ULM and LDCC partner to offer bridge program for students – Signing of Memorandum of Understanding
ULM and LDCC partner to offer bridge program for students – Signing of Memorandum of Understanding is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 By ULM Office of Marketing and Communications On September 4, 2020, The University of Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College were granted approval by the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors to enter into a partnership to offer a bridge program for LDCC students wishing to transfer to ULM. Bridging the Bayou is a partnership between ULM and LDCC and will
Applications sought for SEE West Monroe Americorps Fall Team
Recent high school graduates and college-age students are encouraged to apply for the SEE West Monroe AmeriCorps Fall Team. The SEE West Monroe AmeriCorps program allows participants to work flexible hours and get real-world experience as a mentor - all while getting paid to help the community. Team members are needed to serve this fall at the West Monroe Community Center by assisting with enrichment activities for local elementary students. SEE West Monroe AmeriCorps is part of a national
Discover Monroe-West Monroe Hosts Twin City Marathon November 8
Discover Monroe-West Monroe along with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe will host a tour of the two cities via the Twin City Half and Full Marathon on November 8. The routes will wind runners through the historic downtowns of both cities, along majestic tree-lined neighborhoods, and over the Ouachita River. The event will start and finish at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, LA. The course is USA Track & Field certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Runners from over 17 states will
ULM receives EPA Environmental Education Grant to study local ecosystems
University of Louisiana Monroe Professor of Biology Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Ph.D., has been awarded an EPA – Environmental Education Grant. The $133,720 grant will address local environmental issues through educational activities and stewardship using action-oriented research. It's been more than 15 years since a ULM faculty member received an EPA-EE grant. "Of the three awards out of 300 applicants this year in EPA Region 6, ULM was the only educational institution that received the grant, the other two
West Monroe Police Department launches Community Police Unit
West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell and West Monroe Police Chief Jeff Terrell are proud to announce the creation of a Community Police Unit. The Community Police Unit will help create better relationships between the West Monroe Police Department and the community. The unit will represent the West Monroe Police Department as a liaison in the community to address needs as they arise. Community Police officers will organize and attend community meetings, interact with city residents and businesses as well as
Gov. Edwards Outlines COVID-19 Restrictions as Louisiana Moves Cautiously into Phase 3 Until October
September 11, 2020 Gov. John Bel Edwards has released details of his proclamation moving Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 to Phase 3. Some businesses will be able to increase their occupancy, and bars may reopen subject to certain restrictions, only in parishes that do not have high incidence of illness and only if local governments choose to opt in. “We have seen some improvement in decreased COVID-like illness, new COVID cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks, as our strong mitigation measures are
West Monroe Fire Department to conduct Fire Hydrant Testing 9/14/20
The City of West Monroe Fire Department will be conducting hydrant flow tests on nearly 800 fire hydrants through October 25. The West Monroe Fire Department will conduct hydrant flow tests on 781 fire hydrants located throughout the City of West Monroe. Hydrant flow tests are conducted each year to measure real world pressure and flow in the water system and are required for fire sprinkler design and for firefighting modeling purposes. These tests are generally known as fire flow tests because
United Way NELA partners with Helping Hands to multiply impact in NELA
Meet Katherine Powell, an 84-year-old resident of Ouachita Parish. Left with a huge tree dangling over her home after Hurricane Laura’s impact, Powell has been displaced since August 27th due to the extremely unsafe conditions. But Powell’s daughter, Kathy Powell, decided to call United Way NELA 211. She told the team about her mother’s problem, and United Way jumped into action. Volunteer groups and connections in the community were made in an attempt to find the right organization with the right
Dr. Ronald Berry named 9th president of University of Louisiana Monroe
On Sept. 3, 2020, after a long day of interviews with the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors in Baton Rouge, Ronald Berry, D.B.A., was announced as the ninth president of the University of Louisiana Monroe. During his interview, Berry spoke of his vision for ULM to continue to serve as a beacon for opportunity and inclusiveness for Northeast Louisiana. He emphasized his belief in the importance of approachability and accountability in his leadership style. Berry was joined by his wife,
DSNAP - benefits approved
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received approval today to begin virtual Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in sixteen parishes to provide additional food aid to families impacted by Hurricane Laura. The program will run in phases, with the first phase beginning Thursday, Sept. 10. DSNAP, formerly called Disaster Food Stamps, provides food assistance to eligible households who do not receive regular SNAP benefits and who need help buying
HURRICANE LAURA SURVIVORS: PREVIOUS FEMA HELP DOESN’T AFFECT ELIGIBILITY
