No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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As the Eta Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. approaches its 50th Anniversary, it is time to reflect on its rich history and celebrate the vision, perseverance, and commitment that brought this illustrious brotherhood to Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), known today as the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). The story of Eta Pi began early in 1972 with Brother Andrew A. Hill, a determined and visionary leader, who recognized the need for greater representation and support...
September 2, 1970 ~ August 30, 2024 Dr. Phedra Owens Brantley 53, went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2024. She was a educator, principal and human resources supervisor in the Monroe City Schools until her retirement. Hearts are saddened by her passing. Services will be announced from McFarland Funeral Home Photo Dr. Phedra Owens Brantley...
Mt. Nebo Pritchard Addition 41st Family Day was a historic occasion. A Historic Marker was unveiled where the Mt. Nebo School site as historical memory. Monroe City Councilman Verbon Muhammad issued a proclamation to the Mt. Nebo School site. Brian Davis from the LA Trust unveiled and gave a history of Mt. Nebo Rosenwald Schools. Member of the Mt. Nebo/Pritchard Addition 41st Family Day drew many members from the community and from throughout the US for the celebration. It was also a way to...
In what had been a typical Monroe City Schools Board meeting on Tuesday July 16, 2024, got sidetracked over a highly charged political issue between board member Bill Willson and Monroe Federation of Teacher's Union President Sandie Lollie. The verbal exchange between Willson and Lollie occurred near the end of the meeting during the "Report of Board Members" segment on the agenda where each board member gives an update as to what is going on in their respective districts. When it came to...
Disclaimer: All persons are innocent until proven guilty. Many thought the day would never come but judgement was soon to be served to former Superintendent of Monroe City Schools, Brent Vidrine who was charged, Thursday, July 4, 2024, following an extensive investigation into alleged allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure on the school board. Vidrine faces felony charges of malfeasance in office and two counts of falsifying public records. The investigation, initiated by the State Legislative Auditor's Office, focused on...
The Louisiana Legislature has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to infrastructure projects and maintaining teacher pay in the state budget plan that goes into effect on July 1, 2024. Lawmakers also backed LA Governor Jeff Landry’s tough-on-crime agenda with funding for adult prisons, juvenile justice services, and a state police expansion. Teachers will receive a $2,000 one-time payment, and school support staff will get a $1,000 stipend next school year, totaling $199 million. Lawmakers decided against a permanent raise due to a p...
Many students have been positively affected by Carroll High School in Monroe LA and the late Mr. Morris Henry Carroll, all of the great teachers, cafeteria staff who prepared those delicious meals throughout years. Our families taught us to go to school, get an education to become intelligent citizens to deal with challenges in our lives. Carroll High School Class of 1972 loved our city of Monroe, our neighborhoods, friends and families. Growing up in Monroe LA then was great. Also praising God...
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...
Just when you thought that the dust had finally settled between the Monroe City Schools Board and former Superintendent Brent Vidrine over his controversial retirement. The two now find themselves involved in competing lawsuits. Vidrine fired the first volley across the bow of the school board when he filed a lawsuit claiming that the board failed to properly execute provisions in a contract agreement related to his retirement. In that agreement, the Board was supposed to pay Vidrine funds into his retirement through TRGL, but instead, those...
New Monroe City Schools Superintendent Sam Moore III certainly has his work cut out for him as he moves the District beyond the Brent Vidrine era. Superintendent Moore was recently selected as the new superintendent on March 14, 2024, coming from within the school district. He has a thorough knowledge of how the District operates, but stepping into the position of superintendent presents a new challenge for his educational skills. Moore won the position over two other challengers, and there...
In the realm of public affairs, the adage "What’s done in the dark will come to the light" underscores the inevitability of transparency and accountability. It serves as a reminder that actions taken in secrecy or obscured from public view are likely to be exposed eventually. This principle is always a cautionary warning to those considering unethical conduct and the public's right to know. In the case of the audit of Monroe City Schools, the results have raised more questions than answers, particularly concerning the management of finances. T...
A report from an audit of former Monroe City Schools Superintendent Brent Vidrine appears to show that he allegedly submitted false records related to his retirement. The information in question was allegedly submitted by Vidrine himself for the purchase of retirement service. At the heart of the audit is an alleged false receipt from the Teacher’s Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) that seems to indicate that Vidrine made a required payment of about $48,184.92 and a false estimate of the cost of purchasing a year of creditable service f...
