News
Louisiana Federation of Business & Professional Women’s Club Set to Host 2025 Conference
The Louisiana Federation Business & Professional Women’s Club is scheduled to host its 2025 Annual State Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Monroe on June 6-7, 2025. The theme is “Strong Women for a Stronger World.” This conference is an empowering event bringing together women from across Louisiana to connect, learn and grow as business professionals and leaders. The theme underscores the Federation’s commitment to fostering leadership, career development, and community engagement. Women
Discover Monroe-West Monroe Donates Table Tennis Tables to Four High Schools in Ouachita Parish
Discover Monroe-West Monroe made a sports-related donation to four high schools in Ouachita Parish after wrapping up a youth tournament during Memorial Day weekend. Middle and high school teams from around the country participated in the American Youth Table Tennis Organization’s 2025 National Scholastic Table Tennis Championship at the West Monroe Sports & Events facility May 24 – May 25, 2025. The table tennis tables used by players from multiple states for the competition are now in the hands of
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The Center for Children and Families Announces CEO Transition
After nearly 20 years of dedicated service, Dr. Matthew Thornton has announced his decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Center for Children & Families, effective June 30, 2025. Matt has served as the CEO since 2018, guiding the organization through significant growth and expansion in providing advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention services to children and families. Under his leadership, The Center has expanded its impact beyond its headquarters in Monroe to include
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
City of West Monroe to host Memorial Day Ceremony May 23
The City of West Monroe will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23 in downtown West Monroe. The public is invited to attend. The ceremony will be held on Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. in the Bell Tower parking lot on Trenton Street in downtown West Monroe. The NELA 6 Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers will join the city for this ceremony as we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. For more information about the ceremony, please contact the West Monroe Mayor’s
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
West Monroe Fire Department to conduct Fire Hydrant Testing 2025
The City of West Monroe Fire Department will be conducting a city-wide flushing program on nearly 800 fire hydrants through June 12. The City of West Monroe Fire Department will be flushing every fire hydrant across the city, starting on Monday, May 19, beginning on the west side of the city limits, moving east, then south. The process is critical to the overall maintenance of the City’s water distribution system and is one of the most important practices conducted by public drinking water systems
Discover Monroe-West Monroe set to host largest youth tournament nationwide
Discover Monroe-West Monroe is teaming up with the American Youth Table Tennis Organization to host the 2025 National Scholastic Table Tennis Championship during Memorial Day weekend in West Monroe. It’s the largest youth team tournament in the country scheduled for May 24-May 26, 2025, at the West Monroe Sports & Events facility, bringing in top schools from about eight states, including Louisiana. “We met the Discover Monroe-West Monroe team at the Connect Conference in Milwaukee. The
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
The Center for Children & Families Shines a Light on Mental Health Awareness Month with Services Acr
Since the pandemic, rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma in children and families have surged—leaving many without the support they need to cope. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, The Center for Children & Families is urging the public to recognize the signs, spread awareness, and support accessible mental health care across Louisiana and Mississippi. Understanding the Need Mental health is more than just the absence of illness—it’s the foundation for how we think, feel, connect with
Discover Monroe-West Monroe Unveils Ouachita Paddling Trails
Discover Monroe-West Monroe is unveiling the Ouachita Paddling Trails on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a short unveiling ceremony at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Boat Dock, located at Black Bayou Boat Dock Road, Monroe, LA, 71203. The ceremony will be followed by a guided paddle at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to all paddling enthusiasts. Be sure to bring your own kayak or canoe. Members of the media are invited to paddle. DMWM and partners are providing
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
2025 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
2025 Monroe St. Jude Dream Home Built by BRACO Construction in DeSiard Trace. Estimated value: $440,000 9039 DeSiard Trace Sterlington, LA 71280 Giveaway date: June 12, 2025 House features: Over an acre of land in the DeSiard Trace subdivision including beautiful back porch with open field views Equipped with Generac Home standby Generator, courtesy of Albritton Service Company Contemporary Tudor style home Unique and open floor plan Spacious kitchen with black stainless
