News
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 Recognizes the Power of Travel During National Travel and Tourism Week
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) shines a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness May 4 – May 10, 2025. "Travel is one of our nation's most powerful economic engines—supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in
BESE approves new ULM teacher certification programs BESE approves new ULM teacher certification pro
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has approved new programs from the University of Louisiana Monroe School of Education that will assist teachers in becoming certified. These programs are designed to create clear pathways to certification for uncertified teachers in area school districts. These new pathways will assist teachers in receiving their Secondary Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in General Science, Middle School Language Arts, Middle School Mathematics, Middle
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
Lighting the Way: Share the Light Foundation Installs First Community Food Pantry
The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce proudly joined Share the Light Foundation for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Friday, April 25, celebrating the successful installation of the Foundation’s first free community food pantry.This milestone represents a powerful step forward in addressing food insecurity across Northeast Louisiana. The pantry was made possible through an inspiring collaboration of local leaders, volunteers, and donors. We applaud Sarah Tremaine for her
Keep West Monroe Beautiful to host Hasley Cemetery cleanup on Saturday, May 3
Keep West Monroe Beautiful will host a cleanup of Hasley Cemetery on Saturday, May 3. The cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 am. and is sponsored by McGuire Methodist Church. Hasley Cemetery is located at 1500 Arkansas Road in West Monroe. The community is invited to participate. Supplies and equipment and light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Keep West Monroe Beautiful at info@kwmb.la Volunteers can sign up online at
ULM Foundation honors Sharon Griffith Turrentine for creation of $2 million super endowed chair
The University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation held a reception on April 9, 2025, to celebrate the creation of the Sharon Griffith Turrentine Super Endowed Chair in the School of Visual and Performing Arts. The $2 million endowment was made possible by a $1,000,000 generous donation from Sharon Griffith Turrentine and her husband, David Turrentine. The ULM Foundation added matching funds of $200,000 and submitted a competitive proposal to the Louisiana Board of Regents Sponsored Program for a match of
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
.jpg)
Living Well Foundation Announces Grant Cycle 2025
Grant Cycle 2025 The Board of Directors of the Living Well Foundation announces that a grant cycle will open February 17, 2025, to accept letters of intent, with applications to be completed by March 31, 2025. All requests must be submitted through the online software portal at www.livingwellfoundation.net by the completion date. Priorities for the grant cycle: Healthy lifestyles, including nutrition and food insecurity, physical activity, and wellness Access to healthcare, including medical,
Chamber's Adopt-A School Program Presents Checks to 2025 Grantees
The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce and Adopt-A-School Committee presented checks to five area teachers during the Ouachita Parish School Board Meeting on Tuesday. These five teachers were the winners of the 2025 Building Bridges Grant from the Chamber’s Adopt-A-School Program with generous sponsorship by Pattern Energy.The grant program is in its second year and had double the amount of applicants from the year prior. The five teachers participated in a competitive application process that
