No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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A look at the agenda for Tuesday night's December 1 meeting for the Monroe City Schools Board seemed to be a typical one where there wasn't anything that would lead attendees to think that it would last long. There were several guests who spoke on matters before the board that was routine in that it was informative, and did not require any action from board members. That was until it was time for each board member to give their report of what was going on in their districts or anything else...
It's always best to be prepared and when opportunities present themselves, your professional credential are straight, when it's time to take on new challenges. Former teacher Dena Sampson, now administrator has moved on up. The former teacher has moved up to assistant principal in Monroe City Schools. Sampson has a special passion in helping children succeed. Congratulations Mrs. Sampson!...
Verbon Muhammad is no stranger to civic involvement. The former District 4 Monroe City Schools Board member has lent his voice and talents to make the city better through his tenure on the school board and his work within the Black community. Muhammad appeared before the Monroe City Council Tuesday (Nov.24) seeking approval to a request seeking permission from the city to open a religious themed initiative on Winnsboro Road. In order for Muhamad to move forward with his project, he voluntary agreed to a waiver whereby anyone who had an...
The road to glory has no stop signs, no detours or rest areas. It's with a saddened heart to report that Darryl Savage went home to be with the Lord on Monday November 23, 2020. He was a father who loved his kids. His heart was so big with them that whatever they participated in at school or other places, he was always there cheering them own or giving them inspiration. Darryl was friend, co-worker and a great person. He worked as an educator in the Monroe City schools for numerous years, while...
Kenneth Okieth Wade 51, was born on June 30 1969 and on November 15, 2020 he went home to Glory. Kenneth went Carver Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High and graduated from Wossman High School in Monroe LA. He played basketball for Wossman High School just like his brother Tires Wade Jr. He is going to deeply missed by his family because he was the light and glue to his family. He worked for the City of Monroe for 25yrs.in the Sanitation Department. He also worked for Monroe City Schools at...
It was an idea perhaps with good intentions, but one where the start of it, may not be so good. The Monroe City Schools Board will implement a new school concept called "Flex Day", where teachers within the District will have a day to "let teachers have more time to plan, meet with parents or work with students more intensely", according to Superintendent Brent Vidrine. It was also to be a way for the District to get a better handle on how to further address the complications and stress that is...
On Friday November 6, at the Monroe City Classic Carroll Wossman Football Game at Wossman Grady Jones Stadium in Monroe LA, both Wossman and Carroll High Schools paid homage to the late Carroll/Wossman Football Coach and former Wossman Football Standout the late Osario Kyles. Tributes, accolades and mementos were presented to his family by both schools. What a kind gesture to Osario!...
Hearts are saddened at the news of the passing Donald Ray Fields, 56. Donald was the son of the late Andrew and Dorothy Fields. He was a Richwood 1981 Graduate and a member of the Mighty Gospel Aires. He was a good fellow who worked and retired from the Monroe City Schools. He was a member of Greater Free Gift Baptist Church in Monroe LA. Donald promoted concerts with the most memorable was when the Bar-Kays came to Richwood Park. He went home to be with the Lord on Friday September 18, 2020....
The road to glory has no appointed date or time. Sadly, former Monroe resident Donald Givens went home to be with the Lord on Friday September 8, 2020, according to a family friend. This year has been extremely hard on families with many unexpected deaths during this pandemic. Givens was a former teacher in the Monroe City Schools Sherrouse Alternative School where he taught social studies. He was also a retired LA State Trooper. He will be remembered as a great person, teacher, husband and...
If given the chance more students in Monroe, LA can be successful. However, the Monroe City Schools System (MCS) is failing the areas of Monroe that need the most support – the city's southside community and schools. In the most recent school board meeting, the MSC school board elected to extend the superintendent's contract for another year with a 5-2 vote, despite failed leadership under Superintendent Brett Virdine's administration. Was pressure applied to board members Saulsberry and G...
Farewell Donald Ray "Meat" "Coach" Sheridan has ended his journey and has gone home to be with the Lord. Many knew him as "Meat" later he was known as "Coach"! "Coach" was one of the boys who hung out on the Block on Renwick St. in front of Humphrey's Store also crossing the street hanging out at Murray' s & CC's Barber Shop in Monroe LA, you would find someone hanging out rain, sleet or snow. "Meat" was highly intelligent gaining a master's degree from NLU now ULM and an undergraduate degree...
