No Struggle, No Progress

Articles from the December 14, 2023 edition


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  • Police Shooting

    Eddie D. Gillis|Dec 14, 2023

    A man wanted by Union Parish law enforcement authorities was shot and killed by Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies. According to reports on December 10, 2023, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office to locate an individual wanted for a homicide alleged to have occurred in the Crossroads community in Union Parish. Reports indicate that Ouachita Parish deputies found the suspect’s vehicle at his residence on Topic Drive in Monroe. When deputies were about to execute a search and arr...

  • Who's Next to Cry or Die

    Rev. Tharris Bishop, Stop the Violence|Dec 14, 2023

    God has shown us compassion and brought us all back together to work through rain, floods, and hail. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" is one of the commandments hung by all the law and the prophets. What does it mean to love yourself? Loving yourself means accepting yourself and coming to terms with unconditional self-acceptance. It does not mean being arrogant, conceited, or thinking you are better than anyone else. It means having a healthy regard for yourself knowing you are a worthy human being. It is essential to understand you...

  • One Vote Win... Re-Vote?

    Eddie D. Gillis|Dec 14, 2023

    When there is a race between two or more individuals, the person who comes in first is usually declared the winner. Suppose it is a 100-meter race, and there is a “photo-finish” result. In that case, various mechanisms, such as replay, are used to determine the winner. In the game of football, if there is a controversial call by an official, the head coach has the right to challenge the call. Again, instant replay is used from a variety of angles for the referee to get the call on the field right. When everything is done right by the rul...

  • Fatal House Fire

    Eddie D. Gillis|Dec 14, 2023

    In a tragic incident early Monday morning, a house fire in the 200 block of Tennessee St. resulted in the death of a man. The Ouachita Parish Fire Department swiftly responded to the emergency call around 1:45 AM, discovering the victim's body in the living room area of the residence. While official identification is pending from the parish Coroner's Office, authorities believe the deceased to be the 63-year-old homeowner, pending confirmation. After assessing the scene and gathering witness...

  • Frederick "Coach" Coleman Treasured Memory

    Dec 14, 2023

    Pastor Frederick Eugene Coleman was born on June 26, 1953, to the late Nora and Thelma Coleman in Leland, MS. He transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 11, 2023, after a brief illness. Pastor Coleman accepted Christ at a very early age and was an active member of St. Peter Baptist Church in Leland. After graduating from Leland High School, he attended Northeast Louisiana University (NLU) and received his BA degree. Additionally, he met and married his college sweetheart, Linda...

  • Remembering Ronald Phillips

    Dec 14, 2023

    The path to glory unfolds without warning, devoid of a designated time or date. A collective heaviness weighs on our hearts upon learning of the unexpected departure of Ronald Phillips. A proud 1972 graduate of West Monroe High School in West Monroe LA Ronald defied the odds, leaving an indelible mark as a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend to those fortunate enough to know him. Ronald's journey led him to serve as the former Monroe Regional Airport Manager under the guidance of former...

  • City Schools' Superintendent's Contract "Failures"

    Eddie D. Gillis|Dec 14, 2023

    The initial stages of the investigation into former Monroe City Schools Superintendent Vidrine's alleged employee misconduct prompted the school board to have him retire. Now, Workplace South Chief Investigator Brian Blackwell states that there was no effort within the school system to regulate the cost of Vidrine's 2018 contract, as well as a lack of a clear outline of the board's responsibilities. Blackwell notes that Vidrine was in charge of his own pay without additional oversight, highlighting "significant failures" by the board. This...

  • Wellness Stop Ribbon Cutting

    Dec 14, 2023

    The Wellness Stop Family Practice Clinic, located at 1911 Jackson Street in Monroe, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, December 9, 2023. With a new Jackson Street grocery store under construction and a city of Monroe Jackson Street sidewalk improvement project in development, residents are extremely excited about the neighborhood revitalization that is taking place. There's more on the horizon that will mark the beginning of a healthier future for the...

  • Les Martinique 70th

    Dec 14, 2023

    Indulge in the holiday spirit at the 70th Jubilee Celebration - Les Martinique Debutante Ball on Saturday, December 16, 2023, 8:00 PM, hosted at the B.D. Robinson Conference Hall, Monroe Civic Center. This sophisticated affair celebrates more than just a formal introduction; it symbolizes the transition to adulthood, cultural heritage, and personal achievements. Les Martinique Debutantes, epitome of elegance and grace, extend their connections beyond the ballroom, engaging in social and...

