The first sentence in a KTAL news report posted on Oct. 25, 2025, reads
“For the first time, the City of Shreveport will be the owner of the American Rose Center.”
This sentence tracks exactly the news report by Alexandra Meachum.
This newscaster misstated the comments by Marilyn Wellen at the Caddo Commission meeting on Oct. 23, 2025:
“The community of Shreveport for the first time will be the owners of the gardens..”
Ms. Wellen explained that the gardens and the American Rose Society had decided to go separate ways. She stated the Rose Society was losing money and had been subsidized by the American Rose Center.
The City of Shreveport owns way, way too many buildings and parks. Ownership of the American Rose Center would be an additional and unneeded burden on SPAR and city finances. Additionally, any transfer of ownership will require approval of the Shreveport City Council.
At this meeting the Commission voted to fund $50,000 to the American Rose Center to help fund the annual Christmas in Roseland.
The American Rose Center will be owned by a nonprofit organization based at the center, but NOT by the City of Shreveport.