As part of its new Leaders in Law Enforcement Award, Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) is honoring one Louisiana sheriff's department for exceptional work in their field. The 2020 awardee is the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Department. Their program Deputies Making a Change (DMAC) provides mentoring to address the incarceration and school dropout rate among vulnerable male youth in Ouachita Parish in Monroe LA. DMAC was implemented by Deputy Kenneth Tramble with the support of Sheriff Jay...
On Saturday, August 8, 2020, the sweet spirit of Sister Mary Magdalean Woods Young, went to join the Savior in that home not built with hands, but whose maker and builder is God. Sister Mary Magdalean Woods Young was born March 1, 1929 to the late Malinda Woods Russell in Monroe Louisiana, as she was lovingly called, confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Jerusalem Baptist Church by the late Reverend John Housley. Upon moving to West Monroe, Louisiana she united with the New...
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! Contact Us Got news, been somewhere, need a listening ear, been wronged, need to tell the world, call us, we can help!...
Sunrise March 28, 1954; Sunset August 18, 2020 Debra Rena Johnson-Moy Williams was a 1972 Richwood High School Graduate. She worked at Monroe City Schools for 30 years as a food technician and retired in 2012 from Minnie Ruffin Elementary School. Left to cherish memories are one son, Jerome Moy; two daughters- Kenyatta Moy and Khakenya Moy Edwards (De'Martinas); 3 goddaughters; Rayetta Goodin Jacobs, La'Ria & Sha'Quece Goodin. 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Debra was preceded in...
Bernadine Ware Staten, the last-born child of six of the late Luke Ware and late Everist Watkins Ware, was born in Monroe, LA on July 23, 1957. Bernadine departed this life on July 28, 2020. Bernadine accepted Christ at an early age at her family’s church, St. Matthews Church of Christ Holiness in Monroe, LA. Bernadine attended Swayze Elementary School before attending Ouachita and Richwood Junior High Schools. Bernadine went on to graduate from Richwood High School in 1975. Upon her graduation, Bernadine attended Northeast Louisiana U...
When children go back to school in a few weeks, it will be vastly different from this time a year ago. A year ago, school districts around the nation and even around the world were making preparations for the start of the new school year. There was excitement in the air, friends who hadn’t seen each other over the summer and those that kept in contact with each other, were all talking about going back to school. Parents were glad for school to start because they knew where their children would be for at least 6-7 hours of the day. But this year...
January 27, 1954 – July 10, 2020 Danny Lester Wilson was born January 27, 1954 in Monroe, LA. He was the only son of Stacy Ralph and Juanita Long Wilson. Danny has three sisters, Jacquelyn Long Jones of Monroe, Stacie LaVonne Wilson Dickerson of Arlington, TX, and Prince Ella Wilson Brown of Lewisville, TX. Danny passed away on July 10, 2020 in Arlington, TX after complications from a fall. In life, Danny was a strong and brave fighter, and of all the challenges he faced, there was nothing t...
With cities across America now removing confederate statues and names, now is the time for the Monroe City School Board to rename those schools that represent slavery, a symbol of shame to everyone and injustice to Black people. Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee name should be removed and renamed ASAP. We thank the City School Board for renaming Abraham Lincoln Elementary. Black and white should be involved in choosing the new names. Some may ask why? If we are to try in healing the racial...
Jesse Smith goes by a lot of names, including a coach, elder, husband, dad, and grandpa. In a few weeks, he hopes to add the title, councilman to his list of duties. He is one of four candidates vying for the District 4 city council seat. Smith was reared along with his brothers and sisters in Sterlington, LA, by his parents, Howard and Leola Smith. One thing he remembers most of his childhood was the bond of the Black community where he grew up. Most raised around him grew up, understanding...
Mayor Jamie Mayor, BBA Graduate of ULM (1979) Monroe, LA, has proven leadership in government, business, education, and community affairs. Mayor Mayo has served as co-chair of Governor Jon Bel Edwards Transition Team (in 2015), and he has helped progress the city's professional workforce with significant job growth at CenturyLink, Gardner-Denver Thomas, IBM, Graphic Packaging, along with 2,000 new businesses (of all sizes) who have set up shop in Monroe during his administration. Mayor Mayo has...
Fear of the spread of Coronavirus closed schools, sports, stores, almost everything in the U.S. down in mid March except essential businesses. Attempting to bring closure to the 2019-2020 school year made one school in Monroe LA come to an abrupt closing. At Carver Elementary School an employee was found with Coronavirus shutting the end of school operation down until further notice. All of the city schools were attempting to finalize the school year where one had to completely closed while the...
