ongoing. Sources have raised strong claims that, in my opinion, make Smiley unfit for his role as a publicly elected official.

    Citizens have noticed their inability to publicly comment on the government page representing the Police Jury and have turned to me for help. For now, I am posting limited (and already publicly circulating) information as a reminder that the public has not forgotten. In fact, they are more frustrated than ever. Echoes of citizens who feel their voices are censored and ignored sound locally, a troubling public perception considering the past issues.

    I am calling on local government leaders to review these concerns, evaluate Shane Smiley’s continued fitness to serve, and take appropriate and immediate action to remove him from his position as Police Juror.

  • The Overlap: Public Dollars, Private Influence

    The Overlap: Public Dollars, Private Influence

    This article may appear in multiple series, as the topics are intertwined.

    Economic development in Northeast Louisiana is often described as a public-private partnership. That model is common. What matters is how it functions in practice.

    A review of GROW NELA’s publicly listed Board of Directors and investor roster reveals a pattern of overlap between those who financially support the organization and those who help govern it.

    Documented examples include but are not limited to:
    – Shane Smiley, President of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. The Police Jury is listed as an investor in GROW NELA. Smiley also serves on GROW NELA’s Board of Directors representing the parish.
    – Tania Hilburn, Senior Vice President with Chase Bank. Chase is listed as an investor in GROW NELA. She serves on the board representing the bank.
    – Matt Dickerson, Chief Strategy Officer at Mid South Extrusion. Mid South Extrusion is listed as an investor in GROW NELA. He serves on the board.
    – Chap Breard, owner of MOEbiz. MOEbiz is listed as an investor in GROW NELA. He serves on the board.
    – Emily Stogner, affiliated with DPR Construction. DPR is listed as an investor in GROW NELA. DPR is also a prime contractor on the Meta data center project in Richland Parish.

    These connections are drawn directly from publicly available board and investor listings.

    This structure means that multiple entities financially supporting GROW NELA also hold governance positions within the organization.

    That structure is not automatically improper.

    However, when public institutions invest taxpayer dollars into an organization whose board includes private firms that may later benefit from development projects, the public has a right to review:
    – How funding agreements are structured
    – Whether conflicts of interest are disclosed
    – Whether recusals are documented
    – Whether procurement processes involving investor-linked firms are transparent

    Public Records Requests

    In order to better understand how these relationships operate in practice, I submitted public records requests to both the City of Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury seeking documentation of:
    – Contracts and cooperative agreements with GROW NELA
    – Payments to investor-linked firms
    – Procurement documentation related to those contracts

    After receiving no communication from the Police Jury, I visited their office in person. I was informed that my request was received on February 20. I requested written confirmation of receipt and was told the request had been forwarded to the Police Jury’s attorney.

    As of this writing, no records have been produced.

    Under Louisiana Public Records Law, public bodies are required to respond within three business days by either producing records or providing a written explanation and timeline.

    The State of Louisiana has acknowledged receipt of a related records request and indicated that documents are being compiled on their behalf.

    This review is ongoing.

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