No Struggle, No Progress

Articles from the February 20, 2020 edition


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  • Life's Unpredictable Moment

    Feb 20, 2020

    Life's Unpredictable Moment It is with the saddest regrets that we announce the passing of our beloved Joey "Trell" Lawrence, on February 12, 2020. "Trell" was born June 18, 1986, to Barbara Lawrence. He was survived by his wife Ciera Lawrence, one son Joey "TJ" Lawrence Jr.; two daughters Joya and JaKenzie Lawrence; his stepdad James "Rayfield" Goodin, two sisters: Kilwana Lawrence and Quarynecha (DeWorange) Lawrence; four brothers: Jessie Lawrence, James "Lil Ray" Goodin II, James "Red"...

  • Boyfriend Blues

    Feb 20, 2020

    Boyfriend Blues There is a right and wrong way to handle disputes. Many feel in the heat of the moment, the argument they have concocted in their mind is correct. The other party has their own thoughts or concerns involving the situation. On many occasions, some will jump from the airplane without realizing they left their parachute. By the Grace, some make it back to the plane, while others don't. According to police reports on February 14, a stabbing occurred at Hibbet Sports. Police were...

  • Brenda's Final Bow

    Feb 20, 2020

    Brenda Bernice English was born August 7, 1951, in Sterlington, Louisiana, to a loving mother, the late Elnora Sims Elliott. Brenda's faith and relationship with God were evident as she gave her life to the Lord at an early age and served full time in ministry. As a minister, she preached and sang to many. She was a faithful servant and member of Lone Wa Baptist Church and later Epignosis Worship Center. From there, she went on to serve at the Spiritual Harvest Worship Center in Monroe LA until...

  • Operation Ceasefire

    Eddie Gillis|Feb 20, 2020

    Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo has taken a lot of heat over the last several years concerning the city’s rising crime rate. Information released from the city has shown an increase in crime, as one study depicted Monroe as the “most dangerous” city in the nation. Mayor Mayo and then MPD Chief Eugene Ellis vigorously contested those findings from the study and presented statistics that showed the study as being flawed. Nevertheless, the seed had already been planted, as the city would experience what...

  • City Takes Public Records Action

    Eddie Gillis|Feb 20, 2020

    The City of Monroe informed the community several days ago that there have been numerous requests made through the City to attain certain information regarding the records of former and current Monroe police officers. While no other details were provided, the public’s interest into conduct of police officers is of vital interest since they are public servants on the taxpayers’ payroll. Monroe, like any other community that has a police department, must ensure that the interest and rights of all of its’ citizens are protected through trans...

  • Miss Les Martinique 2019

    Feb 20, 2020

    Congratulations to Les Martinique Queen 2019 Lauren Sanders . Miss Les Martinique Lauren Sanders is the daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Curtis Sanders. Lauren was crowned Miss Les Martinique at the Les Martinique 2019 Debutante Ball at the Monroe Civic Center in December 2019....

  • City Council Candidates Debate

    Eddie Gillis|Feb 20, 2020

    The voters of the city of Monroe had the opportunity last week to hear from those individuals that are running for mayor in an effort to unseat the current incumbent mayor, Jamie Mayo. This week it was candidates from Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 who shared the debate stage to become council leaders from their respective districts. The debates were held once again at the Civic Center sponsored by community radio station KDEM Monday(Feb.17)night before a crowd of concerned voters. The time to answer...

  • 2020 State of the City Address

    Feb 20, 2020

    The City of Monroe's annual State of the City Address was held Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. In addition to discussing various city initiatives, highlights, and challenges Mayor Mayo spoke about the 2020 theme "Monroe Smart City." Monroe Smart is about combining information, communication and technology to make life better for the people of Monroe. Mayor Mayo highlighted the various current and future Smart City initiatives being embraced to help provide more...

  • Menyweather 20th Wedding Anniversary

    Feb 20, 2020

    Ever since the day Dorsey and Gwendolyn wed February 25, 2000, they knew they were meant for each other. Every year, their anniversary becomes more and more special with every passing moment. Every year brings more happiness while making memories which are priceless. Happy 20th Anniversary Dorsey and Gwendolyn Menyweather Tuesday February 25, (Trumpet man and Trumpet woman!)...

