Good morning, Monroe.

DMWM opened Phase I of the Ouachita Paddling Trails on May 14 at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Boat Dock in Monroe—this new project provides six paddling trails for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

City of West Monroe, North Delta Regional Planning and Development District and local volunteer Steve Birmingham worked together to set safety guidelines and plan monthly paddling events.

The City of Monroe will hold a ribbon cutting at Forsythe Park’s tennis courts at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 with Picnic in the Park from 5 to 8 p.m. Community members can expect free access to food trucks, local vendors and live music — a celebration of the park's progress.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office warned local businesses on May 15 about a potential scam where a man called tire shops to buy 18 wheeler tires using different credit cards and arranged for a third party pickup—businesses are urged to report similar calls to the office.

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is hosting a drawing on 529 Day to award a $529 deposit into a family’s college savings account—families who deposit at least $29 into a state-approved plan by May 29 will be entered to win.

Ouachita Parish School System is preparing to launch its Summer Feeding Program to provide meals for families across Northeast Louisiana during the summer break — the program will help meet the nutritional needs of students when school is out.

This effort aims to support local families throughout the community.

Desiard Street at the intersection of South Grand Street and Endom Bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, May 19th at 8:30 a.m. as Amethyst Construction mills the asphalt to overlay new pavement until further notice — drivers are advised to use detours on South Grand Street, North 4th Street or St. John Street.

Several Northeast Louisiana parishes have put no-wake orders in place because water levels are high.

Boaters must operate at the slowest speed possible — a rule that helps minimize waves on local waterways.

Drivers in Monroe face heavy construction along Desiard Street + toward Endom Bridge that is slowing traffic.

NBC 10 News Today featured Kris Stubblefield from West Monroe as she joined Jadyn Maloney to share grilling and cooking tips for Memorial Day.

The segment provided clear advice for holiday cooking that viewers can use as they plan their meals.

North Louisiana Quilters Guild Monthly Meeting

6:30-8:00 p.m. — 2407 Ferrand St, Monroe, LA — Free entry — Engage with fellow quilting enthusiasts during this monthly gathering.

Kitten Shower

10 AM – 4 PM — Ouachita Valley Branch Library — Free admission — Celebrate kittens with snuggles, refreshments, and educational demonstrations.

Pre-Father's Day Blues Show

6-11:59 p.m. — The Hub Event Venue — General Admission $33.85, VIP $81.88 — Experience vibrant blues music on the Creed & Creed Stage before Father's Day.