West Monroe High School, once a bastion of segregation and Confederate symbolism, has taken a groundbreaking step forward by naming DeMichael Dizer as its first African-American head football coach. This appointment reflects a significant departure from the school’s historical identity…
Author: Free Press
Mt. Olivet to open third new edifice in 30 years in Sunday evening worship
One of Monroe’s most historic and beloved sanctuaries will once again open its doors, marking a triumphant chapter in the life of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and its unwavering congregation. The grand reopening ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, January 19, 2025,…
As Trump is sworn in, Feds Top DA Brandon Brown will step down
One minute before Donald Trump becomes the 47th President Monday, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown will step down as the federal prosecutor for the Western District. Brown has announced his resignation from the Department of Justice, effective January 20,…
Board turns down Neville Charter application in 2-2 vote
The Monroe City School Board voted Tuesday not to sponsor Neville High School’s application to become a Type 3 charter school. The decision came during a special meeting where only four of the seven board members voted, resulting in a…
Brotherhood is theme of city King Day speaker
Lt. General Stacy Hawkins, a native of Bastrop, was the keynote speaker at the City of Monroe’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day program, held Wednesday at the Monroe Civic Center. Addressing a crowd gathered to honor Dr. King’s legacy,…
Get better every day
By Rusty Potter The journey to improve this year is not about making great leaps; it’s about consistent, small steps forward. Each day offers us the chance to be better than we were yesterday, and when we have that mindset,…
Parish board approves politically charged “Ten Commandments” Posters
In a 6-1 vote Tuesday night, the Ouachita Parish School Board approved a resolution mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom across the parish. This directive aligns with guidance from Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill under H.B.…