  • Married & Strong ll

    Feb 20, 2020

    Married & Strong presented ll "Is Your Marriage Worth It?" a Marriage Forum was back by popular demand on January 26, 2020 at the Monroe Civic Center for single, engaged and married people. Married & Strong ll was an interesting evening for people addressing all types of issues involving couples and singles. Those in attendance danced, asked questions to married couple panelists and enjoyed a great evening like none other. CJ and Myesha Williams strongly believe that marriage is based on Godly...

  • Carroll Signing Day

    Feb 20, 2020

    LaDarrius McFee came together with friends and family to celebrate his accomplishments on and off the field. LaDarrius is getting a chance to further his athletic career in the sport he loves at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. LaDarrius will play safety at Louisiana College. On Wednesday February 5, 2020 College Football Signing Day, LaDarrius signed a letter of intent to play football at Carroll High School. LaDarrius is from the McFee family who are long time true supporters of...

  • 12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself - Part 1

    Jessica DeTiege|Feb 20, 2020

    In the early 1900s, African-American author, educator, and activist Nannie Helen Burroughs published “12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself”, which was a comprehensive list of important values and ideologies deemed necessary for Blacks to understand and implement to create success for themselves and implement as newly freed people of America. In honor of Black History month I believe it is imperative to share Ms. Burroughs’ writing because her words are still extremely valuable and pertinent today. —— 1. The Negro Must Learn To Put First Thi...

  • The End Is Near!

    Feb 20, 2020

    Everything God Created he said was good (Gen 1: 31) Adam broke God’s law and tried to hide. Adam was placed in a beautiful garden that was peaceful, and free of evil. Adams disobedience opened the door for satan and his disciples, evil has been released on the entire world. Men lust after each other openly for all to see, each generation gets worse and worse , because the generation before them is ignorant of God's ways , they leave examples of evil and wickedness for the next generation. Lying, stealing, killing and hating has become a n...

  • Restoration

    Pastor K. C. Wade|Feb 20, 2020

    Joel 2:25 | NKJV 25 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. Get ready! Get Ready!! Get Ready!!! For the Lord thy God will Restore, yes Replace, and Renew those things that you have lost. Hallelujah!!! Get your Health Back! Get your Joy back! Get your Zeal and Zest for life back!!! Amen! Beloved if you are “down” GET Back Up!!! If you had “failed “ then try...

  • Pulpits & Pews

    Feb 20, 2020

    Black History Recognition Program Solomon Temple Baptist Church 700 Atkinson St. Monroe LA, Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Rev. Billy R. Billups. The program seeks to recognize blacks who have made sizeable contributions. A soul food dinner will be served. Rev. Dr. James R. Howard Pastor, Men and Women Day Celebration New Light Baptist Church 1623 South 4th St.-Monroe, LA Sunday February 23, 10:45 A.M. Guest Speaker Rev. Brandon M. Dyer, Sr. Lampkin Chapel Baptist Church-Pine Bluff AR. Rev. James B. Johnson is Pastor....

  • Pastor Surprised

    Feb 20, 2020

    After praying, preaching and singing, Pastor James E. Jackson Sr. Faith Harvest Baptist Church Monroe LA didn't have a clue of his membership surprise 60th birthday dinner immediately following morning worship on Sunday February 2. The fellowship hall was filled to the brim when the Pastor Jackson and Deacon Head arrived. The surprise birthday dinner was hosted by the Faith Harvest Congregation....

  • Cuba Baptist Annual Harvest Drive

    Feb 20, 2020

    Cuba Baptist Church Bosco LA held their annual harvest drive recently. Sister Patty O'Neal guided the program, while Dr. Samuel Toney spoke a Word. The harvest is abundant but the workers are few was the program theme. Our prayer is that you had been blessed in some manner through your worship experience with us at Cuba Baptist Church. Let us continue to pray one for the other as we each seek to be about kingdom building. Photo Cuba -Dr. Samuel Toney delivered the Word. Photo Cuba 1-Offering...

