No Struggle, No Progress

Articles from the January 25, 2024 edition


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  • Gunpoint Robbery

    Eddie D. Gillis|Jan 25, 2024

    In this modern era, individuals must be mindful of their surroundings. Unexpected situations can arise even in places where one wouldn't anticipate them, emphasizing the need for a consistently alert mindset. While some people may follow the same daily route without incident, it's the rare "one time" that can catch them off guard. On January 20, 2024, around 8:00 PM, a local man, accustomed to walking through his neighborhood after visiting a store on Winnsboro Rd., experienced an unsettling event. As he passed the gas pumps at a business...

  • Police Altercation Officer Hit

    Eddie D. Gillis|Jan 25, 2024

    Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A search warrant for an individual wanted by Monroe Police (MPD) developed into an altercation where three people were arrested. According to police, on January 20, 2024, MPD officers arrived at an apartment on Louberta St. to conduct arrests and search warrants. When officers knocked on the door, they made contact with a female identified as Myshella J. Smith. While at the front door of the residence, police indicated that they...

  • Celebrating a Legend

    Jan 25, 2024

    April 11, 1927-January 19, 2024 Coach Mackie Freeze, a legendary figure, initiated the football program at Richwood/Terzia High Schools in Monroe, LA, with a humble $300. This program swiftly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most successful in the Louisiana Inter-Athletic Association League (LIALO) during the late 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Beyond his role as a teacher and coach, Coach Freeze transcended into a father figure for all students, earning the trust of parents with his tough but...

  • Ghost Leaders, Ghost Town

    Jan 25, 2024

    Poor cities or towns often reflect the consequences of inadequate leadership. The state of a community is a direct reflection of the decisions made by its leaders. Poor leadership can manifest in many ways, from the mismanagement of resources to the neglect of essential services. Insufficient investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, are all a result of ineffective governance. When leaders fail to address crucial issues, residents are left grappling with limited opportunities and a diminished...

  • LA's Second Majority-Minority District

    Eddie D. Gillis|Jan 25, 2024

    Acquiring it posed challenges. Sustaining it may prove even more challenging. The quest for establishing a second majority-Black voting district in Louisiana has finally succeeded, but not without difficulties. The U.S. Supreme Court played a decisive role, compelling Louisiana Republicans to yield. It seemed evident that conservatives were destined to lose this battle. Governor Jeff Landry is anticipated to sign the bill, along with others passed in a special session. However, the significant achievement is the creation of the second...

  • Career Ending Injustice

    Eddie D. Gillis|Jan 25, 2024

    Lorethie "Loe" Dunn had a remarkable career, standing unrivaled in her field. In an era where not everyone opts for a traditional four-year college education, Loe Dunn distinguished herself by supporting those who pursued vocational/technical college paths-a successful choice for thousands. Dunn became one of the most impactful educators working at the Bastrop, LA campus and within her community. Her accomplishments in the vocational/technical field at the Bastrop campus and in the city are...

  • Monti Sharp: Homecoming Black History Exhibition

    Jan 25, 2024

    Monti Sharp, a revered figure in our community, is set to journey back to his artistic roots. His connection to the Monroe Arts community traces its origins to his days at Ouachita Jr. High, where he first captivated audiences at the Monroe Little Theatre. This marked the beginning of an artistic odyssey that would take him across the nation, leaving an indelible mark from the stages of New York City to the heart of Los Angeles, where he now resides. In 2022, Monroe had the privilege of experiencing Monti's artistic brilliance at the...

  • Masquerade Cotillion

    Jan 25, 2024

    Knights of Peter Claver St. Francis Council hosted a Masquerade Cotillion Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the W Event Center in Monroe, LA. There was live music, DJ T-Baby, food, and fun....

  • MLK Salute

    Jan 25, 2024

    The Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation observed its 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Salute on Saturday January 20th at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Monroe LA. Attorney Charles D. Jones was guest speaker. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation 2024 Humanitarian Award Recipient was Judge Benjamin Jones, Trailblazer Award Recipient was Mrs. Geneva Gray and Dr. John L. Russell Sr. Award Recipient was Monroe City Marshal Robert Cherry....

