Good morning, Monroe.

Benita Lovell is turning an old elementary school in Transylvania into an animal shelter plus training center and plans to set up a temporary shelter soon.

Volunteers are needed to help clean up the property and support a fundraiser launching October 1st with tickets priced at $25.

Local musician Robert Finley will be honored with a Northeast Louisiana Music Trail marker on September 20 at 2 p.m. at the Bernice Depot Museum at 424 Fourth St—Finley will perform with special guests during this free event that marks his musical journey.

The University of Louisiana Monroe is hosting An Evening of Music by Steven Landis today at 7:30 p.m. The concert features guest artists Katherine Altobello, a mezzo-soprano, Claire Vangelisti, a soprano, and pianist Richard Seiler — performing original works that blend classical tunes with modern sounds.

Choice Brands will host a Spirits and Whiskey Tasting on Friday, September 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. in downtown West Monroe to celebrate the upcoming Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival—this event will include live music, food trucks, a pie-baking contest, and regional entertainment with all proceeds benefiting Celtic tradition preservation.

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced today that she is launching a months-long educational campaign to help voters understand the shift to closed party primaries for offices such as U.S. Senate — U.S. House — Louisiana Supreme Court — Public Service Commission — and BESE. The campaign will start with an educational mail piece arriving in households with registered voters in the coming days.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office will host the 2025 Youth Fishing Tournament on Saturday, September 13 for kids ages 2-12 to fish in any parish waterways starting at 6 a.m. Participants will bring their catch to a weigh-in at OPSO Public Shooting Range (10 to 11 a.m.) with winners announced at 11:30 a.m. and enjoy face painting, archery, door prizes, hot dogs and snow cones as registration stays open until September 12.

ULM hosted a Suicide Prevention Month Wellness Walk that saw dozens of participants walking in the heat to raise awareness for on-campus and community mental health resources — the event is part of a national effort to support students facing college stress.

Officials said the walk emphasized available help for those transitioning to college life and needing guidance.

Wossman Wildcats coach John Diarse aims to get a strong win against Ouachita after a 25-0 shutout in 2024.

The Farm Bureau Game of the Week will be held Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. — the team looks to turn their season around.

Water Sweep 2025

8-10 a.m. — University of Louisiana Monroe — Free — Participate in a community cleanup followed by paddling and local activities.

The Hilarity House Showcase

6-11:59 p.m. — Enoch's Irish Pub — $15 General Admission, $125 VIP Table — Enjoy a night of laughter with a lineup of talented comedians.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Kiroli Park — Free entry — Celebrate Celtic culture with live music, activities for all ages, and unique artisan vendors.

Fall Celebration

10 AM – 1 PM — Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center — Free entry — Celebrate Fall with fun activities like birdhouse building and canoeing for kids of all ages.