Good morning, Monroe.

WMWO Chamber is hosting two events — Wild Wild West on Friday, Apr.

10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Alley Park and an AI course for small businesses on Thursday, Apr. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 112 Professional Drive in West Monroe.

Ouachita Green is hosting the Leaders Against Litter cleanup event on April 20 at 10 a.m. at West Monroe City Hall + community members are invited to help keep the area clean.

West Ouachita FFA has reopened the greenhouses at West Ouachita High School for spring and FFA students are selling herb gardens, hanging baskets, flowers and vegetable plants to the public during school hours, accepting cash+credit card+check with all proceeds benefiting the club.

Ouachita Parish Schools are preparing for LEAP tests to begin next week that will measure student performance in English, math, science and social studies and assign letter grades to schools.

The test results may affect school choices (a factor families consider when moving into the area).

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office will host a summer cadet class for kids to experience deputy training with obstacle courses and SWAT demos.

The program offers sessions in early, mid, and late summer for ages 10 to 18 at 357 Sheriff Fewell Road in West Monroe and costs $50.

The West Monroe Board of Aldermen approved a $30k check earlier this week to fund a new animal shelter built per a 2017 pledge.

The vote supports long-term community plans for better local animal care.

Travelers can apply for TSA PreCheck at Monroe Regional Airport from April 14 to 17 at 5400 Operations Road.

Appointments run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; applicants must bring ID and citizenship proof with family discounts (two save $15, four save $30).

Maira Ansari joined a call with a first responder—the official youngest paramedic—to experience firsthand the essential work during local emergencies.

The call provided insight into how emergency services operate in our community.

ULM has received $2.26 million to launch its Food Is Medicine program, which will integrate clinically prescribed medicine with professional care + help prevent and treat chronic illnesses.

The initiative was announced yesterday.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and local officials urge drivers to silence alerts and set their GPS.

West Monroe Police Chief Jason Pleasant and driving instructor Charles Crain — who notes distractions include phones, eating and music — say staying focused on the road can help prevent accidents.

Open Pottery Studio for Experienced Potters

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Clay & Canvas Art Studio — Cost varies — Refine your pottery skills in a supportive and creative environment.

Justin Moore: One Moore Night

7-11 p.m. — Fant-Ewing Coliseum — Beneficiary event — Experience an exclusive acoustic show supporting ULM student-athletes' success.

Do The Crawl de Mayo Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Vibez Lounge — Tickets required — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with festive drinks, contests, and lively pub crawling in Downtown Monroe.

1st Sundays at The Zoo

3-9 p.m. — Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo — Free parking — Experience a vibrant evening with live performances, great food, and backyard fun.