The possibility of new ownership for Minden Medical Center was among the topics discussed during Wednesday’s Webster Parish Police Jury meeting, with President Jim Bonsall reporting that representatives of at least two regional health care systems have expressed interest in the hospital.
Bonsall said there has been some movement toward a possible sale, although no agreement has been announced.
“About the hospital. I’ve been to a couple meetings. Willis Knighton has been here, Ochsners is coming to look. I’m not sure who else. Mr. Bordelon, supposedly, is taking bids on this hospital. In the next few days, he’s supposed to accept some bids. I don’t really know how all that’s going to work or if it works, but I’m just updating you all a little bit that there is some movement on that deal, and hopefully come December there will be something to talk about.”
Bonsall has previously expressed concerns about the hospital’s financial condition and the importance of maintaining hospital services in Minden. His latest comments suggest that discussions about the facility’s future are continuing, although the outcome remains uncertain.
During committee reports, Amie Poladian, executive director of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission, reminded jurors that Main to Main Trade Days will take place November 6-8 throughout Webster Parish.
The annual event stretches more than 50 miles from Springhill to Sibley, bringing together vendors, antique dealers, craftspeople, and residents hosting yard sales along the route.
Poladian encouraged anyone planning to participate, including those holding individual garage sales, to contact the tourism office to be included on the event’s electronic map.
The map helps shoppers locate participating vendors and sales throughout the parish, allowing even smaller sales to benefit from the increased traffic generated by the event.
Jessica Gorman, executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Museum, also provided an update on the museum’s ongoing historical publications.
Gorman announced that the fifth installment of Historically Speaking is expected to be available by the end of November. The publication is part of the museum’s continuing efforts to preserve and share the history of Minden and Webster Parish.
In other business, the Police Jury approved appointments to the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission, reappointing Ty Pendergrass and appointing Dennis Myles to the board.
Jurors also approved a conditional 30-day extension of the parishwide burn ban beginning November 17, provided the Webster Parish Fire Chiefs Association recommends continuing the restrictions. The action allows the ban to remain in effect if dry conditions continue to pose a fire risk.
The Police Jury also approved sending a resolution prepared by parish attorney Patrick Jackson to Louisiana Economic Development concerning E.I. Williams LLC and its Industrial Tax Exemption Program contract. The matter involves notices of noncompliance for the 2023 and 2024 project years under Contract No. 20200004-ITE. Jurors discussed the issue during a committee meeting before voting unanimously to forward the resolution to the state agency.
The meeting also included approval of invoices pending review by Juror Daniel Thomas on November 9 and adoption of minutes from the October 6 Road Committee, Finance Committee, General Government Committee, and regular meeting.
Juror Mike Griffith was absent. All action items were approved unanimously.
The November meeting was held Wednesday rather than the usual first Tuesday of the month because of Election Day.
The Webster Parish Police Jury normally meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed at www.websterparishla.org.