News
DOWNTOWN WEST MONROE TO HOST OUACHITA LIVE CONCERT FEATURING BLUES AWARD WINNER SELWYN BIRCHWOOD
Downtown West Monroe will continue its monthly concert series, Ouachita Live, on May 30 with internationally touring blues artist Selwyn Birchwood and his band. Ruston native D.K. Harrell will make a rare special guest appearance on stage with Birchwood. Sponsor Louisiana Lottery will present the May show. The free outdoor concert series takes place on the last Friday of every month from March through October in Alley Park (located on the corner of Trenton and Natchitoches Streets) from 7:00 p.m.
Frame the Drain 2025
Keep West Monroe Beautiful is excited to once again launch its "Frame the Drain" storm drain art project. Local artists are being sought to submit renderings to paint public storm drains in the City of West Monroe with messages that remind the public the importance of keeping litter out of our storm drains. Selected artists will receive a stipend to paint the storm drain this summer. The deadline to submit a rendering is Friday, June 6. For more information, email Keep West Monroe Beautiful
Carrie Castille named tenth president of The University of Louisiana Monroe
The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has named Carrie Castille, Ph.D., the tenth president of The University of Louisiana Monroe. Castille is the first female president in the university’s nearly 94-year history. “I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named the tenth president of this incredible institution. I believe that great days are ahead for the University of Louisiana Monroe. I look forward to working hard alongside the faculty, staff, and community to provide the best
Discover Monroe-West Monroe Launches Phase I of Ouachita Paddling Trails for Visitors
Discover Monroe-West Monroe (DMWM) officially launched Phase I of the Ouachita Paddling Trails on May 14, 2025, at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Boat Dock. This new outdoor initiative highlights the natural asset of our rivers, lakes, bayous and is designed to help visitors and locals explore and enjoy our outdoor resources more easily. The website, www.ouachitapaddlingtrails.com, features six trails and each with its own map: Cheniere Lake Trail, Black Bayou Eagle’s Nest Paddle Trail, Bayou
DMWM Presented Eight Awards at the 2025 Tourism Industry Awards Banquet
Discover Monroe-West Monroe hosted its 2025 Tourism Industry Awards Banquet at The HUB in Monroe on May 8. The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) presented awards in eight different categories. The winners are listed under each category: * Holiday Spirit Award - Christmas at Kiroli: Katie McClinton, Suzannah Donald & Brad Calhoun * Tourism Ambassador of the Year - 2 Aces on the Go: Caroline Carbrey - 2 Aces on the Go: Emily Thornhill * Attraction of the Year - Chennault
Public invited to ‘Parklet Day with Mayor Staci’ on Friday, May 9
The community is invited to stop by West Monroe City Hall on Friday, May 9 to take part in “Parklet Day with Mayor Staci.” A parklet is a public space that is converted from curbside parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. Some of the parking spaces at West Monroe City Hall have temporarily been converted into an outdoor setting that will provide a casual area for the public to visit with West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell. Mayor Mitchell will be able to visit with the public in this setting on
Artist Call - Please Share!
The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation requests that professional artists and artist teams submit proposals for the creation of original, site-specific artwork to serve as markers in places impacted by the 1927 flood, as part of a multi-regional centennial observance. Communities, artists, and organizations are encouraged to get involved during the timeline of the project, 2026-2027, and participate in various ways, including but not limited to the following: Musical Tribute: Collaborate with local
