Virtual summer reading challenge kicks off at the Library
Virtual summer reading challenge kicks off at the Library Patrons of all ages can register for the Ouachita Parish Public Library’s summer reading challenge. This year’s theme is Imagine Your Story, and the Library will celebrate literature from the fantasy, folk tale, fairy tale and mythology genres. Participants who reach reading milestones will be rewarded with prizes, while supplies last. Patrons who complete the Imagine Your Story challenges and reach the reading goal (1,500 pages for adults
ULM Online No. 1 in ‘Best Online Colleges’ in La., programs receive high rankings
The University of Louisiana Monroe’s ULM Online continuously ranks among the best in the nation – and this year ranks No. 1 in Best Online Colleges in Louisiana for 2020 by Value Colleges. ULM Online offers associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. ULM Online is part of Compete LA, the innovative initiative by the University of Louisiana System to assist adults ready to complete their college degrees. For more information about ULM Online and to register, visit ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/,
Get Outside Lines with Discover Monroe-West Monroe
The Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a new destination brand for Ouachita Parish on Thursday, May 28 via a livestream event on Facebook. “We are excited to showcase this new brand for our community,” CVB President/CEO Alana Cooper said. “Through much research and creative development, we, along with our agency, have created a brand that we feel embodies the spirit of the Monroe-West Monroe Community.” Discover Monroe-West Monroe began this project nearly one year ago. Working
ULM College of Arts, Education, and Sciences honors students in virtual Spring Awards Ceremony
The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Arts, Education, and Sciences (CAES) recognized outstanding students in its annual Awards Convocation on April 28, 2020, — pandemic restrictions notwithstanding. Instead of the traditional assembly in Biedenharn Recital Hall, faculty and students gathered in virtual space, joining a Zoom ceremony for each of the four schools in the college. “Celebrating achievement is one of our most important functions,” observed John Pratte, Ph.D., Dean of the college.
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
Two Ouachita Parish Public Library branches to reopen to the public with modified hours
Two Ouachita Parish Public Library branches will reopen to the public with modified hours on Monday, May 18. The Main Branch (located at 1800 Stubbs Avenue in Monroe) and the Ouachita Valley Branch (located at 601 McMillan Road in West Monroe) will operate under the State Fire Marshal’s Open Safely guidelines. Modified hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday until further notice. The Library will not charge late fines on items due from March 20 – June 30, 2020. Book drops are open for patrons to
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
ORIGIN BANK PARTNERS WITH CHILDREN’S COALITION, NAMES FAMILY GARDEN
Origin Bank is now the proud sponsor of the Origin Bank Family Garden at the Children’s Coalition. The garden, opened in 2018, is located in Downtown Monroe at the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana headquarters at 117 Hall Street. This space is a 32 raised-bed family garden and outdoor learning center to promote healthy eating, positive family interactions and garden-based learning and play. The garden and outdoor learning center support Children’s Coalition programs and the community by growing
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
ULM School of Allied Health names Paneru as Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award winner
The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Allied Health in the College of Health Sciences announces the new Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award – Recognition of Excellence to recognize the successes and outstanding work of its undergraduate students. The Spring 2020 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award recipient is Monika Paneru, a senior Medical Laboratory Science student. The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award honors an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional scholarship,
ULM to host Virtual Recognition Ceremony for Spring 2020 graduates
To honor the Spring 2020 graduates of the University of Louisiana Monroe, a Virtual Recognition Ceremony will be held online beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16. The event will be streaming live on ulm.edu/commencement. The regular commencement ceremony has been rescheduled to Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, due to the COVID-19 health crisis. See the announcement here. ULM President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., said the graduates should be celebrated for their accomplishments, especially in light of the courses in their
City of West Monroe Police Department receives grant for AEDs
The West Monroe Police Department recently received a grant from the Living Well Foundation for automatic external defribillators (AEDs) to be placed in police units, helping ensure officers are equipped to assist in saving lives more quickly and efficiently. The Living Well Foundation awarded a grant to the West Monroe Police Department in the amount of $9,431 for 5 AEDs to be placed in police units. Matching funds provided by the Police Department will be used for replacement of batteries,
City of West Monroe announces building openings
