News
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Arrives in Northeast Louisiana
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has arrived in Northeast Louisiana, bringing free books each month to children from birth to age five. This beloved program, founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, fosters a love of reading by mailing high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes—at no cost to families. Through a collaborative partnership with the Bank of Oak Ridge, The Center for Children & Families, LA Blue, The Children’s Coalition, The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Morehouse
ULM Public Defender Training Academy provides essential resources for Louisiana public defenders
The University of Louisiana Monroe Public Defender Training Academy (ULM-PDTA) has been conducting statewide in-person and online workshops for public defenders for the past four years. These workshops are coordinated with the Louisiana Public Defender Board (LPDB) required by bipartisan legislation passed in 2020. These training sessions are led by national experts and afford public defenders, social workers, and investigators access to specific professional workshops on groundbreaking programs,
ULM generates $617.6 million annual economic impact in northeast Louisiana
A recent economic impact study shows that the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) is one of the largest economic drivers in Northeast Louisiana, contributing $617.6 million in added income each year to the region’s economy. The study, conducted by Lightcast and reflecting FY 2023–24, highlights the significant role ULM plays in workforce development, community vitality, and long-term economic growth. Key findings include: · 10,464 jobs supported across the region, meaning 1 out of
Kiroli Foundation & City of West Monroe to host historical tour at Hasley Cemetery on Nov 1
The Kiroli Foundation and City of West Monroe are pleased to announce a special living history tour of Hasley Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 1. The second annual “Hasley: Voices of the Past” will be a ticketed twilight tour of portions of the cemetery featuring the final resting place of notable community figures. Their intriguing tales and legacies will come to life through storytelling by actors portraying a journey through time. The tour is written and directed by Kay LaFrance-Knight. Gayle Frick
Get Ready to Scream and Shine: Haunted Car Wash Benefits SYAA!
This October, experience bone-chilling scares as suds drip down your dirty vehicle. You will be terrified, but your car will be clean as a bone. The Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts (SYAA), in partnership with RocketFast! Car Wash, proudly presents the Haunted Car Wash—a spooky, interactive drive-thru experience that combines Halloween thrills with a sparkling clean finish – all to support the arts. The event takes place Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at
Art and Inspiration Fill the Streets at the October Gallery Crawl
Get ready for a night where art meets community! The Downtown Gallery Crawl rolls back into downtown Monroe and West Monroe on Thursday, October 2, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Visitors can wander through vibrant galleries, meet artists face-to-face, and even hop on a wagon ride for a fun trip between the two downtowns. The Crawl transforms both downtowns into creative hubs, where visitors can discover a wide range of artwork, experience live demonstrations, and enjoy the welcoming energy of the local
Stefan Nodarse Exhibition: “Pull-Tight Rhapsody”
The Arts Council is honored to showcase the work of Region 8 artist Stefan Nodarse in a solo exhibition here at The Gallery at 118 Cotton Street in Downtown West Monroe from September 30th - October 30th, entitled “Pull-Tight Rhapsody”. The opening reception will be held October 2nd from 5pm to 9pm with an artist talk at 6:30pm in conjunction with the Downtown Gallery Crawl! "As both an artist and educator, my work is driven by design and the arrangement of lines and shapes to create patterns and
ULM College of Pharmacy receives grant from Living Well Foundation
The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy has been awarded a grant in the amount of $10,436 from the Living Well Foundation to support the Rural Health Stroke Education Project. The grant was recognized at a ceremony at the College of Pharmacy on September 17, 2025. The initiative focuses on education and technology to help frontline providers deliver lifesaving treatment faster and more safely. The Rural Health Stroke Education Project is led by Emily McGee, PharmD, BCEMP, BCPS,
Discover Monroe-West Monroe Announces 5th Annual MWM Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Discover Monroe-West Monroe (DMWM) is bringing back its pumpkin decorating contest to Ouachita Parish! The 5th Annual MWM Pumpkin Decorating Contest will take place starting Wednesday, Oct. 1 through Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Individuals, businesses, or organizations throughout Ouachita Parish can carve, decorate, or paint their pumpkins. This year’s theme is Spooky Sports Tourism. The decorated pumpkin can represent any sport that participants choose. DMWM is encouraging participating pumpkin