The Monroe City School Board selected Sam Moore lll as Superintendent of Monroe City Schools on March 14, 2024. Moore replaces former Superintendent Dr. Brent Vidrine. Congratulations Monroe City Schools' Superintendent Sam Moore lll....
The upcoming Monroe City Schools superintendent faces a challenging task as academic concerns loom large. 55% of Monroe City Schools’ students scored below basic in 6 out of 11 elementary schools, contributing to an overall F school performance score that went unchecked under the previous superintendent. The Monroe City School Board is under scrutiny, with questions raised about their inaction and resource allocation, especially for the disadvantaged children in south Monroe. This situation raises concerns about Monroe's high crime rate, h...
Coach Shelton Ray Spivey, Jr., was born on December 27, 2024 to Catherine Varner-Spivey and the late Shelton Ray Spivey, Sr. He departed this life on March 7, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Shelton was reared and educated in the Ouachita and Monroe City School Systems. He was a 1996 honor graduate of Neville High School and a member of the 1996 Neville High School State Championship Football Team. Shelton attended Tuskegee University and the University of LA at Monroe. He was employed wit...
The Monroe City Schools Board is once again facing scrutiny over irregular findings uncovered during its annual audit, according to Board President Jennifer Haneline. An investigation has been initiated into three employees, all of whom have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation's outcome. While Haneline did not disclose the school involved, sources indicate it is Neville High School in Monroe, LA. She stated that both the legislative auditor's office and local law...
Established in 1988 by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Ouachita aims to develop and empower emerging leaders in northeast Louisiana. The program seeks to transform the region into a premier place to live and do business. Since its inception, over 950 residents have graduated from the program. The 2024 class includes 42 participants from various organizations: Jasmine Belton, VCOM, Jake Branch, Louisiana National Bank, Eva Brown, City of Monroe, Josh Brown, Mid South Extrusion,...
Margaret Evadell Parker Feazell answered the clarion call of the Master on Thursday, February 22, 2024, peacefully transitioning to join her loved ones around the Throne of God. She was the 3rd child of the late Arthur and Tillia Williams Parker; she grew up in the Mt. Pleasant community between West Monroe and Calhoun LA. A product of the public schools in Ouachita Parish, she graduated from Central High School. She earned a B.A. Degree in English/Speech & Drama from then Grambling College, a...
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...
In loving memory of Gary Kenneth Green, his family is saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Gary was born on June 24, 1954, in Rayville, LA, to Lula L. Green and the late Tommy Powell. He was adored by his family and friends, especially Tommy Robinson, among many others. He relocated to Monroe, LA, and was a retired employee of Monroe City Schools. Left to cherish fond memories are his wife Brenda Badger Green; mother Lula L. Green; sons - Timothy Green, Eric (Shanit)...
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...
In 1969, Monroe City Schools integrated, and Coach Rankins was sent to Neville High School as punishment. However, he turned this into a blessing by working hard for the students at Neville High School. Coach Rankins was a man of God, who professed God as his Lord and Savior. He was a member of Solomon Temple Baptist Church for all his life, growing up in the church as a child and remaining faithful as an adult churchgoer. Coach Rankins was a special guy who did things his way, not caring what...
It wasn’t for the faint of heart. It was words that needed to be said and heard in hopes that mistakes made by a school board or any school board in America would not happen again. But at a school board meeting on November 14, 2023, Monroe City Schools Board members and the public heard the results from findings of Investigators of the South, a firm hired by the board to investigate the activities concerning Superintendent Brent Vidrine. It was a long-awaited report that was scathing in detail about the shortcomings in how the system as a whole...
Allocate tax money where it's needed most, especially as southside schools grapple with innovative techniques and a one-size-fits-all mentality. The Monroe City School system acknowledges the greater needs of its low socioeconomic schools but falls short in providing essential resources. The problems these schools face are enormous, yet the public only hears about the system's dedication to providing opportunities without a clear plan of action. The public demands school accountability, not the lip service received for the last 50 years. Tax...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The arrest of the two suspects who have been charged in the shooting death of a 14-year-old hours after Carroll's 2023 homecoming football game brought a sense of relief to the community. The two suspects, one a 17-year-old minor and 19-year-old Joshua Smiley, are currently incarcerated, with both facing multiple charges. The minor is charged with Second-Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, two counts of Carrying a Weapon on...
