Week of November 21, 2024
Mt. Nebo Rosenwald Elementary School at the corner of Jackson St. and Thomas Ave in Monroe LA celebrated their 100th Anniversary on Sunday November 10, 2024. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary a historic marker was unveiled in its memory. The Mt. Nebo Elementary School was one of 4,997 schools in 15 states that was built as a result of the joint effort of Jewish-American Julius Rosenwald (Co-owner of Sears & Roebuck) and Booker T Washington starting in 1912. Mt. Nebo is...
During the 85th Church Anniversary celebration at Zion Spring Baptist Church in Monroe, LA, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, the church recognized its dedicated Sunday School teachers. Honorees included Pastor Ricky James, Sister Diane Berry, Sister Elaine Green, Deacon Melvin White, and Superintendent Melvin...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. An Ouachita Parish firefighter was injured during a high-speed pursuit near Crawdaddy's Restaurant on Hwy 165 on Friday, November 15, 2024. According to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), the alleged suspect, later identified as Joseph A. Seay, was reportedly fleeing from Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office deputies while heading toward Ouachita Parish. At the time, firefighters and parish authorities were managing an...
The Carver-McDonald Branch Library, located at 2941 Renwick St. in Monroe, LA, hosted a community program featuring a book talk and signing for author RaShad Bristo's new book, "Bitter or Better: Doing More with Less!" on Thursday, November 14, 2024. RaShad Bristo, a native and resident of Mansfield, LA, shared his inspirational journey. As a child, RaShad dreamed of becoming a police officer, a goal he pursued after earning a BA in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University. Hired and...
Hearts are heavy with sorrow at the passing of Joseph Evans. He was a remarkable individual who deeply valued his wife, family, and community. A pillar of strength within his church and neighborhood, Evans' kind and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His life was a shining example of doing things with integrity and order. Joseph Evans departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and his absence will be deeply felt in the Bastrop, LA community....
The Monroe-Ouachita NAACP Branch held its bi-annual election on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Only members in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the election were eligible to vote. Members selected branch officers and executive committee representatives. The branch elected Cliff Thomas as President for the 2025-2026 term. Thomas, a community activist, is also the senior pastor of Victory Through Christ Worship Center in Monroe, LA. Speaking to the Monroe Dispatch, Thomas shared his...
According to Monroe Dispatch sources, a drive-by shooting allegedly occurred at an apartment complex on the south end of Rogers St. in Monroe, LA. The incident took place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, startling nearby churchgoers with the sound of continuous gunfire. One individual reportedly attempted to leave the area but was forced to retreat back into the church, terrified by the escalating gunfire. Sources indicate that law enforcement responded quickly to the scene, though it was initially unclear if anyone had sustained gun-related...
Some employees of the Monroe City Schools District (MCS) may find themselves frustrated after receiving their November 2024 supplemental sales checks without the proper federal taxes withheld. Due to this oversight, employees will now have to determine how much they owe the IRS and handle those payments themselves. Sources report this is not the first time the district has failed to withhold taxes correctly, placing an undue burden on employees whose responsibilities do not include accounting. Reportedly, this is the third incident involving...
This November 2024, we celebrate the birthdays of two remarkable individuals, Vitus Shell and his mother, Faye Lemons, both legends in our community. Vitus, an acclaimed artist, has inspired and touched the lives of thousands through his creative work, while Faye, renowned for her exceptional culinary skills, has brought joy to countless students with her top-tier cooking. Grateful and blessed, they celebrate their special days this month-Vitus on November 20 and Faye on...
Senate Bill No. 2 (SB 2) proposes a significant shift in Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. The bill seeks to amend the state constitution to give the legislature the authority to determine which offenses committed by juveniles can be transferred to adult court for prosecution. Currently, only a defined list of serious offenses, such as murder or aggravated rape, are eligible. If passed, SB 2 would remove this limitation, allowing the legislature to expand the list to include any crime, provided it is approved by a two-thirds legislative...
In keeping her commitment to serve the citizens of Ouachita Parish, Clerk of Court Dana Benson has initiated the transition to a paperless system. The new system at the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court's Office will be implemented on January 1, 2025. Following the Louisiana Legislature's enactment of legislation (Acts 2024, No. 694), which mandates that all documents filed in Clerk of Court offices must be submitted electronically, the system will undergo an upgrade before the law takes full effect on January 1, 2026. Under this law, no Clerk...
Why? (Another Look at The Electoral College) Now that the president elect has met with the sitting president, many people understand that there is another “step” in the process used to determine the next president of the United States. Many of those people also understand the next “step” involves something known as “the electoral college”. But what many people don’t understand or know is WHY? Why do we have or utilize the electoral college process”? More than two centuries ago,...
Birthday Fellowship Club donated backpacks to children in need. Backpacks were donated toe Lincoln Parish Christian Community Center in Ruston LA on October 16,...
The NOVA Meet & Greet will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM on the 1st floor of Tower Place, located at 1500 N 19th St., Monroe, LA. This reception is designed to connect business professionals and community leaders with NOVA participants in a meaningful way. The event provides a setting for participants to demonstrate and apply the skills they have acquired as they prepare to enter the workforce. For more information, contact 318-855-1923 or email...
