Good morning, Monroe.

Ouachita Green will host its Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, Mar.

14 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Residents can drop off approved hazardous and electronic items (free drive-through service) to safely recycle waste (donations welcome).

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo features crested geckos from New Caledonia that can live 20 years and show quirky habits (licking their eyes) due to no eyelids; the zoo will hold a community volunteer day on March 21 at 9 a.m. while its Reptile Building stays closed until spring.

West Monroe will see a tourism boost as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association hosts its Junior Division Championship March 20 to 22 and Adult Division Championship March 26 to 29 at the Sports+Events complex, and Morehouse Elementary will be charter managed for three years starting next school year.

After weeks of ice storms, Louisiana Blue Foundation provided a $50,000 grant to the Food Bank to help families receive food and water during power outages.

The grant — a crucial boost for local food access — supports Monroe residents recovering from severe weather.

DISH dropped channels KNOE and KAQY on Tuesday, March 10 in Monroe after a renewal deal was not reached, and customers can call 800-333-3474 to ask for their return.

From March 30 until April 4 the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum will host Easter Village with cookie decorating, bunny patch visits and STEM crafts (admission is $15 for ages 2+).

The Easter Bunny will visit on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council is hosting Color 318: A Kids Art Project for children and families across 12 parishes.

The free event will take place on March 18 — participants are invited to download a special coloring sheet, decorate it, and share their artwork to celebrate local creativity.

Louisiana will spend an extra $42.3 million on SNAP starting July 1 as new federal law shifts more costs to the state and removes work exemptions for some; officials warn spending could reach $151 million next year (affecting about 756,000 residents).

Louisiana Economic Development designated 19 industrial sites in 16 parishes including Ouachita to boost preparation for large employers.

Negotiations to finalize infrastructure at South Monroe Industrial Park continue and construction will begin within nine months.

West Carroll Parish Schools received a grant to buy CPR training equipment (to help students learn vital skills).

The board said the training prepares students for emergency situations.

Students from grades 5-12 gathered at ULM in Monroe for the Region III Louisiana Science and Engineering Fair, where roughly 100 participants showcased projects in fields including biology and physics.

The event supported local STEM education and some winners will advance to the state competition.

Walk Around the Block for Autism

1-5 p.m. — Northeast Louisiana State Office Building (Back Parking Lot) — Registration required — Participate in a community walk to support autism awareness and enjoy a fun expo.