In response to Governor John Bel Edwards’ recent announcement for Louisiana to enter Phase 1 of coronavirus reopening, the City of West Monroe has made the following changes to its city buildings and facilities: Beginning on Monday, May 18, City Hall will be open to the public. Beginning on Monday, May 18, the City’s Water Billing Department, located on the first floor of City Hall, will be open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kiroli Park will remain open to the public and beginning this
The Mask Up: ULM Art Society auctioning handpainted facemasks
Art students at the University of Louisiana Monroe used their talents to transform facemasks into wearable works of art for a creative fundraiser for the Kappa Pi Honorary Art Society. The Mask Up – A Wearable Masterpiece Auction is now live with 13 masks available for bid. Another 37 will be added during the seven-day event, which runs from Friday, May 8 through Friday, May 15. “Kappa Pi is auctioning handpainted facemasks that have been transformed into wearable works of art,” said Brooke Foy,
ULM School of Education develops program to assist K-12 teachers create online classrooms
When the COVID-19 health crisis sent students and educators home in March, K-12 educators skilled at teaching face-to-face in traditional classroom settings suddenly found themselves faced with the challenges of a transition to virtual, or online teaching. For many teachers, it was a daunting transition. How would they connect with students? How would they keep them motivated? How would this affect their grades? What is Zoom? Two University of Louisiana Monroe faculty members in the School of
Update: Gov. Edwards announces Phase 1 & Safe at Work Industry Specific Guidance
Today, Gov. Edwards announced updates to the Stay at Home Order. The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce has created a page with resources as you plan your return to work, reopening and more. Please see: http://www.westmonroechamber.org/safe-at-work These materials are offered for consideration to our community - they should not be seen as a specific endorsement by the WMWO Chamber at this time. However, it is the goal of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber to empower our community to create
Applications sought for SEE West Monroe Americorps Summer Team
Recent high school graduates and college-age students are encouraged to apply for the SEE West Monroe AmeriCorps Summer Team. (click here for flyer) 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 summer at the West Monroe Community Center by assisting with distance learning and enrichment activities for local elementary students. SEE West
UL System announces special flat-rate tuition for Compete LA students
The University of Louisiana System is announcing a special tuition rate for Louisiana adults returning to school to finish their degree though Compete LA. A flat rate of $275 per credit hour will apply to students who qualify through the program. This rate provides an average discount of $450 per course. “This straight-forward pricing model not only offers relief in what it will cost to finish a degree but eases the burden returning adults experience when calculating costs to return to school,” UL System
United Way NELA launches “Food for our Friends” for individuals experiencing COVID-19 income loss
United Way of Northeast Louisiana has launched Food for our Friends, aimed at serving the hard-working individuals in the community who have experienced income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Entergy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, Robertson Produce, Rotary District 6190, and the City of Ruston, United Way NELA will provide direct food assistance to individuals from 12 parishes who are experiencing income loss due to the COVID-19
Fast Pace Health: Antibody Testing For COVID-19 Now Available
Antibody Testing For COVID-19 Now Available Fast Pace Health is now proudly offering antibody testing, in ALL clinic locations, to determine if someone had past exposure to COVID-19. The test is done by analyzing a patient’s blood sample. This test is intended for people who may have had COVID-19 symptoms but are no longer experiencing those symptoms. The test determines the presence of antibodies (your body’s response) to the virus and helps identify people who may have been infected with the COVID-19
The WMWO Chamber of Commerce congratulates the City of West Monroe as it becomes the newest Louisiana Main Street District
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Staci Mitchell and the City of West Monroe for becoming Louisiana’s first Mainstreet Community since 2014. Downtown West Monroe is a community attraction that is an inclusive, place-based and people-focused area that reflects on our historic roots while looking ahead to prosperity and new growth. The attractive buildings and streetscape invite residents and visitors to walk, gather for events and festivals, and shop in a variety of
West Monroe Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series to be held in May
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, Strauss Theater Center and the City of West Monroe are pleased to announce the return of the West Monroe Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series to be held every Wednesday in May at noon. Following the “Safe at Home” order, these special performances will stream online. The series is a tribute to honor the musicians and artists lost in 2020. Each week we’ll feature a unique combination of artists from throughout Northeast Louisiana and highlight the talent of
Responsible Re-Entry What does the new “norm” look like?