Hurricane Laura survivors in Louisiana should register with FEMA even if they have registered with the agency for previous disasters. FEMA considers each disaster to be a separate event so survivors affected by multiple storms may receive help more than once. Survivors in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Ouachita, Vermilion and Vernon parishes may be eligible for FEMA grants to help with their recovery. Help may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other
City of West Monroe begins storm debris cleanup
The City of West Monroe Public Works Department is working to remove storm debris from local residences impacted by Hurricane Laura. Public Works Director Ronnie Turner said city crews have been working all week to remove storm debris caused by last week’s hurricane. City of West Monroe residents are asked to place all “green waste” on the side of the road where city equipment can easily access it. Please do not place green waste in ditches which may impact drainage. Residents are also
Kayak Bass Fishing event scheduled in Monroe-West Monroe
Kayak bass fishing is the fastest-growing segment of the sportfishing industry. Over 800,000 U.S. bass anglers say kayaks are their primary means of reaching prime fishing spots. Ouachita River and Bayou D’Arbonne Lake, Louisiana, will be the tip of the spear when, on September 5 and 6, bass fishing competitors from across the southeast will meet in a two-day “SuperTRAIL” catch-photo-release tournament. Unlike conventional bass boat tournaments, in which fish are caught, placed in holding tanks, carried
Computers and WiFi available at all 10 Library branches in Ouachita Parish
Computers and WiFi available at all 10 Library branches in Ouachita Parish All branches of the Ouachita Parish Public Library will reopen Tuesday, September 1. Computers and WiFi are free to the public to use to file insurance claims, answer emails or for any other reason. Computers are available for a half hour to keep everyone safe during COVID-19 and to allow as many patrons as possible to use the internet. WiFi is available 24/7 and is accessible in most spaces in the Library’s parking lots. The
CHILDREN’S COALITION EXPANDING SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM
The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is expanding their suicide prevention program to middle school students with a $10,000 grant from the Junior League of Monroe. For more than fifteen years, the Coalition has implemented the SOS: Signs of Suicide program – a nationally recognized curriculum which includes education for caregivers and teachers about the signs of depression in young people and ways to seek help.Members of the Junior League of Monroe voted to give grant funds to the Coalition to
Ouachita Parish: Three Additional Parishes Approved for FEMA Individual Assistance Following Laura
Residents of nine parishes eligible for aid, additional approvals expected Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today that FEMA approved his request for Individual Assistance for those in Acadia, Ouachita and Vermilion parishes that suffered damage in Hurricane Laura. This brings the total of approved parishes to nine; the governor’s request for another 14 parishes is still pending federal approval. “This approval will help the residents of Acadia, Vermilion and Ouachita parishes move forward in their
A.O. EVANS AWARD Nominations Accepted Until November 2, 2020
A.O. EVANS AWARD Nominations Accepted Until November 2, 2020The AO Evans Award recognizes one individual each year for outstanding contributions to the West Monroe and West Ouachita community. The person cannot be an elected official who currently holds office, nor can they be on the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber Board of Directors. They must also have made several contributions to the betterment of the community. The award was first presented in 1976 to Mr. AT Mitchell. When considering a
Johnny E. Huntsman Entrepreneurial Success Award Nominations Accepted Until November 2, 2020
Johnny E. Huntsman Entrepreneurial Success Award The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is currently taking nominations for the Johnny E. Huntsman Entrepreneurial Success Award. This award honors a current WMWO Chamber business member or individual memberthat exemplifies the true entrepreneurial spirit, using these three main areas: Employees — this company or individual will have employees that understand that it takes hard work, dedication and loyalty for their company to
Business and Community Resources for Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Laura is forecast to make landfall somewhere along the Louisiana-Texas border on Wednesday, August 26, and impacts, including strong winds, dangerous storm surge and tornadoes will likely be felt across Louisiana. Please stay safe and use the resources below to get updates on the storm and Louisiana’s response.To sign up for text updates from the Governor’s Office, text LAGOV to 67283.To get the latest news, visit the Governor’s storm page. Get a Hurricane Game Plan for Your Business,
West Ouachita Senior Center receives BCBSLA Foundation Community Crisis & Disaster Response Grant
The West Ouachita Senior Center received a Community Crisis and Disaster Response Grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation for $43,825. These funds are being used for the Senior Center’s Senior Adult and Community Supportive Services programs to purchase food, food pantry supplies and equipment; personal protection equipment; tablets for connectivity; supplies for care bags, diapers, and personal hygiene products; recreational supplies such as games and puzzles; individual
Twin Cities Hosting Food Distributions in August
The City of West Monroe and the City of Monroe, in partnership with the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, will both host food distributions during the first week of August. These food distributions are open to all residents who live in Ouachita Parish who are in need of food. “We thank the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana for partnering with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe to distribute food to those in our community who need assistance,” said West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell. “Food security is a
