Week of June 6, 2024

  • Keep Your Distance

    Eddie D. Gillis

    The public is hereby legally notified that individuals must stay at least 25 feet away from law enforcement officers when they are handling a potential crime scene. The Louisiana Legislature passed a bill, signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry, making it a misdemeanor to be within 25 feet of officers after being instructed to get back. In this day and age, people are naturally drawn to scenes involving police officers, not necessarily to interfere, but as "concerned observers." The public may...

  • Monroe/Foster Height Shootings

    Five of the 50 U.S. metro areas with the highest violent crime rates are located in Louisiana, with Monroe ranking as the most dangerous according to a report published by USA Today. In Monroe, more than 2,600 violent crimes were reported in 2020, translating to 1,309 per 100,000 people, which is over three times the national violent crime rate. Other Louisiana metro areas with high violent crime rates include Alexandria, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport. Monroe continues to be plagued by gun violence, resulting in an alarming rate of...

  • Minor Allegedly Raped, Calls 911

    Disclaimer: All Persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Every one of us could be a victim of a crime at any time. Being a victim of a crime can happen at any age. It tears at the fabric of a society when the victim is a child or an elderly person because they are seen as the most vulnerable among us. When it happens to a child or minor, it takes away their innocence. A Monroe man is behind bars after a minor that he allegedly raped called 911 to report the incident. The Ouachita...

  • Following God's Vision

    True Vine Baptist Church in Monroe LA observed their Pastor's 5th Anniversary Pastor Stonewall Hunter Jr. and First Lady Kristi Hunter on Sunday June 2, 2024. Approved by God, special guest was Rev. Eddie Douzart lll New Morning Star Baptist Church in Bastrop LA Escorts of honorees were Rev. Thomas and Sister Norma Norman. Sister Cathy Cherry served as mistress of...

  • Improving Sickle Cell Emergency Pain Crisis

    Non-profits partner to help children with sickle cell disease get faster, better emergency care. Every parent of a child with sickle cell disease dreads a visit to the emergency room during a sickle cell pain crisis. Not only is their child in extreme pain, but they also know that getting emergency department care can be a battle. To help children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their families receive better care in the emergency department (ED), MedicAlert Foundation and Northeast...

  • Black Consumers Down Payment Assistance Programs

    For Black consumers and first-time homebuyers, saving for a down payment can be a significant hurdle. While many families and individuals can manage a monthly mortgage, they often lack the upfront resources for a down payment. However, crucial programs are available to assist homebuyers with their down payments, making homeownership more accessible. These programs can come in the form of loans or grants, depending on the specific program. Eligibility for these programs can differ. Often, earning no more than 80% of the area median income is...

  • HAMPCO's Financial Literacy Graduation

    HAMPCO Inc. is hosting our 14th Annual Financial Literacy Graduation ceremony for HAMPCO 's Financial Literacy Class, which will be June 29, 2024, at 9:00am, at Mt. Zion Family Life Center. This event marks a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates, who have worked diligently to protect and to improve their own financial knowledge. We would really appreciate it if the community would come out to support these graduates.Through the efforts of Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews, District 34 the classes were able to be...

  • Free Food Boxes

    OMCAP Food Bank Distribution The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is now partnering with OMCAP for food distribution to be held at the Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lee Joyner Expy in Monroe, LA on June 12, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON. OMCAP is accepting applications. Please see CSBG staff to sign up for commodities - first come, first serve. Clients must sign up in person with a photo ID and utility...

  • Black Consumers Down Payment Assistance Programs

    For Black consumers and first-time homebuyers, saving for a down payment can be a significant hurdle. While many families and individuals can manage a monthly mortgage, they often lack the upfront resources for a down payment. However, crucial programs are available to assist homebuyers with their down payments, making homeownership more accessible. These programs can come in the form of loans or grants, depending on the specific program. Eligibility for these programs can differ. Often, earning no more than 80% of the area median income is...

  • Don Cincone Artistry

    Courtney Collins Filmmaker Writer, Brushstrokes of Genius

    By: Before Don Cincone ever heard the words "art" or "artist," he knew he wanted to pursue something creative in his life. His home, shared with his wife Betty, is adorned with Cincone's artwork spanning decades. "I can't recall a time when I didn't want to draw pictures," reminisces Master Artist Don Cincone about his lifelong passion. Born in Alto, LA, on July 2, 1936, Cincone (born Donald Ray Wills) realized early on that art often took a backseat in people's minds. "People didn't grasp the...

  • NOVA 2024 Commencement

    NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast LA cordially invites attendees to the Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6:00 PM, at Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, 301 Sherrouse Ave., Monroe, LA. For more info contact Sherry Foy, (318) 855-1923 or...

  • Creed & Creed Bayou Jamb Sports Awards 2024

    Creed & Creed Law Office is pleased to announce its successful title sponsorship of the Bayou Jamb Sports Awards 2024, an event celebrating the remarkable achievements of the local sports community. Heartfelt congratulations are extended to the exceptional winners who have demonstrated excellence, dedication, and leadership in their respective fields. The Bayou Jamb Sports Awards honored a diverse group of inspiring coaches, powerhouse teams, outstanding athletes, and exemplary leaders. Each recipient embodies the spirit of a champion both on...

  • The End Is Near!

    Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some have entertained strangers unaware (Hebrews 13:2). Jesus Christ, God's son came to earth to show us how to live life. Jesus left his home in glory and came to earth as a stranger that we through his teachings may inherit eternal life. Jesus’ entire message was love. Nothing is too hard if you love. Love God. Love one another. Love empowers us to show hospitality to strangers (Deuteronomy 10:19). The immigrants south of the border, have been ill-treated, demonized, and discredited. We must...