  • True Vine Black History Program

    Feb 20, 2020

    True Vine Black History Program is Sunday, February 23, 6p.m. Special Guest will include Linwood Public Charter School Choir of Shreveport LA., J. S. Clark Magnet School Choir and Wossman High School Choir. Judge Aisha Clark will serve as Mistress of Ceremony. The program will also feature Liturgical Dance Groups, Mimes and more. Come join us as we Celebrate our Rich Heritage....

  • Happenings

    Feb 20, 2020

    Parenting Matters Be the person you want your children to become. Edna’s Cooking “Home of the Breakfast Bowl” Serving Southern Style Hot Breakfast & Lunch Daily Monday- Friday 6 am – 2:30 pm and Sat 7 am – 2 pm All Plates come with coffee or fountain drink Great Food! Great Service @ Reasonable Prices 2 locations Now Save #1 4399 Hwy 165 South Monroe, LA /318-737-7873 & Tiger Market Café 1800 Forsythe Ave Suite 1 Monroe, LA 71201/318-325-4000 Ms. Edna & Staff ~ Serving up LOVE every day! Literacy is a Family Affair Jamie Mayes Educationa...

  • Masquerade Cotillion

    Feb 20, 2020

    Little Flower Knights of Peter Claver's Masquerade Cotillion was Saturday January 25, at the ULM Sub Ballroom. Masquerade partygoers danced, pranced and romanced throughout the night as food, fun and spirits filled the evening! A performance by Ricky white the entertainer who performed his showstopping classic, "I Still Love You, while the DJ kept the party hype and tight....

  • Deaths

    Feb 20, 2020

    Mary Cross Homegoing Celebration Sunrise: January 23, 1946 Sunset: February 12, 2020 Mary Cross funeral services are Saturday February 22, 2020 at 1pm Progressive Baptist Church 607 N.11th St. Monroe LA. Rev. Henry D. Reddix Officiating. Terry Mason, 59 Terry Mason of Bastrop, LA Tractor Driver, died February 11, 2020. Services: Friday, February 21, 2020 at 1:00pm at New Light B.C. in Bastrop, LA. Visitation: Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 5:00-7:00pm at Tennant Funeral Home in Bastrop....

  • DOJ Mishandles President's Tweet

    Eddie Gillis|Feb 20, 2020

    When the comedians do an impression of former President Richard Nixon, they always use Nixon’s famous “I am not a crook” line during the Watergate time. It works even better when a comedian can not only make a facial expression that looked like Nixon but mimic his voice in such a manner, that if you closed your eyes, you might think that it was actually Nixon doing the talking. Well, move over Dicky. Someone else has taken your place in history that comedians will forever use in their acts to show us just how some politicians can miss the b...

  • NAACP FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAM

    Feb 20, 2020

    The Ouachita chapter of NAACP held its founder’s Day program on Wed, Feb. 12, 2020 at St John BC with an opening prayer by Rev. Robert Bradford. The 111 year celebration included welcome and occasion by Earlean Knox, greetings on behalf of the state by state officer Charles Heckard, membership appeal by Brother Wilson Wilson and Attorney Varhana Burrelle. Several members of clergy,, Honorable Mayor Jamie Mayo and atty Clara Toombs were among the honored guest. Theme” Leaders Just won’t Quit” was passionately delivered by chapter preside...

  • Black History Salute Beverly V. Lewis

    Feb 20, 2020

    Acknowledged by State Representative Pat Moore District 17 Beverly V. Lewis graduated from Northeast Louisiana University, currently known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has been an active Registered Nurse since 1985. She joined the United States Air Force Reserve, Barksdale, Louisiana in 1985. After twenty-seven (27) years of service, she retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on September 22, 2012. Beverly V. Lewis loves her commu...

  • Black History Salute Mrs. John Ethel Page Minifield

    Feb 20, 2020

    Acknowledged by State Representative Pat Moore District 17 Mrs. John Ethel Page Minifield is a native of Farmerville, Louisiana but has lived in Monroe Louisiana for many years. She graduated from Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and received her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Louisiana in Monroe. Mrs. Minifield retired after 34 years with the Ouachita Parish School System. Throughout her career, she has had a love for d...

