Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, Forsythe Park's tennis center in Monroe was renamed the Charlotte Bolton Complex to honor local tennis legend Charlotte Bolton—she lettered on LSU's men's team and coached at Neville High for 25 years. Mayor Friday Ellis and Bolton's son attended the ceremony and stressed that the free facility will serve the community for years to come. KNOE
- ➤ Christian Community Action's Executive Director Stephanie Matthews appeared on Good Morning ArkLaMiss to discuss hosting the upcoming Soup for the Soul silent auction and fundraiser — details will be shared as the event approaches. KNOE
- ➤ ULM will host the 2025 Let Us Dream Community Conference at Bayou Pointe Event Center on October 30—this free event will include a keynote by ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille, panels on food security and nutrition, local vendor booths, and a Change Maker Awards presentation with a networking session after the panels. Attendees must pre-register to join the conference. MyArkLaMiss
- ➤ The Ouachita Parish Library is hosting a tea party on October 22 with guest Amber Jorgensen—guests will wear vintage lace and enjoy a selection of teas and a charcuterie board. The West Monroe Library will host a free zombie prom on October 25 for teens ages 12 to 18 with music, refreshments, games and a costume contest. KEDM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Monroe Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to present a concert on Oct. 11 — board president Jarrod Richey appeared on Good Morning ArkLaMiss to promote the event. KNOE
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A study released on October 8 showed that ULM contributed $617.6 million to Northeast Louisiana’s economy by supporting about 10,464 jobs—further proving its strong impact on job growth and local income. KEDM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ouachita Parish Schools has introduced a Crisis Communication Guide to improve safety by outlining clear protocols for emergencies such as lockdowns, severe weather, and medical incidents — the guide is part of a broader safety plan that includes updated drills, training, and law enforcement partnerships amid state reports that one-third of schools lack a School Resource Officer. KNOE
- ➤ The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum will host a free Connected Parent Workshop on October 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.—Dr. Emily Jones of The Center for Children & Families will lead a session with strategies for parents during stress—and children will take part in Halloween-themed STEM activities with space limited to the first 75 families who register. MyArkLaMiss
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana Wildlife Federation urged Monroe building owners, businesses, and residents to turn off unnecessary lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.—a step that will help nearly 500 million migrating birds avoid dangerous collisions. KNOE
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, during Fire Prevention Week, the American Red Cross and Monroe City Fire Department urge families to check smoke alarms and practice escape plans to be ready for fire emergencies. The agencies warn that many fires start with everyday hazards, so residents should use alarms with batteries lasting ten years— or replace them each year to keep homes safe. KNOE
- ➤ The Ouachita Parish Registrar of Voters will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 701 St. John Street in Monroe on October 16 at 10:00 a.m. Officials will speak about how the new facility increases parking and secure storage for voting supplies (improving access for residents). MyArkLaMiss
- ➤ Louisiana agencies have urged residents to review home fire safety measures during Fire Prevention Week—warning that emergencies can change lives in seconds—and call on everyone to take action to prevent dangerous home fires. KNOE
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ University of Monroe is hosting its annual event to raise awareness about mental health—organizations will offer resources to students and the community. KNOE
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a week of rest, the Grambling Tigers will return to Robinson Stadium on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.—they face Texas State University in a matchup that could determine their season. KNOE
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
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