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🌱 How a vending machine in West Monroe led to major drug charges

West Monroe, Louisiana Patch AM: a 4 min read

Hello West Monroe! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a vending machine in West Monroe led to major drug charges
  • Why a West Monroe High student’s ICE detention is drawing protests
  • How a proposed Amtrak line could reshape Monroe–West Monroe tourism

Also on today's calendar: LUXE Bridal Showcase and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the Doctor ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's West Monroe Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's West Monroe Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A thunderstorm in spots, temps: high: 96, low: 73.
  • Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 95 and low of 73 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Louisiana Police: Drug Vending Machine Sold to Kids (kpel965.com) — Parents in West Monroe alerted authorities after discovering children were allegedly buying THC and psychedelic mushroom products from a vending machine set up outside a home on Arlington Drive. A 35-year-old West Monroe man was later arrested on numerous drug and weapons charges after investigators seized large quantities of suspected drugs, firearms, and cash-related items; he remains presumed innocent pending court proceedings.
   

• DHS, ICE confirm immigration status of 19-year-old detained West Monroe high school student (myarklamiss.com) — A 19-year-old West Monroe High School student remains in federal custody after immigration officials confirmed he is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, detained following an attempted firearm purchase. The case has sparked protests and support efforts in Ouachita Parish and comes amid broader ICE enforcement in the Monroe–West Monroe area, with authorities urging residents to rely on official information.
   

• Monroe Amtrak system is not an if but a when, Mayor Ellis says (knoe.com) — Plans for a new Amtrak passenger rail line through Monroe, with backing from federal leaders and pending state approval, could eventually make it easier for visitors from Dallas, Atlanta, and beyond to reach the Monroe–West Monroe area. Local tourism officials say the service would boost downtown businesses and expand regional tourism, while the city readies designs for a new depot in downtown Monroe.
   

📸 Around West Monroe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in West Monroe

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📣 West Monroe Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm looking for a few people that can help me move probably around the 15th or so.
    The heaviest thing is a wooden swingset in my backyard. The new house is only about 3 miles away. (Nextdoor Timber Creek)
  • Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in West Monroe. Apply here.
  • Brookshire Grocery posted a job opening for Produce Stocker in West Monroe. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Monroe here.

🗞 Nearby News

Monroe

  • Louisiana Municipal Association conference kicks off in Monroe (knoe.com)
  • Fant Ewing Coliseum to be renamed b1BANK Fant Coliseum following new 5-year partnership with ULM athletics (myarklamiss.com)
  • NASA exhibit coming to Farmerville! (knoe.com)

Ruston

Ok West Monroe! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he felt CRUMMY ! (Thank you Michelle S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in West Monroe

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in West Monroe

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.