  • Security Bill Shields Transparency

    Eddie D. Gillis

    Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed a number of bills into law, getting most of what he wanted, but not everything. This is significant for the citizens of Louisiana, despite having a Republican-led government. One bill that hasn't been made public to this reporter is the one sponsored by Mike Johnson (R-Pineville, not that M.J.), which will shield the whereabouts of the First family when they are in public. The bill was initially intended to protect the information of public employees. However, as often happens in the last days of...

  • Louisiana's State Budget Updates

    The Louisiana Legislature has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to infrastructure projects and maintaining teacher pay in the state budget plan that goes into effect on July 1, 2024. Lawmakers also backed LA Governor Jeff Landry’s tough-on-crime agenda with funding for adult prisons, juvenile justice services, and a state police expansion. Teachers will receive a $2,000 one-time payment, and school support staff will get a $1,000 stipend next school year, totaling $199 million. Lawmakers decided against a permanent raise due to a...

  • 2024 Ark La Miss's Best

    The 5th Annual Black Business Owners United Gala was held on May 18, 2024. The gala, founded by Kenya Roberson in January 2019, was established to provide a platform for African American business owners to celebrate Black brilliance and success. It also offers aspiring African American entrepreneurs, especially local youth, the opportunity to connect with mentors in their desired fields. This year's event was particularly special, as it was relocated from BD Robinson...

  • Happenings

    Contact Monroe Dispatch Got news, been somewhere, or need to tell the world something important? Call the Monroe Dispatch! Subscriptions /advertising/ religious log/ old newspaper copies: call or text 318-789-0098 or 318-387-3001; email [email protected].; mail - Monroe Dispatch, P.O. Box 4823, Monroe, LA 71211. 1 year subscriptions - $60, 6 months subscriptions - $42; home delivery, 1 year - $90 Edna’s Cooking “Home of the Breakfast Bowl” Serving southern style hot breakfast and lunch daily: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30...

  • Happy birthday Tommy L. Ballard

    Tommy Ballard is celebrating another thankful year, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His message to the 2024 Carroll High School graduates and students is, "Remember, it's the educated people running the lives of our society and making the rules, so stay in school. Build your own dreams because if you don't, someone else will pay you to help them build theirs!" As rapper Key Glock says, "Let's go, let's go," so...

  • A New Stride in Year 45

    The Richwood High School Class of 1979 celebrated their 45th High School Reunion from Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Monroe, LA. The festivities began with a Meet & Greet on Friday, hosted by classmate Kirk Clark at his beautiful and spacious Airbnb in Monroe, where the men of the class provided a delicious meal. On Saturday morning, a Memorial Balloon Release was held at the high school to remember classmates who have passed away, featuring keynote speaker Jacqueline Johnson...

  • Carroll Glory

    Carroll High School in Monroe, LA, has always been a beacon of hope in our community. Its academic, athletic, band, choir, and STEM legacy was established in 1953 by its first principal, the legendary Morris Henry Carroll, who demanded excellence from students who hadn't yet realized their greatness. The Carroll mystique was set long ago and remains in the hearts of those who witnessed its glory then and now. This is why we still sing praises to Carroll High School. One individual who...

  • Deaths

    Deidra Annette Sheridan, 58 of Calhoun, LA a Homemaker died June 2, 2024. Service: 11:00 AM Saturday June 8, 2024 at Bethel Church of God in Christ, Monroe, LA. Visitation: 10:00 AM until Service time Saturday June 8, 2024 at Bethel Church of God in Christ. Burial: Richwood Gardens, Richwood, LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. Robert Lee Ellis, Jr., 69 of Hendersonville, TN formerly of Monroe, LA a Line Worker died May 30, 2024. Service: 11:00 AM Saturday June 8, 2024. Visitation: 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Friday June 7, 2024 at Smith...

  • Deaths

    Deidra Annette Sheridan, 58 of Calhoun, LA a Homemaker died June 2, 2024. Service: 11:00 AM Saturday June 8, 2024 at Bethel Church of God in Christ, Monroe, LA. Visitation: 10:00 AM until Service time Saturday June 8, 2024 at Bethel Church of God in Christ. Burial: Richwood Gardens, Richwood, LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. Robert Lee Ellis, Jr., 69 of Hendersonville, TN formerly of Monroe, LA a Line Worker died May 30, 2024. Service: 11:00 AM Saturday June 8, 2024. Visitation: 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Friday June 7, 2024 at Smith...

  • Show Stoppers

    Dazzle Dance 12th Annual Recital was Saturday June 1, 2024 at the Monroe Civic Center Jack Howard Theatre in Monroe LA. Dazzle Dancers spellbound the Dazzle Audience performing modern, point, tap, hip-hop and jazz. Dazzle Dads gave a show-shopping performance taking the dance recital to another level. Photo Dazzle Dads- Vincent White, Lester Watts Jr., Dale Zimmerman Jr., John Ford, Perry Stringfellow, Christopher Samuel, Kendall Harris, James DeTiege,...

  • Community Events Calendar Happenings

    Happenings Edna’s Cooking “Home of the Breakfast Bowl” Serving southern style hot breakfast and lunch daily: Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Saturday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. All plates come with coffee or fountain drink. Great food! Great service at reasonable prices. Three Monroe locations: Now Save #1 4399, Hwy 165 South, 318-737-7873; Tiger Market Café, 1800 Forsythe Ave, Suite 1, 318-325-4000; Now Save # 5, Hwy 165 South and Hadley St. Ms. Edna and Staff ~ Serving up LOVE every day! Edna’s Cooking features $4.99 breakfast and...

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