Responsible Re-Entry What does the new “norm” look like?(Click Here to Download This Document) Responsible Re-entry for a business should be as personalized as your mission statement. Your culture, your work force and the type or size of your business will be considerations when writing a re-entry plan and when determining when to move on to the next phase. Consider the following before implementing the plan; Safety and Health CostsSanitation and protection of employees/patrons may have a cost
OSHA Issues New Guidance for COVID-19 Recordkeeping
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued new guidance on reporting incidences of COVID-19 infections when employees are known to have contracted the Coronavirus at the workplace. OSHA-covered employers are mandated to record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. COVID-19 infection can be recordable if a worker is infected as a result of work-related duties, but employers are only required to record cases of COVID-19 if all of the following are true:The
Best Practices - Avoiding the Zoom 'Bombs'
As businesses turn to platforms like Zoom to host online meetings, issues in the Zoom software have allowed unwanted individuals to 'crash' or 'bomb' Zoom meetings, often with profanity or pornography. To help minimize the possibility of Zoomboming,, we strongly recommend that anyone scheduling Zoom meetings take following steps to ensure your Zoom meetings are properly secured: · Require passwords for all Zoom meetings· Never post Zoom links over public platforms \ social media · Set
St. Francis Urgent Care- We’re Committed to Caring for OUR COMMUNITY
We’re Committed to Caring for OUR COMMUNITY At St. Francis Urgent Care, we’re here for you for all your minor illnesses and injuries. Your health and safety is, and always has been, our number one priority. Our staff is working hard to take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To help slow the spread, we’re now offering the Rapid COVID-19 Molecular Tests. The new screening can identify patients with the COVID-19 virus in 5 to 13 minutes. To see if you meet the CDC criteria for
Childcare for Essential Workers
Financial Assistance for Child Care is Available for Essential WorkersAs part of the CARES Act, the federal government has sent funding to the Louisiana Department of Education for financial assistance for the children of essential workers who are still on the job. LDOE's Child Care Assistance Program provides significant financial assistance for child care at approved early learning centers and certified family home and in-home providers. If eligible, the LDOE will pay the certified provider the maximum
Gov. Edwards: State-Led Program to Offer COVID-19 Small Business Help
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a new Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, which will offer loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To help Main Street and rural businesses sustain operations, the loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent. The Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, or LPGP, is a partnership of Louisiana Economic Development, which
Special Funding Cycle – COVID-19 Impact
The Living Well Foundation announces a Special Funding Cycle to receive applications addressing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. This cycle will open April 6, 2020, through the online Grant Application menu on the Foundation’s website, www.livingwellfoundation.net, and will extend through August 15, 2020. Grant awards will be up to $20,000, with an initial allocation by the Foundation up to $200,000 for this grant program. Qualifying organizations must be designated as non-profit, state or
UL System, LSU mobilizing healthcare students, graduates, active/retired workers to volunteer during
The University of Louisiana System and LSU are partnering to mobilize healthcare students, graduates or active/retired members of the healthcare workforce to volunteer their time and talents through Louisiana Volunteers by signing up at www.COVID-19LAVolunteers.org. “It is our goal to leverage these volunteers as case managers and care coordinators to remotely and safely work with individuals with COVID-19 positive diagnoses, and to monitor patient conditions while under self-quarantine, said Dr.
Temporary e-card available from the Library!
Temporary e-cards available from the Library Anyone ages 17 or older who lives or works in Ouachita Parish can now receive a temporary e-card from the Ouachita Parish Public Library. With an e-card, residents can download e-books and e-audiobooks and stream movies, TV shows and music. Patrons who already have a Library card can use that barcode for the same resources. To get an e-card, residents can call their local branch to speak with a staff member. After providing identification information
Steward Medical Group Launches Telehealth to Expand Access to Care for Patients Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Steward Medical Group Launches Telehealth to Expand Access to Care for Patients Amid COVID‐19 Pandemic Virtual Visits Designed to Mitigate the Spread of the Disease, Ease Concerns of Going to the Doctor’s Office March 26, 2020 – Steward Health Care today announced the implementation of telehealth visits, including the use of Microsoft Teams and FaceTime appointments with Steward Medical Group providers, to expand access to care in response to the coronavirus COVID‐19 and give patients peace
City of West Monroe COVID-19 Update March 17
Per the mandate of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued Monday afternoon, the City of West Monroe has made the following announcements in its continued effort to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19. Effective Tuesday, March 17, the following City facilities will be closed: • West Ouachita Senior Center • West Monroe Community Center • The Rec • City of West Monroe Utility Payment Center (located at City Hall) Assistance is still available to the public at these facilities. For
Restaurant Listing
The Chamber is proud to highlight these WMWO Chamber Member restaurants available for to-go and (in some cases) drive through and delivery service! Chamber members that are currently closed are not listed. Arby’s – Regular drive though service available and take-out availableBar B-Q West – Take – out with daily specialsBelle’s Ole South Diner - drive thru & take out. Delivery on $50 or more per orderBurger King - Regular drive though service available and take-out availableCaptain D’s Seafood - Regular
Museum honors Vietnam veterans with film showing
CHENNAULT MUSEUM TO OPEN DOORS LATE FOR AFTER HOURS SERIESMonroe, La (March 5, 2020) -- Chennault Aviation & Military Museum and The Backyard Street Food & Pub present Chennault Museum After Hours Series part two on March 19, 2020. The Museum, located at 701 Kansas Lane in Monroe, will keep its doors open late for a showing of the documentary Some Call Them Baby Killers… We Call Them Heroes with an introduction by documentary participant and facilitator for the “Veterans Helping Veterans” PTSD Group,
Queen Sugar selected as Library’s River Reads: One Book, One Ouachita title; author to visit April 2
Queen Sugar selected as Library’s River Reads: One Book, One Ouachita title; author to visit April 23 The Ouachita Parish Public Library has selected Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile as its 15th River Reads: One Book, One Ouachita title. The community reading program will culminate with an author visit on April 23. Set in contemporary Louisiana, Queen Sugar tells the story of African American single mother Charley Bordelon who leaves her home in Los Angeles after unexpectedly inheriting hundreds of acres
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
Louisiana Business, This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely
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