ULM announces Fall 2020 course delivery methods, COVID-19 safety measures
ULM announces Fall 2020 course delivery methods, COVID-19 safety measures By ULM Office of Marketing and Communications As the University of Louisiana Monroe prepares to welcome students for the Fall 2020 semester, information is being provided regarding course delivery methods and safety measures implemented in response to COVID-19. ULM continues to focus on the campus community's health and safety while still executing its academic mission. Currently, the fall academic calendar will
Legislative Review June 2020
The Chamber strives to keep all members, companies, and citizens alike informed regarding issues that affect Louisiana’s business climate. In this webinar, legislators from Northeast Louisiana responded to your submitted questions regarding the state’s outlook, response and recovery of CoVid 19 as well as the status of key bills that affect job creation and economic expansion. Guest speakers included Mayor Staci Mitchell, Senator Jay Morris, Senator Katrina Jackson, Senator Stewart Cathey, Representative
ULM names alumna Valerie Fields as Interim VP of Student Affairs
The University of Louisiana Monroe announces the appointment of Valerie Fields, Ed.D., as the interim Vice President of Student Affairs. Her appointment as vice president will be confirmed at the June 25 meeting of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. She begins July 1. The Winnsboro native is a two-time ULM alumna and served at the university as Director of Student Development from 1996 until 2003 when she was named Assistant Dean for Student Life and Leadership. She served in that
Chamber Announces 2020 Small Business Award Winners
The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the winners of the 2020 Small Business Awards presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare Consultants. Nominations were accepted from Chamber members in the following categories: Emerging Entrepreneur, Micro Business, Small Business, Female Champion, Community Champion and the Silver Plus Award. And the winners are: · Emerging Entrepreneur - Sarah Blackwell owner of Sadie C’s Sarah began with a vision
Atmos Energy Donates to West Monroe Fire Department
Atmos Energy recently donated $2500.00 to the West Monroe Fire Department toward the purchase of safety equipment. The purchased equipment, known as “Particulate Blocking Hoods” help reduce the risks of carcinogenic particulate contamination found in many structural fires while maintaining air permeability and reduced risk of increased core temperature for the firemen. “The risk of developing cancer is a growing concern in the fire service because of the carcinogens firefighters are exposed
Louisiana Launches E-Commerce Initiative For Small Businesses
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development announced an e-commerce initiative to empower the online performance of Louisiana’s small businesses. The goal of LASmallBizOnline.com – with support from Shopify, a leading global commerce company – is making Louisiana firms more competitive during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. “Small businesses are playing a critical role in Louisiana’s recovery from the pandemic, and we’re putting them in position to do even
Chamber Announces Small Business Award Nominees and Ceremony
The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize nominees for the 2020 Small Business Awards presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare Consultants. “The purpose of the WMWO Chamber’s Small Business Awards is to recognize small businesses that for their extraordinary efforts and contribution to our local economy,” said Lila Strode, President of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. “Small Businesses preserve the community’s identity and
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Louisiana Businesses and Residents Affected by Storms
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Louisiana Businesses and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Tornadoes – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Louisiana businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred April 12, 2020, announced Administrator Jovita Carranza of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following the denial of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for individual
Portion of Highland Park named as LED Certified Site
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has notified the City of West Monroe that a portion of its Highland Park property has been designated as an LED Certified Site. Highland Park, formerly known as the Trenton Street Golf Course, is located in the heart of the City of West Monroe. Approximately 15 acres of the property’s west end, known as the Highland Park Mixed-Use Development site, has officially been designated as an LED Certified Site. Highland Park is owned by the City of West Monroe and is the
West Monroe Police Department Launches Mobile App
The West Monroe Police Department now has a new tool to assist the community. A West Monroe Police Department mobile app is now available to help the public stay up-to-date with information regarding news, alerts, warrants as well as the ability to submit a tip. The free app can be found on either app store (iOS or Android) by searching “West Monroe Police.” The app was developed by Boothkicker Technologies. For more information about the app, please contact the West Monroe Police
Small Business Awards 2020
Small Business Awards Luncheon 2020 The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will once again host their annual Small Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from Noon to 1 p.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center. The WMWO Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon, presented by Glenwood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Healthcare, is an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to recognize small businesses that play a vital role in the economic vitality of our