Seigle Community Baptist Church at 100 Short Pink St. in West Monroe LA will honor Rev. & Mrs. William L. Cann on Sunday December 1, 2023 at 2pm. Special guest is Rev. Harry Anderson Trenton Baptist Church in West Monroe...
Week 12 Playoffs Friday Nov. 22, 2024 Overall Record: 203-35 Last Week: 16-2 Featured games: 7-4 #21 West Monroe Rebs (6-5) @ #5 Mandeville Skippers (10-1) 2024 hasn't been a typical West Monroe season according to the Rebs faithful. After a slow start to the season the Rebs find themselves as the overall #21 seed in the LHSAA playoffs, which could mean road games every round. However, what the Rebs faithful are used to is the long playoff run that has been a staple of West Monroe football...
Monroe’s southside city council members held a press conference at noon on November 18, 2024, to address the critical street tax vote scheduled for December 7, 2024. District 3 Council Chairwoman Juanita Woods, District 4 Councilman Bishop Rodney McFarland, and District 5 Councilman Verbon Muhammad convened in the council chambers with members of the media and concerned citizens to voice their opposition and highlight concerns over the potential passage of the tax measure. The December ballot proposal has been a topic of intense debate...
So, Donald Trump is now an OG among young Black men? Well, if one paid attention to how Trump went after the Black vote among the brothers, one would think that he hung out in the hood all of the time. If there were ever an opportunity to use the old "Trojan Horse" gimmick to sneak in the back door, Trump did it with great success. It probably was easier than one thinks, especially when he had two of the most outspoken surrogates in the form of Tim Scott and Byron Donalds. Scott got on stage and told the world that he "loves" Donald Trump, as...
Richwood High School in Richwood, LA, where the epitome of grace and love exudes, has historically been a learning place where educators taught scholars with the utmost compassion that they can succeed and be who they aspire to be in life. In keeping with the mission statement, scholars were ensured to achieve academic success becoming productive citizens. Its rich legacy in scholastics, sports, choir, band and extracurricular activities, set a lasting...
Carroll High School in Monroe, LA, has always been a beacon of hope in our community. Its academic, athletic, band, choir, and STEM legacy was established in 1953 by its first principal, the legendary Morris Henry Carroll, who demanded excellence from students who hadn't yet realized their greatness. The Carroll mystique was set long ago and remains in the hearts of those who witnessed its glory then and now. This is why we still sing praises to Carroll High School. An individual who recognized...
Edna’s Cooking “Home of the Breakfast Bowl” Serving southern style hot breakfast and lunch daily: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Saturday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. All plates come with coffee or fountain drink. Great food! Great service at reasonable prices. Three Monroe locations: Now Save #1 4399, Hwy 165 South, 318-737-7873; Tiger Market Café, 1800 Forsythe Ave, Suite 1, 318-325-4000; Now Save #8 Winnsboro Rd., Now Save # 5, Hwy 165 South and Hadley St. Ms. Edna and staff ~ Serving up LOVE every day! Edna’s cooking features...
This "joint" (poem) is dedicated to everyone that has waited on the Lord to intervene in the affairs of their lives that may not have understood the process they had to go thru in order to reap the benefits of His promises. He promised us that if we wait on Him, He would renew our strength and we would soar above our situations as eagles, run this race of life and not get weak because it is long and hard and walk in His footsteps enduring the fiery darts of the enemy as He did and not get tired. But, we must understand that He allows us to go...
Greatness is often defined by a combination of vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. Those who achieve extraordinary success are not simply talented but they also possess a clear vision of where they want to go and the determination to pursue it relentlessly. This vision is more than just a goal, it’s a guiding light that shapes their actions and decisions. What I have come to notice is that great individuals are willing to sacrifice comfort and face uncertainty because they are deeply committed to their purpose. What I...
Allen Dale Cox, 59 of Monroe, LA a Landscaper died November 7, 2024. Service: 11:00 AM Saturday November 23, 2024 at Ollie Branch Baptist Church, West Monroe, LA. Visitation: 3:00 until 5:00 PM Friday November 22, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home. Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, Monroe, LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. James Minnieweather, 80 of Monroe, LA Mechanic Engineer died November 8, 2024. Service: 2:00 PM Saturday November 23, 2024 at Liberty Christian Center, Monroe, LA. Visitation: 3:00 until 5:00 PM Friday November 22, 2024 at...
Happenings he Shed "Best Ice Cream & Chili Dogs in Town" 301 S. 1st St. (off Texas Ave.) in Monroe LA Ice Cream-Snow Cones Flavor Varieties-Hot dogs-Chili cheese dogs-Nachos-Frito Pies-Dorito Pies-Chips & Drinks318.267.2930 Edna's Cooking "Home of the Breakfast Bowl" Serving southern style hot breakfast and lunch daily: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Saturday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. All plates come with coffee or fountain drink. Great food! Great service at reasonable prices. Three...