Good morning, Monroe.

Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana will host Clean Out Your Freezer Day on Aug.

23 at various drop-off sites (dates vary) including Monroe, inviting community members to donate properly packaged frozen goods to help local food banks and shelters. The drive aims to exceed last year’s 18,500-pound record.

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce honored its top 20 community members from over 70 nominees today, including Lakeysha Doyle, Taylor Michiels and Zach Johnson — recipients recognized for their service and local contributions.

Community members gathered Thursday for the grand opening of The Back Nine Golf in West Monroe, which now offers state-of-the-art virtual golf simulators (117 Constitution Drive) for daily play, memberships, and special events.

The City of Monroe announced Hollis Walker as the new Downtown Monroe Main Street Director.

He will work with local business owners, community leaders (and volunteers) to strengthen downtown's appeal.

Nutritionist Jen Avis explained on Good Morning ArkLaMiss that tomatoes’ lycopene may help protect against cancers when cooked with fat+oil to boost nutrient release.

She noted that tomatoes are low in calories and offer vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and iron.

On Thursday, healthcare leaders met at VCOM for the Louisiana Rural Health Association Policy Forum to discuss upcoming state and federal regulations that could change rural healthcare.

They reviewed federal grant funding and planned additional support to help local hospitals and clinics tailor care for the community.

Today, West Monroe Community Center launches a free senior wellness program that offers exercise classes and health education for local seniors.

The program will hold regular sessions at the center to help older community members stay active and healthy.