  • DownSouth Sports MVPS'

    Jan 25, 2024

    Congrats to Neville Tigers' Basketball hoopster Jayson Parker and Ouachita Lady Lions Basketball hoopsters McKenna Cooley and Jade Spikes for being named DownSouth Sports Magazine's MVPs. Jayson led Neville to a 72-64 win over Rayville with 18 points and 12 rebounds. McKenna had 24 points and Jade Spikes had 23 points in Ouachita's 69-54 victory over the Richwood Lady Rams. The DownSouth Sport Most Valuable Basketball Player of the Game Award was sponsored by The Monroe Dispatch and Aubrey's...

  • Wossman Lady Cats Basketball

    Jan 25, 2024

    Wossman Lady Cats Basketball continued their winning ways taking one game at a time while remaining focused playing team basketball. Wossman's Lady Cats Brittany Burton stayed focused in their rival game against Carroll on Friday January 19, 2024 at the George "Vamp" Belton Sports Complex at Wossman High School in Monroe LA...

  • Deaths

    Jan 25, 2024

    Mackie Freeze, Sr, 96 of Monroe, LA a Coach, died January 19, 2024. Services: 11:00 AM Saturday, January 27, 2024 at New St James Baptist Church in Monroe. Visitation: Friday, January 16, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at St Timothy Baptist Church in Monroe, LA under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home in Rayville, LA. Earl Atkins, 60 of Bastrop, LA a Truck Driver, died January 14, 2024. Services: Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00PM at New Jerusalem #2 Baptist Church in Bastrop. Visitation: Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Tennant Funera...

  • Amazon: Big Economic Jolt

    Eddie D. Gillis|Jan 25, 2024

    There are many people eagerly awaiting the construction of the massive Amazon facility slated to be built in Monroe, LA, which should provide an economic boost and offer more jobs in the area. City officials made the announcement of Amazon’s arrival several weeks ago, which no doubt will attract many residents in Ouachita Parish and the surrounding area. With a pay scale ranging from $17 to $28 an hour, many job seekers will see this as a way to live better lives for themselves and their families. The facility, upon completion, will be l...

  • Blends of Spices & Teas!

    Jan 25, 2024

    Karen Laban of The Spice & Tea Exchange explained about a purveyor of specialty spices, teas, custom blends & rubs, flavored sugars, salts, accessories and spices from around the globe, hand-mixed seasoning blends and rubs, sea and mineral salts, unique and exotic gourmet teas, gifts, and accessories. For centuries, spices have been one of the most essential ingredients in kitchens - they add flavor and aroma, enhance the taste of food, and even boost the colors in popular dishes. Herbs...

  • Carroll Glory

    Jan 25, 2024

    Carroll High School in Monroe LA has and will always be a beacon of hope in our community. Its academic, athletic, band, choir and stem legacy was laid in 1953 by its first principal Legendary Morris Henry Carroll who demanded excellence from students who didn't realize their greatness. The Carroll Mystic was set long ago and remains in the hearts of those who witnessed its glory then and now. This is why we still sing thy praises to Carroll High School. Recognizing those who made Carroll High...

  • UTS Spring 2024 Class Schedule

    Jan 25, 2024

    United Theological Seminary and Bible College held the first registration for spring 2024 at 5:00pm on Monday, January 22. Registration will continue January 29 and 30 at 5:00pm and classes will begin at 5:30pm. The seminary is at 905 Texas Ave. in Monroe LA. Bachelor of Theology (degree program) class schedule: Mondays - 5:30pm: Music II. Mondays- 7:20pm: Topics in Gerontology. Tuesday – 5:30pm: New Testament Theology. Tuesdays - 7:20pm: Pastoral Counseling. Master of Theology (degree program) class schedule: Mondays-5:30pm: The Ministry of Wo...