No one knew how it might end. For weeks, there has been a cloud hanging over the Monroe City School Board as it grappled with how to handle what was called a "misconduct" allegation against Superintendent Brent Vidrine. Numerous meetings were held as the board sought ways to minimize the effects that a pending investigation would have on the school district, but it would not be business as usual. That all came to a head Monday night at a special meeting of the school board where members, by a 6-...
There were probably some concerned citizens whose children attend Monroe City School wondering when the day would come when the Monroe City School Board would take some form of action against Superintendent Brent Vidrine. The embattled superintendent is currently under investigation for alleged “misconduct” issues of a financial nature that have not been made public. Attempts were made at past meetings to suspend Vidrine with pay that failed for lack of a unanimous vote by board members. That all changed Tuesday, October 24, 2023 when boa...
Things are still tight-lipped at the Monroe City Schools Board concerning what, if anything, will come from the revelation that Superintendent. Brent Vidrine is the “person of interest" in an ongoing misconduct investigation. The board met on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 and one of the items on the agenda was for board members to convene in an executive session to receive information concerning the aforementioned investigation. That particular agenda item also would allow board members to have “follow-up discussions” regarding possible employee mis...
School has been in session for over a month, and the biggest news to report has been the firing of several high school football coaches and the almost suspension of a school superintendent. Football season practically dominates school activities, with various schools having their homecoming events to instill school pride among their students. But not lost in the process is the purpose of school, which is to educate all students who walk through its doors day-in-day-out. A dark cloud continues to hang over the Monroe City Schools District as...
It was on a Tuesday, September 9, 2023, Monroe City School Board meeting when board president Bill Willson made an announcement concerning a school employee that he said was under investigation. Willson, in a statement to fellow board members without mentioning any specifics, said, “Based on guidance received from our auditors and legal counsel, the Monroe City School District is notifying the public that notice has been submitted on the district’s behalf to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s office of...
Carroll High School in Monroe, LA, has been consistently overlooked in terms of renovations and improvements, which is concerning. It is disheartening to see other schools in the area receive nice new upgrades while Carroll High School is left with subpar conditions. As a parent of two Carroll graduates, one of whom graduates in May 2024, I am compelled to speak up about the inadequate state of the gym, weight room, and locker room. During a recent tour of these areas, as a parent, I was...
Congratulations Sonya Fields new Roy Shelling Elementary School Principal in Monroe LA. Principal was recently appointed principal recently. Fields has held several assistant principal positions in the Ouachita Parish and Monroe City Schools. She has a wealth of experience in education and looking forowrd to serving the community and Roy Shelling Elementary School....
With the exodus of Carroll High School Principal Dr. Eric Davis, there is a buzz concerning who will be the school's next principal. Carroll High School in Monroe LA has been a beacon of hope for the students and Black community since 1953 when the late Morris Henry Carroll set standards to keep the community's high esteem and integration. For much of the school's history, its leaders have been upheld by individuals who were and are products of Carroll. There is a mystic about Carroll, which lives today from yesterday, and that is why Carroll...
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...
The momentum by some conservative groups across the nation to get more involved in school board matters shows no signs of abating, as it could happen here in Monroe. At the Tuesday, April 11, 2023 meeting, board members heard from a former Monroe school member who voiced her concerns over a long-standing board policy. Nerrisa Bryant addressed board members saying that the policy that governs the curriculum process should have more involvement from parents. According to Bryant, current policy dictates that there is no requirement for parents to...
Otis Bay Powell, 61, was the son of Louis Glover and Cloteal Powell. He was born August 16, 1961. He was the youngest of eight children. Otis worked as a landscaper for 17 years at the Monroe City Schools before his retirement. He was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, April 6, 2023. Anyone who ever met Otis would tell you he was a cool dude. He would give anyone his last. All the kids in the neighborhood loved him. Otis was a good person to everyone. Left behind to cherish...
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 breakfast an...
“Strike the iron while it is hot” is what some may start to say regarding a proposed bill that is on Louisiana’s legislators’ plate. A pay raise authored by Joe Marino(I -85) would raise the legislator’s pay from $16,800 to $60,000. That’s a whopping almost 400% increase in pay for a job that is not full-time. You would need more than “two hands” to handle a whopper of that size. Seriously, some legislators should know that such a proposal could potentially raise the ire of many voters back home in their districts who do not have $60,000 sa...