  • The Radio & Digital People Christmas

    Dec 14, 2023

    The Christmas Celebration by Radio and the Digital People recently took place at the Fieldhouse in Monroe, LA. The company marked the festive season with grandeur, extending warm wishes of Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. Photo Radio & Digital People 2 - Vienna Smith, Art "Silver Fox Edwards, Renee Arrington, Rob Lloyd, and Bob Holliday see at the Radio People Christmas Celebration....

  • Elegant 80th

    Dec 14, 2023

    Celebrating 80 years with elegance, Laura Ann Spencer entered this milestone on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Family and friends gathered at Mt. Zion Family Life Center in Monroe, LA, to commemorate Laura's 80th birthday. It marked a timeless moment for the elegant Laura Ann Spencer, who counted her blessings and expressed gratitude 80 times! What a celebration!...

  • I-20 Passenger Rail Updates

    Dec 14, 2023

    A momentous announcement is on the horizon as the cities of Monroe, Vicksburg, Ruston, and Shreveport join forces for a joint press conference scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM. The event will take place at 301 DeSiard Street in Downtown Monroe, LA. Residents and stakeholders are invited to participate in this historic unveiling, where the collaborative progress and developments along the I-20 corridor will be shared by the four participating cities. This exciting development follows the revelation on December 8, 2023 by the...

  • Choices

    Christina Gary|Dec 14, 2023

    In life, we all have choices to make. We can choose to be angry, sad, or happy, etc. What I often wonder is what drives most of our choices when we have emotions tangled into one. For example, I have already received numerous college acceptance letters and some scholarships, and my emotions are all over the place. Don’t get me wrong; I am very thankful for each one, and I feel this should be the happiest time of my life. However, sometimes, I worry about choosing the correct college or even b...

  • Happenings

    Dec 14, 2023

    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...

  • What's in a Promise?

    Dec 14, 2023

    No one holds you to your word better than a kid who remembers a promise. Maybe that's how God intended things to be because kids come along and keep us honest if we allow them. As I have gotten older, I have realized what is truly in a promise. Many years ago, I made a significant promise to someone. I was a young adult at the time, but I understood what I promised, and I meant it. What I did not know, however, was that the person I made a vow to would come to me two years later, looking for me to fulfill my word. When the time came, I...

  • Revive Us Again

    Dec 14, 2023

    St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe LA Annual Revival was held recently. Guest ministers included Rev. Eric Smith St. James B.C. Sterlington LA, Rev. Tegitra Thomas First Missionary B.C. Monroe LA, Rev. Cedric Winston St. Matthews MBC #1 Mer Rouge LA, Rev. Feeoptris Strickland Mt. Pleasant B.C. Monroe LA and Rev Ike Byrd Mt. Zion B.C. Monroe LA .Every night of the revival was spirit filled. St. Luke is a church where the "Love of God is the love we have!' Photo Revival 1 -Pastors Ike...

  • I CAN'T BREATHE

    Marion Obafemi|Dec 14, 2023

    This "joint" (poem) was “rolled” (written) to express the pain and frustration of our brothers and sisters that have been endowed (inspired) with the gifts of God, but they (their gifts) are trapped inside of them. We were made in God's image and should exhibit (show) a certain likeness to Him because He breathed (put) into us His own breath (inspiration, spirit and abilities). If we see someone using their gifts and abilities in a way that does not bring glory to their creator, then there is...

  • Deaths

    Dec 14, 2023

    Thomas A. Kent, Jr., 77 of Monroe, LA a Truck Driver died December 9, 2023. Service: 11:00 AM Friday December 15, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home. Visitation: 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Thursday December 14, 2023. Burial: Richwood Gardens, Richwood, LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. Johnny R. McGee, Jr., 55 of Monroe, LA died December 6, 2023. Service: 11:00 AM Saturday December 16, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home. Visitation: 3:00 until 5:00 PM Friday December 15, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home. Burial: Richwood Gardens, Richwood, LA under the...

  • Wossman 1973 50 years Later

    Dec 14, 2023

    7 was a special year for those graduating in 1973. Wossman High School Class of 1973 recently celebrated their 50th class reunion, a milestone in life. Wossman 1973 looked this good!...

  • Financial Freedom/Home Mortgage Loans

    Dec 14, 2023

    On December 7, 2023, at Carver-McDonald Branch Library in Monroe LA, Kay Gray and Jeremy Lowe from Cross Keys Bank enlightened library patrons about home equity loans, lines of credit, home improvement loans, and other banking products. The participants were serenaded with Christmas music from musician Donald Givens with a slice of Ruthie Wheatley's mouth-watering Christmas red velvet cake. You missed a treat! Joyce Powell, is Carver McDonald Library Branch Manager in Monroe...