2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 181
BY SENATORS GATTI AND PEACOCK
A RESOLUTION
To commend the city of Minden on its many accomplishments and for its efforts raising
money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
WHEREAS, since Charles Hanse Veneer laid out plans for a town in the shape of a
parallelogram in 1837 and named the proposed settlement Minden, after the home of his
ancestors in Germany, the beautiful town in Caddo Parish has had a proud history marked
by many successes; and
WHEREAS, in its early history, Minden was home to many devout denominations
of Christians, including Methodists, Baptists, and Episcopalians, and many of its early
settlers were from Germany, England, and from South Carolina and Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the economic life of the community has always centered around
commerce on Bayou Dorcheat, and the city has served as a shipping point for much of the
interior of North Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, despite a string of tragedies over the years, including the Civil War and
a major fire followed by a tornado in 1933, which together destroyed over half the town and
killed twenty-eight people, the city and people persevered; and
WHEREAS, the current day city of Minden is a thriving place where many of the
city's early homes and businesses have been preserved and lend to it a reputation as a place
that treasures its past and respects its roots; and
WHEREAS, quality economic growth is a strategic goal of the city, which has
implemented the Economic Development Strategy to focus on business retention and
expansion, and the city has invested heavily in the Minden Airport, which includes over
thirty new T-Hangers and will soon begin construction of a new fuel facility and terminal
building; and
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WHEREAS, the downtown area of the city is known as one of the most beautiful in
Louisiana, thanks in large part to a collaboration of the residents, business community, and
Downtown Development Board, which is one of the oldest in the state and hosts many
events, including the annual Main to Main event, the Fasching Festival and Parade, the Wrap
it Downtown Christmas project, and the annual Mardi Gras parade; and
WHEREAS, the people of Minden are generous in many ways and nothing
demonstrates this more than the four decades of raising money for the St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital; and
WHEREAS, the Minden St. Jude auction began on KASO 1240 AM radio forty years
ago and has grown to a four-day telethon and raffle that is simultaneously broadcast on the
radio and cable station and since its inception, the community has generously given over
four million dollars to help the hospital care for children suffering with cancer, an amount
that makes Minden's citizens hold the claim of raising more money for St. Jude per capita
than any other city; and
WHEREAS, its proud history, thriving culture, dedication to modern growth and
development, and the loving generosity of its people have made Minden, Louisiana, a great
place to live, work, and visit.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend the city of Minden on its many accomplishments and for its efforts
raising money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
mayor of the city of Minden, Tommy Davis.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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