  • Police Jury Closes Portion of Cheniere Lake

    Eddie Gillis|Feb 20, 2020

    It was a rain soaked Tuesday(Feb.18)night as the Ouachita Parish Police Jury held their meeting instead of Monday, as Monday was President’s day. The agenda was light, as the court room only had a few in attendance as Jurors conducted the parish’s business. District “B” Juror jack Clampit asked his fellow jurors to agree to an proposal that Area 6 of Cheniere Lake be closed until further notice. Clampit said that his request was based on the fact that section of the lake is at a very low level. Clampit also said that other factors such as litt...

  • Favorite Church Usher

    Feb 20, 2020

    Doorkeepers or keepers of the door, their church service is invaluable. They are the first to meet and greet you at church. If you have a question, need a seat, need to speak or sit with a certain group, church ushers are at your beck and call to fulfill your desires and are valuable church servants. This week the Monroe Dispatch salutes dedicated Bethel C.O.G.I.C. Usher Paulette Cain who loves God and loves being a favorite church usher....

  • NAACP Founders' Program

    Feb 20, 2020

    The Ouachita chapter of NAACP held its founder’s Day program on Wed, Feb. 12, 2020 at St John Baptist Church in Monroe LA with an opening prayer by Rev. Robert Bradford. The 111-year celebration included welcome and occasion by Earlean Knox, greetings on behalf of the state by state officer Charles Heckard, membership appeal by Brother Wilson Wilson and Atty Varhana Burrelle. Several members of clergy,, Honorable Mayor Jamie Mayo and atty Clara Toombs were among the honored guest. Theme” Leaders Just won’t Quit” was passionately deliver...

  • "SECRET PRAYER"

    Marion Obafemi|Feb 20, 2020

    My cup is almost full, and I don't think I could, take another ounce of this rain called life This flood is at my rim, if you push me it might spill, and bring the darkness into light.... If it falls to the ground, it will spread through this town, and wet a thousand tongues That will sing like birds, adding nouns and twisting verbs, building sentences when only a phrase was sung..... I would give you a sip, but I know it will drip, and turn a mole hill into a mountain This is a load that you ca...

  • Police Jury Closes Portion of Cheniere Lake

    Feb 20, 2020

    It was a rain soaked Tuesday(Feb.18)night as the Ouachita Parish Police Jury held their meeting instead of Monday, as Monday was President’s day. The agenda was light, as the court room only had a few in attendance as Jurors conducted the parish’s business. District “B” Juror jack Clampit asked his fellow jurors to agree to an proposal that Area 6 of Cheniere Lake be closed until further notice. Clampit said that his request was based on the fact that section of the lake is at a very low level. Clampit also said that other factors such as litt...

  • A Call for Faithful Men

    Feb 20, 2020

    St. Timothy Baptist Church Monroe LA celebrated their Annual Men's Day Program Sunday January 12, women were welcomed also. Guest pastor was Rev. Curtis Allen Hopewell Baptist Church Corey LA. There was a stellar performance by the Hopewell Male Chorus who got the church ready for the Word. Rev. Dr. Oscar Jenkins is Pastor of St. Timothy Baptist Church. Photo Men's Day -Deacons Freddie Downs, Charlie Smith and Freddie Smith. Photo Men's Day1 – Rev. Curtis Allen, Rev. Dr. Oscar Jenkins and R...

  • Black History Month Salute Linda Coleman Jacobs

    Feb 20, 2020

    Linda Diane Coleman Jacobs is a lifetime resident of West Monroe, Louisiana and a faithful member at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She is married to Roosevelt Jacobs and will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on August 5, 2020. She is a mother to 4 children and 3 God-children and is currently employed at the Ouachita Parish School Board. Linda Jacobs loves her community and is well respected throughout West Monroe. She cares for the residents and wants the best for them. She also knows that if...

  • Trail Blazer Mr. Ray Tatum

    Feb 20, 2020

    Mr. Ray Tatum grew up in the Town of Richwood and later moved to Monroe. He has been married for 57 years to Mrs. Mary Lee Tatum and they have five children. Mr. Tatum retired in 2007, after 42 years of service at E A Conway Medical Center, currently known as Ochsner Health System/LSU Health Shreveport Monroe Medical Center. He joined the hospital as an aide in 1965 and worked his way up to his retired position, "Captain" of the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospital's 10- person hospital pol...

  • Congratulations LSU National Champions and area players

    Feb 20, 2020