4 Census: 10 Minutes will Shape the Next 10 Years While you are at home, please take some time to complete the 2020 Census. By now, everyone should have received a letter in the mail from the U.S. Census Bureau, with a blue letter inside. If you misplaced your letter, or if you are displaced from your home – you can still participate. Go to www.2020Census. gov We need to make sure everyone living in Monroe is counted. The quick 10-minute survey simply takes a count of everyone currently living in your home. The information submitted c...
Free Coronavirus Testing Sites in Ouachita Parish I am pleased to inform you that FREE mobile testing for the Coronavirus will be available to residents in Monroe/Ouachita Parish beginning Monday, May 18. Starting next week, and over a four-week period, in Ouachita Parish, we are utilizing the parking lots of local churches, schools, and recreation centers to provide our residents with free mobile testing for the Coronavirus. Governor John Bel Edwards has repeatedly said the availability of more testing is key to us being able to move into...
Greetings Citizens of Monroe: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28. I, Bishop Rodney McFarland, am blessed to have the opportunity to recognize, give thanks, and support Honorable James E. (Jamie) Mayo for re-election. As a loyal supporter, I would like to take this time to express my appreciation to Mayor Mayo for his 25+ years of experience, proven leadership, and great success shown all over...
My name is A. B. Davis-Johnson, Sr. I have the honor of serving as Pastor for Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. The purpose of this article is to tell you why Mayor Jamie Mayo deserves our prayers, support and vote to serve as Mayor for the next four years. Mayor Mayo and his family have dedicated their lives to serving this community. His wife is a retired educator; and, their two children are nurses working on the frontlines to take care of people during this coronavirus pandemic....
LaVargne Nadine Gunn-Ford, 73, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away at 5:00 AM, Saturday, March 21, 2020 at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA. She was the daughter of the late Charley Gunn Sr. and Patsy Gunn. She is survived by her son Jerry Patrick Ford and her daughter Elizabeth Rose Ford, her lone surviving sister Jocelyn Gunn Stephens, five grandchildren, numerous cousins, and countless friends/sorors/colleagues whose lives she has deeply touched. Born LaVargne Nadine Gunn on January...
Students are out of school until at least April 14, but Monroe City Schools will offer student meals and optional at-home learning resources to families. The at-home learning resources will be available two ways: online at www.mcschool.net and printed packets can be picked up beginning Tuesday, March 17. The same day the district will begin providing grab and go meals for children. Monroe City Schools educators will also operate a hotline for families who need academic support. Meals will be provided weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.,...
Rakeya " Brighty" Wiley had dreams when she was growing up. Just before she finished high school, she wanted to attend Baylor University. One thing that was certain in her life, and that was her desire to leave Monroe. A relative told her to get out of the city while she was in the ninth grade. Success, she was told, would be easier to attain outside of Monroe, and even Louisiana. Wiley would go on to attend McNeese State University located in Lake Charles, LA which became home for her. By the t...
Richwood/Ouachita Legend Fredrick "Freddy Bear" McHenry was a quiet giant in the United States and our area community. Freddy Bear was a humble, God-fearing man who had many people who guided and impacted his life. He possessed the type of character that, when challenged, he fought with determination. That tenacity and determination were on display his entire life. Freddy Bear graduated from Richwood High School, where he played on Richwood's first state championship football team in 1962....
To address issues involving our youth, Monroe City School Board has teamed up with CITIES and the SAVE organizations to create a Task Force to initially focus on three main areas of youth issues. Those issues are Youth Education and Learning, Youth Discipline and Behavior at School, and Empowering Parents. We are asking all stakeholders ex. (Schools, business community, State and Local Government, Law agencies, Religious, Civic, Fraternal, and Healthcare Organizations) to be involved. The meeting will be held Thursday March 19, 2020 at 6PM in...
By Symiah Joseph I know you are wondering why I brought my hat. This hat is a representation of a person who wears many hats. That would be our Mayor. Now, we all know, if someone wear many hats, that means what? That means they have a whole lot of experience in good work ethics. Now, let's talk about experience. E – is for Economic Development... various businesses have opened from small to large to create more than 2,000 jobs since 2001. X – is for eXpertise. He has expertise in business pra...
A former resident of Monroe LA, Berry Denson Burkhalter, Sr. passed away in Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 19, 2020. He was a retiree of the Monroe City School System having taught at Carroll and Wossman High Schools. Visitation at Miller & Daughter Mortuary, Zachary, Louisiana on Friday, February 28, 2020 from 11:00 am until service at noon; interment at Louisiana National Cemetery. Survivors include his children, Paula B. Grant and Jerry J. Burkhalter; grandson, Jovan Grant; five...
