Good morning, Monroe.

More than 70 seniors attended the inaugural self-defense class on Friday, Aug.

14 at the Carolyn Rose Strauss Senior Center as Monroe Police Department and Mayor Friday Ellis taught essential safety techniques. Future sessions are being planned to help seniors stay safe.

Local officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Cheniere Lake to mark Phase II of the Ouachita Paddling Trails expansion — which adds six new scenic routes and launch sites in Monroe and West Monroe.

The updated website now features weekend itineraries to help locals and visitors explore our waterways.

West Monroe's Kiroli Park reopens today after a six-month storm damage closure as volunteers helped clear debris (admission is free while the gatehouse is under repair); meanwhile, ULM health experts urge parents to pack whole foods in school lunches to boost classroom focus and curb rising pediatric issues.

West Monroe will hold public meetings on Tuesday, Aug.

18 at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall and Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 8:30 a.m. at Kayla’s Kitchen to review temporary downtown streetscape improvements. The four-to-six-week demonstration project features extra parking, slower traffic, and safer pedestrian crossings, and officials seek community feedback.

The City of Monroe will shut off water on Monday, Aug.

17 at 2 a.m. for four to six hours (from Thomas Avenue to Virginia Street) for system inspections before upgrades begin; residents should store water and use caution near work zones.

The Northeast Delta Human Service Authority will launch the Evidence to Practice Institute to improve behavioral health treatments (including work at the new R.I.S.E.

Center for pregnant women) and will hire researchers to boost patient care and job opportunities locally.

Monroe dietitian Cindy Brantley and ULM College of Health Sciences dean Wendy Bailes advise parents to pack whole, unprocessed foods in school lunches as students return to classes; they say healthy meals boost focus and may lower risks of diabetes and hypertension (RealFood.gov offers guidance).

Sterlington Business Alliance and Monroe Chamber of Commerce welcomed St. Francis Primary Care Clinic on Friday on Highway 165 North.

The clinic offers comprehensive care with Dr. Harry Hawthorne, III on staff and will open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.