Voting to determine distribution of $20,000 in funding is open now Baton Rouge, La. – Voting is open for LWCC’s 2025 Holiday Giving Program, a creative philanthropic initiative that strengthens communities and celebrates organizations helping Louisiana thrive. Now through Friday,…
Author: Free Press
Our City Our Community
By Marie Brown “A friend in need is a friend indeed” is a proverb meaning a true friend is someone who helps you when you are in difficulty, proving their loyalty through actions, not just words, distinguishing genuine companions…
Off duty police, working security using city equipment, can be a problem
Monroe is gambling with taxpayer money every time it lets off‑duty police officers wear city uniforms, carry city equipment, and sit in city units while working for private companies. When something goes wrong, as it did at Parkview Apartments last…
Death Notices for the week of December 15th
Johnny Charles “JC” Looney, Jr., 77, of Mamou, LA, died December 10, 2025. Service will be 11:00 am, Friday, December 19, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home. Visitation is from 10 until service time, Friday, December 19, 2025, at Smith Funeral…
“See what the Lord has done”
By Lisa Wilmore “See What the Lord Has Done,” written by Nathaniel Bassey, a song that calls believers to recognize and testify to God’s faithfulness after seasons of waiting. At Christmas, that testimony finds its greatest fulfillment in the birth…
Monroe City Council: November 25, 2025 Minutes
City Hall, Monroe, LouisianaNovember 25, 20256:00 p.m. There was a legal and regular session of the City Council of the City of Monroe, Louisiana held on this date at the Council’s regular meeting place, the Council Chamber, City Hall Building,…
Board meeting shuts down after Willson demands Garnishment of Cooper, Shelling paychecks
A contentious moment at the end of Thursday’s Monroe City School Board (MCSB) ended with the meeting being abruptly cut short as board member Bill Willson publicly accused two colleagues, Board President Betty Cooper and Vice President Brenda Shelling, of…