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...
It wasn't smooth sailing, but Monroe City Schools Superintendent Brent Vidrine will hold onto his position for another two years as a majority of board members voted to extend his contract until June 2025. The Tuesday night, March 21, 2023 vote to extend Vidrine's contract was met by one "no" vote and a vote to abstain. Before the matter came for discussion, there seemed to be no rush to make a motion to move the matter along. Board President Bill Willson asked for a motion which was done by...
In the Bible, Jesus would sometimes speak in parables to others. He did this to make clearer the message He was trying to convey. This is what I am attempting to do with this article. There was a child who had a runny nose. The parents wiped his nose and kept going. The thing is- the child’s nose ran constantly and was accompanied by a persistent, strong cough. There was also a fever present, but the child’s parents refused to treat him, get medicine or take the child to be evaluated by a physician. The virus that was in the child, began to...
Alvin Culpepper aka Ali M. El-. Mohammed III March I2, 1944 - December l2, 2OO2 On March 12, 1944 in Monroe, Louisiana (Alvin Culpepper) who changed his name to Ali M. El-Mohammed lll was welcomed into the world by his parents, Lucille and Alvin, His childhood was spent in Monroe where he attended elementary and secondary schools.(Alvin) Ali was very proud of his participation in the civil rights movement of the 60's when he was a community /voters rights organizer for CORE (Congress of Racial...
Mr. Amos Brown Jr. was born to Amos and Roxie Brown Sr. on November 3, 1935, in Wisner, LA. At an early age, Amos confessed to Christ and was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Wisner, LA. He later joined Triumph Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon under the leadership of Reverend F.D. Nash and later Reverend Eddie Stewart. He was known at church to be the "singing deacon". He led many songs at the deacon pew as the "singing deacon" and unofficial choir member. During his service...
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...
Recent comments by a Monroe City Schools Board member at a Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2023 meeting may have had good intentions, but some did not receive those comments with a warm reception. School board president Bill Willson gave a board report on a trip to Washington, D.C., representing educational purposes and the Chamber of Commerce recently. While in Washington, Willson said he had a great opportunity to lobby Louisiana’s congressional delegation and the state’s superintendent. Willson said the superintendent is expected to visit...
In light of the recent attention given to long-standing work issues involving Monroe City Schools cafeteria employees, Monroe City Schools Board members are looking for solutions to adequately address those issues. The problems that cafeteria workers face are long hours on their feet, understaffing, no personal break time, issues keeping the cafeteria clean, low pay for many, and perhaps just a little recognition from their bosses. The Monroe Dispatch is doing a series of articles highlighting issues that employees say are prevalent in the...
The Monroe City Schools District is very aware that there are some pressing concerns involving the food/lunch program in its schools. Not only is there the issue of proper and adequate staffing at school cafeterias, but now the issue concerning the quality of food served may be of significance too. Nonetheless, sources believe school board leadership needs to look further. The Monroe Dispatch ran an article detailing the concerns of cafeteria workers who have to work many days and long hours...
I believe in giving honor to whom honor is due. For this past Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. week in our country, and every day, I salute him! I honor him with his own words. After hearing many of his speeches and various quotes, I noticed the main themes throughout his work are service, love, knowing your worth, freedom, equality, and victory. A minister of the word of God, chosen by God, who heard the cries of oppressed African-American people suffering from Jim Crow laws in the...
The Monroe City School Board is off to a new four-year challenge for the kids they serve, as two changes are on the board in the form of a new board member and returning board member, Brenda Shelling. Board members Bill Willson, Brandon Johnson, Betty Ward-Cooper, Jennifer Haneline, and Daryl Berry were elected to serve for another four-year term. All appeared to be up for the challenge. And a challenge it will be. As with school districts across the nation, the Monroe City School Board has a responsibility to educate children with the best tha...
Dear Black people of Monroe, LA, Why do we sit back and allow our own people to oppress us and deny us the progress that we seek and fight so hard to succeed and achieve for our people? Witnessing the voting process at the Monroe City School Board meeting held Tuesday, January 10, 2023, was humiliating and demeaning. It was especially disturbing to see Betty Ward Cooper be betrayed, stabbed in the back, and trampled over by Daryll Berry, who single-handedly made a mockery of our Black struggles...
