Morning
Monroe
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Roy Heatherly retired as Monroe Chamber of Commerce CEO Tuesday after nearly five years of service (a period marked by growth), and the board named Mike Downhour as the new president and CEO effective today as chamber leaders expect continued momentum. KNOE
- ➤ Roy Heatherly retired from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce after serving five years and plans to continue cheering on the community — his successor Mike Downhour is expected to guide the chamber into a new phase. KNOE
- ➤ Mike Downhour has been chosen as the new CEO of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce effective today (selected from over 30 applicants) as Roy Heatherly retires after five years of service. The appointment marks a new chapter for the Chamber with continued local growth. KNOE
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council will host Réveillon: A Night for the Arts on Jan. 10 at Bayou Pointe—featuring a VIP pre-event at 7 p.m. and main festivities with live performances, dinner and auctions that will support local artists and arts organizations. KNOE
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ This New Year, Monroe residents can help keep streets clean by picking up litter and disposing of trash properly, as a recent report shows 143.8 million pieces littering Louisiana roads (a reminder that small actions can protect nature and property). KNOE
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Experts with Family Solutions warn that New Year’s fireworks may trigger PTSD in local veterans, and they advise using quiet spaces + headphones to help manage distress. KNOE
- ➤ Experts with Family Solutions (a veteran support group) warn that loud fireworks and crowded New Year’s celebrations may trigger PTSD symptoms in veterans, potentially causing panic. KNOE
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ouachita head coach was named 5A Coach of the Year after the team won its first State Championship since 1989 in 2025 (a historic season for the school). KNOE
- ➤ Ouachita won its second State Championship in 2025 with a 21-20 victory over Ruston, marking a historic win as they became the first 5A team to capture the title after placing fifth in their district. Coach Benjy Lewis was named 5A Coach of the Year. KNOE
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