The Monroe community is preparing to bid farewell to 42-year-old Bennie Ray Ford Jr., who was tragically killed in a stabbing incident last week. Ford’s body was discovered at Family Stop Foods on Orange Street on May 16, according to…
Category: Events
Dr. Locke retires as Richwood principal after 40 years as educator
After four decades of unwavering service to public education, Dr. Sharilynn Locke, the longtime principal of Richwood High School, has officially retired, closing a remarkable chapter in the history of one of Ouachita Parish’s most storied institutions. Dr. Locke’s retirement…
Info packet sparks speculation about next Fire Chief
As of Wednesday, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis has not appointed a fire chief for the City of Monroe, but a packet of information delivered to several council members in the last week with background information about only one of 17…
Moore’s “hair braiding” passes Houses, will remove regulation
A bill aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for natural hair braiders in Louisiana, House Bill 509, has passed the House with an overwhelming 86-6 vote and is now under consideration in the Senate. Sponsored by Representative Pat Moore of Monroe,…
Funeral service set for former board member Clarence Sharp
Services for Clarence Sharp, a longtime community leader and former member of the Monroe City School Board, will be held Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m. at Philadelphia Word Church. Mr. Sharp, who represented District 4 on the Monroe City…
Services Sunday for Rev. Billy Billups, 63
Services for the Rev. Billy Ray Billups, 63, will be held Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. Rev. Billups, a dedicated pastor, youth mentor, and beloved community servant, passed away on…
Services set for Beverly Young, 72
Services for Beverly Roundtree Young, 72, of Monroe, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 23, at McFarland Funeral Companies, located at…