Good morning, Monroe.

Monroe’s Heliworx Aviation is using new drones to spray and seed farms instead of traditional crop dusters, which helps avoid overspray and improves safety near power lines (owner David Dew said each model learns from the last).

The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 Business Expo at the Glenwood Medical Mall on Thursday, June 26 from 4 to 7 p.m., with over 100 local vendors + door prizes, free live music and food samples available to help residents network and support local businesses.

Monroe is getting ready to host the 62nd annual Miss Louisiana Competition at the Monroe Civic Center’s W.L.

“Jack” Howard Theatre with preliminaries on June 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and a final round on June 21 at 8 p.m. Viewers can watch the final competition on KNOE Channel 8 and its streaming platforms — Mayor Friday Ellis said he is proud to partner with the Miss Louisiana Organization to support the contest.

The WM mayor urged local officials to secure additional funds for repairing roads and bridges—stressing that aging infrastructure needs attention—and said he will push for proposals to ensure public safety and service improvements.

West Monroe officials are considering House Bill 359 to help emergency doctors protect patients by giving them clear steps to assist people suspected to be human trafficking victims.

The bill was proposed because hospitals lacked a plan for caring for these victims—forcing doctors to improvise support.

Monroe City Council rejected Mayor Friday Ellis’ appointment of Timothy Williams as chief of the Monroe Fire Department earlier this week+ the move leaves the department without a confirmed new leader.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed House Bill 74 Tuesday that lets domestic abuse survivors disable vehicle tracking when they show proof of ownership and a protective order—manufacturers must act within two business days or face fines up to $10,000 per violation—which will support a new Survivor Empowerment Fund.

The Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network will join with the Locked On Podcast Network on June 16 to bring daily local coverage of Saints — Pelicans — LSU and SEC sports from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT across 13 Gulf Coast markets including Monroe.

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.

Open House at 116 Bordeaux Drive

7-9 p.m. — 116 Bordeaux Dr, West Monroe, LA — Free entry — Explore a charming home with spacious rooms and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for summer relaxation.

JSE Team Camp: High School Basketball Showcase

12-5 p.m. — West Monroe Sports & Events — Ticket fees apply — Showcase your basketball skills at Louisiana's only NCAA-approved event for high school teams.