-
Abandoned SL Clinic -
Abandoned SL Clinic
A small town is looking into how to condemn a one-half acre property that includes an old abandoned and run-down medical clinic, an old doublewide mobile home behind it and several vehicles.
The property was a topic of conversation during the Sour Lake City Council meeting on Nov. 15.
One problem Sour Lake city officials are facing is what to do with thousands and thousands of medical records stored in the Sour Lake Family Medical Clinic, which was owned by Dr. Paul D. Wesolow, who died from COVID-19 in 2020.
According to City Manager Jack Provost, the property located in the 600 block of Sixth Street, has been abandoned for about two years. The old clinic – a module building – is deteriorating.
“The old building was in disrepair before Dr. Wesolow died. He never did anything to maintain it,” said Provost. “It’s getting dangerous to even go inside.”
The building has a small opening in the front part of the building and a larger hole in the backside.
“There are thousands and thousands of medical records,” remarked Provost. “I think there are records from the doctor before him, but I don’t know that for sure.”
Provost said there are shelves attached to an inside wall 12 to 14 feet long by 8 foot high, full of medical records, which includes personal information such as Social Security numbers.
Also parked on the property is a late model Chevrolet Trax SUV, along with an older model truck and older model sedan. “They were last registered in 2018,” Provost noted.
According to Provost, Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel is helping the city figure out the best method is handling the medical records.
“Wayne is helping us on that end and City Attorney Alex Stelly is working on the estate end,” said Provost. “I got an email last week from his daughter who said she wasn’t interested and didn’t show up for the hearing.”
“It’s been a battle. I don’t know what to do. We are trying to condemn the building but the records are in it. I don’t know how far we can go,” said Provost. “Somebody has to go in there and retrieve them but it won’t be easy.”
Provost said if the heirs of the estate don’t come forward to handle the matter, he’s unsure of the next steps.
“We are just trying to get some of the legal stuff out,” Provost said.
The city also has four homes they’re planning to condemn and demolish next year: 1255 South Ann, 485 South Merchant, 270 West Cherry and 270 West Lucas.