Good morning, Monroe.

The Sterlington Business Alliance opened registration for the Sterlington Christmas Parade, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec.

12 with lineup from 4 to 5 p.m. at (206 High Ave.); entry is $25 per float or vendor and vendors must show active liability insurance when registering online.

West Monroe Main Street Director Adrienne LaFrance Wells announced several holiday events will take place this holiday season downtown, including a tree lighting, small-business nights, and family activities (she shared details on Good Morning ArkLaMiss).

Downtown West Monroe will hold a Holiday Open House Sunday, Nov.

1 at Antique Alley from 1-5 p.m., and a Hasley Cemetery twilight tour Saturday, Nov. 7 with five 30-minute tours (5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 p.m.); tickets are $25 and attendees should meet at West Monroe City Hall 15 minutes early for a shuttle. On Thursday, Nov. 19 the Champagne Stroll will offer specialty shopping and champagne for ages 21 and older.

Fire burned over 100 acres Wednesday evening in Truxno and was 100% contained at 6:15 p.m. but not out; residents on Slade Camp, Ray Alford, George Byrnside and Knight roads were told to be ready to evacuate (no injuries or structures reported).

LDCC adult education instructor Carrie Smith was elected president-elect and LDCC director of grants Eric Gunter was elected treasurer of the Louisiana Association for Public, Community and Adult Education board, announced Oct.

27; they will be inducted at LAPCAE’s membership meeting on Nov. 3 (Kelsey Vallee is the incoming president).

Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science received $612,000 from the U.S. Department of War (DOW) to fund cybersecurity scholarships, with $463,000 for Cyber Service Academy awards covering eight students and $149,000 to expand AI and security operations training.

The USDA designated 49 Mississippi counties and East Carroll Parish as natural disaster areas after severe drought, allowing local producers to apply for Farm Service Agency emergency loans to replace equipment, livestock, or refinance debts (deadline Jun.

21, 2027).

Walmart is recalling 15-ounce Great Value Fruit Cocktail cans after the FDA said they may contain elevated lead levels; about 44,000 cans were distributed to stores in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming, and customers should throw them away or return them to Walmart (lot 6FCB 04 C2263; best if used by Sept. 1, 2027).

Parish Pet Clinic veterinarian Kelsey Stokes urges Monroe pet owners to bring animals inside or arrange warm outdoor shelter and to buy cold-weather supplies like jackets and booties before temperatures fall (Huskies and Malamutes handle cold better than small short-haired dogs).

Eat Fit Monroe nutritionist Gabby Williamson demonstrated a spooky, healthy recipe on Good Morning ArkLaMiss on Oct.

28, walking viewers through ingredients, portion tips, and simple steps so locals can make it at home.