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...
Coach Smith District 4, Monroe City Council I am a Monroe LA, Ouachita Parish native. I have lived in district 4 for over 35 years. I have been an advocate for the improvement of the Southside for many years. I am currently retired however; I have worked as an educator and coach in the Monroe City School System for 30 plus years. I have also worked in the City of Monroe Recreation Department with a variety of youth programs. I believe my work experience combined with years of community...
Carroll "Big 15 Plus Reunion" Carroll High School Classes of 1953-1972-If you were not in attendance at the August 2018 Carroll High School "Big 15 Reunion" (Classes of 1953-1967), we cannot adequately tell you what you missed, but let us try anyway! It was simply fantastic, outstanding, unforgettable, wonderful, perfect, and exceptionally pleasing and well done! Approximately 300 excited beautiful persons from 15 different classes participated. Former students of Monroe Colored High, Terzia (Ri...
What could have been every parent's nightmare involving a school aged child happened Thursday afternoon at Carroll High School. An incident involving a bus belonging to the Monroe City School Board had a lot of students and school personnel frightened, after seeing it crash into a public library. The accident happened on Renwick Street where the Carver-McDaniel Library Branch is located next to Carroll High and Carroll Jr. High Schools. According to sources that witnessed the accident, the bus...
Cornbread Dressing Sale Monroe City Schools’ School Nutrition Association Cornbread Dressing Sale. Orders can be called in October 17-November 18, 2019- Dressing Price: $15-1/2 Pan or $25-Full Pan- Homemade Yeast Rolls Price: $6-dozen- Monday-Sunday Contact Person: Ms. Faye Lemons (318) 323-6338 or (318) 503-2066- If no answer please leave your name/order and you will be contacted to confirm the order has been received. Pick Up Date(s) November 20-22, 2019 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Clara Hall Elementary 1000 Plum St. Monroe L...
Community leaders come in all shapes, sizes and colors. What makes them stand apart is the heart inside of them for what they do, in order to make a difference in the community. Emmanuel Brown, Jr. is not the biggest or the tallest among leaders in the community. But what the short in stature man does with our at risk young Black boys, is the stuff of which legends are made. Affectionately known as Coach "Tattoo" in the Booker T. community, Brown is a very respected individual, especially by...
Playing on Ignorance There are citizens who do not know the Monroe City Schools are planning to build a new Martin Luther King Jr. School! The citizens who don’t know will know when their houses flood again and the unbearable traffic on Parkview and East Streets. SCIA Monthly Meeting Southside Community Involvement Association (SCIA) October Meeting is Thursday, October 4, 6 p.m. Democratic Candidate for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, Jessee C. Fleenor, will be on hand and official voting will also be made available for all to pra...
The Louisiana Department of Education today announced the state is the recipient of a $9 million grant to expand mental health services to students to support health development and prevent youth violence. Louisiana has been awarded the Project Advancing Wellness and Resilience Education (Project AWARE) grant through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "In order to truly serve every child, every day, we must understand and meet their learning needs, as well as their social and emotional needs," said State Superin...
Four years ago there was a near-complete overhaul of the Monroe City School Board, as four new members, a former board member, and new superintendent were seated. The current board’s performance has received mixed reviews, as the oversight from the Department of Justice concerning a decades old desegregation lawsuit seems to be settled, but there appears to be some things that are going on in the city school system that some believe that Superintendent Brent Vidrine should address. There is a situation in the system where an employee is c...
A local civil rights group said that it could not support the Monroe City School Board as it seeks relief from federal oversight concerning a decades old desegregation lawsuit. The Monroe chapter of the NAACP held a Tuesday afternoon press conference, denouncing the school board's attempt to free itself from a federal lawsuit that literally looked as though it would never come to a satisfactory conclusion. The Consent Decree that has had jurisdiction over how the Monroe City System has gone...
On April 10, 1944 God blessed the union of the late John Gray, Jr. and the late Naomi Brown Gray with the birth of their first son Julian Maylon Gray. Julian passed to his eternal reward Thursday October 5, 2017. During his early years, Julian was reared in the Gentry Quarters of Monroe LA known as "Newtown". He began his primary education at Newtown School, and later attended grade school at Carver Elementary School. Julian was a very bright child and an academically gifted student. As early...