  • Looking Back at Our Yesterday

    Jan 25, 2024

    Pine Hill Baptist Church Brickyard Community in Rayville LA recently celebrated their 96th Church Anniversary. Guest speaker was Minister Sonya Burnette-Andrus Assistant Pastor Edwards Chapel Baptist Church in Marshall TX. Among programmed guests included Sister Delores Brown Welcome, Sisters Janet McClain and Doristeen Haynes Program Offering, Deacon Billy Randle Recognition of past members and families. Master of ceremony was From Sword to Pen, Deacon Arthur "Silver Fox" Ed...

  • Al Derry's Atlanta GA Getaway

    Jan 25, 2024

    APRIL 11 – APRIL 14, 2024 Package Includes: Hotel accommodations for Thursday – Saturday nights at the DRURY INN- Marietta, GA (Hotel rooms are double occupancy) Free Breakfast-Evening Snacks Free Drinks (Happy Hour) Charter bus services provided to the following attractions: Martin Luther King Museum; Stone Mountain, Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola museum, CNN building, shopping, ATL Botanical Garden and more. Admissions to attractions not included in package. This Package is ONLY: $395.00 per person (Double Occupancy) deposit of $95.00 due by...

  • Happenings

    Jan 25, 2024

    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 $6.99 breakfas...

  • Celebrating Who We Are Part 2

    Jan 25, 2024

    Donterrio Anderson Presents "Celebrating Who We Are Part 2," Red Carpet, Formal Black History Musical Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 5:00pm at Glory Church 454 Highway 80 East In Monroe LA. FREE event to the public....

  • One Down, One Left

    Eddie D. Gillis|Jan 25, 2024

    When Donald Trump won the Iowa Caucuses last week, that wasn’t news. When he won almost all of the counties in the state, that wasn’t news. When MSNBC and CNN refused to air Trump’s victory speech soon after the votes were still being counted, that became news. News to Trump’s supporters that is. Trump’s supporters were irate because the cable giants didn’t broadcast (MSNBC) all or some(CNN) of their speech, saying that a leading candidate for his party’s nomination was denied his right to “speak to the nation” on what the Iowa win meant an...

  • The End Is Near!

    Jan 25, 2024

    John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness, Repent! Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand. A new dispensation is coming, the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Covenant has passed and Jesus is coming to bring in the Blood Bought Covenant. To receive what Jesus has, we must repent (turn) from the Old, of which the blood of bulls and goats could not take our sins away. Jesus the Son of God was sent to take away our sins. The Old Covenant could not, and neither draw us to his Throne of Grace, in obedience to his Word,...

  • Praying Students

    Mary Roggerson|Jan 25, 2024

    Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Prayer: Father God, I praise and thank You for giving me the victory over sin and death through my Lord Jesus Christ. By Your power and strength, I will be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in Your work, because I know that my labor is not in vain. Confession: I give myself fully to the work of the Lord because I know that my labor in the Lord...

  • My Purpose Over Potential

    Christina Gary|Jan 25, 2024

    Purpose over potential? What does it even mean? Purpose over potential, am I clean? Purpose over potential don't you understand? We live for our purpose, not our potential. Purpose over potential I can hardly breathe. Purpose over potential, is there really something in me? We're put on this world with a purpose not to live to our "fullest" potential, listen to what I have to say. Purpose over potential, you got it in you girl. Purpose over potential, don't let them ruin your world. You're...

  • God's Judgment is Real!

    Katima Epting-Wiley|Jan 25, 2024

    The goodness of God is so amazing and so vast. His love is incomparable. Because of His continuous mercy, it’s easy to forget that He is also a God of wrath. According to Proverbs 15:3, God’s eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. He sees us all and IT all. He has seen much lawlessness, disobedience, idolatry and wickedness in the land. These are the very things that provoke God to anger. This is what causes Him (because He's just/fair), to bring judgement upon the inh...

  • MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS

    Pastor K. C. Wade, ADVANCING THE KINGDOM|Jan 25, 2024

    Philippians 4:8 | NKJV Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Dear Beloved a merry heart does well like a medicine. The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Rejoice in the Lord and again I say Rejoice. Saturate your thinking with Good Things! Purpose to fix your m...