Good morning, Monroe.

American Auto and Little Veterinary Services are hosting a pet costume contest for Halloween throughout October—submissions of pet photos may earn a feature on KNOE’s digital platforms and on-air.

The contest runs from October 1 to 31.

Today, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce launched the third Skeletons on Tower Drive contest with a rib-bone cutting at CC’s Coffee House on Tower Drive, where local businesses and families decorated blank skeletons to raise funds for ARCO and the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum—supporting community projects and expansion of educational programs.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Office of Cultural Development announced sub-grants worth over $457,000 to fund 11 projects that will preserve historic sites and support scholarships and training across Louisiana.

The funds paid for surveys, documentation, and updates to historic areas — work that protects our heritage for future generations.

UL Monroe’s Director of Athletic Bands Allen Parish spoke on Good Morning ArkLaMiss about the President’s Own Marine Band Concert set for October 13 — the event will feature live performances by the band.

The ULM Museum of Natural History has launched a new exhibit made with ULM English students that displays Louisiana’s iconic symbols—honeybee, petrified palm wood, and pirogue—and features interactive audio and QR codes for more details.

The exhibit is on the first floor of Hanna Hall and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with free admission.

Derondre Hatfield, a Carroll Junior High alum, returned as the new band director in Monroe and uses his experience as a bass drummer and drum major to guide young musicians.

He plans to grow the program to over 100 students—drawing on lessons from past mentors to inspire the next generation.

University of Louisiana Monroe's Master's Counseling program has been named one of the state's best for 2026 and ranked number 2 — it trains students with strong skills to serve local communities.

Ouachita Green held its Water Sweep event on October 2, 2025—volunteers from Monroe, West Monroe, Sterlington and ULM joined to clean local waterways and green areas.

The group will host America Recycles Day on November 15 at the Monroe Civic Center to continue reducing litter in the community.

Louisiana lawmakers are blaming each other for the government shutdown that is disrupting federal services and threatening ACA tax credits for nearly 300,000 residents—both sides say they will work quickly to end the shutdown.

A candlelight vigil was held at the Monroe Civic Center on Oct.

1 to honor breast cancer awareness month. Local advocates including survivor Jolanda Handy and Mayor Friday Ellis spoke to promote screening & recognize the efforts of The Witness Project.

Nutritionist Jen Avis joined Good Morning ArkLaMiss to share tips on managing arthritis with a healthy Mediterranean diet that helps reduce inflammation.

She noted that many adults and children live with arthritis (one in every four adults) and advised eating fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans ahead of World Arthritis Day on Oct. 12.

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.

Claiborne Christian Baseball Pickleball Tournament

9 a.m. — Claiborne Christian School — Fundraiser for the baseball team — All levels welcome to enjoy a fun day of pickleball.

Halloween Pub Crawl in Monroe

4:30-9 p.m. — Vibez Lounge — Tickets required — Get festive with spooky costumes and partake in exciting social media contests during this haunted night of fun.

World Ballet Company - Cinderella

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Monroe Civic Center — Experience the enchanting ballet adaptation of Cinderella featuring international dancers and stunning costumes.

Ainsley's Angels 10th Annual Rolling On The River 5K

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — 501 Mane St, West Monroe, LA — Registration starting from $2.99 — Celebrate inclusivity with a fun 5K featuring in-person and virtual options.