Updates on library expansion, tourism events, youth programs, and museum funding needs took center stage during the Webster Parish Police Jury’s regular meeting Tuesday, April 7, at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex.
All jurors were present except Latanya Grigsby, and all agenda items were approved unanimously.
Savannah Jones, director of Webster Parish Libraries, reported continued growth at the newly opened Doyline branch, which has seen strong usage since opening.
Jones said the branch has become busy enough that additional staffing is being considered. She also announced plans to step down from her role later this year.
“It’s very bittersweet for me. I’m excited but I’m also in love with the library,” Jones said.
Tourism officials are preparing for a major community celebration, according to Johnnye Kennon, community liaison for tourism. The kickoff event for Minden’s 190th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary will be held at Miller Quarters Park alongside the Bites & Beats series.
“Tourism is celebrating the All-American Cookout, and we’re giving away hot dogs at the park,” Kennon said, noting the event will also include food trucks and live music.
K’Lanie Gordon, 4-H Youth Development agent, outlined several upcoming youth activities, including the start of a rabbit club on April 14 and the state shooting sports competition beginning next week, with about half of participating students qualifying for state. Gordon also announced 4-H Fun Day, scheduled for May 1 at the REC.
Jessica Gorman, executive director of the Dorcheat Museum, reported an increase in both local and out-of-town visitors, including individuals conducting research on local history and genealogy.
“Others come in for specific purposes, whether they’re researching a local topic or their own family history. We’ve definitely seen an increase in that,” Gorman said.
Gorman said she has also taken on oversight of the Minden Cemetery and is planning a cemetery workshop in October focused on proper preservation techniques.
“I hope that that will not only benefit the Minden Cemetery but also our cemeteries across the parish,” she said. “We really need to know the proper methods so that we do things safely, and we do things with preservation in mind.”
She added that the museum is facing new financial challenges after not receiving a recurring $5,000 grant from the Endowment for the Humanities and experiencing an increase in insurance costs, resulting in an $8,000 budget gap.
“We need the public to understand that we are a nonprofit, that we do rely almost completely on private donations,” Gorman said. “We would really appreciate the support of anyone who feels that preserving our history is important.”
In other business, jurors approved invoices pending review, adopted minutes from the March 3 meeting and committee sessions, and ratified participation in the National Opioid Settlement Agreement.
Jurors also approved board appointments for two parish fire districts. For Webster Parish Fire District 3, JT Rudisill and Jim Brown Jr. were reappointed to two-year terms, and Gary Loftin was reappointed to a one-year term. For Webster Parish Fire District 10, Mark Griffith and Benjamin Gorman were reappointed to two-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2027, and Marty Chapman was appointed to fill a vacant seat previously held by Scott Sharp.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM at the courthouse annex. Meetings are livestreamed at www.websterparishla.org, and the public is encouraged to attend.