Community Accountability Network

Tag: West Monroe

  • Payroll and Tax Reporting Errors

    The City of West Monroe is addressing payroll and tax reporting errors that affected employees.

    According to internal communications, a miscoding issue required amended 2024 W-2 forms, and certain overtime payments were initially calculated at a lower rate than they should have been. Employees were first told checks would be voided and reissued, then later instructed to disregard that message and assured that no direct deposits would be reversed. The City has since stated that any differences owed will be deposited directly and that corrections have been finalized.

    The City is offering reimbursement for costs associated with filing amended tax returns resulting from the W-2 corrections.

    An individual with direct knowledge of the payroll issue contacted this publication privately and expressed concern about internal communication surrounding the corrections, requesting anonymity due to fear of potential workplace repercussions.

    While there is no public indication of fraud or intentional wrongdoing at this time, the sequence of corrections — including amended tax forms, overtime recalculations, and conflicting payroll directives — has prompted questions about internal payroll controls and oversight procedures. City officials have been contacted for clarification regarding how the miscoding occurred and what safeguards are being implemented to prevent similar issues in the future.

    More information will be provided as it becomes available.

  • PetSense Grooming Allegations — Part 1

    Location: West Monroe, LA

    A West Monroe pet owner, Rikki Shackelford, is alleging that her two poodles were injured and mistreated during a grooming appointment at PetSense in West Monroe, prompting veterinary treatment and multiple complaints to store management and corporate representatives.

    According to a series of Facebook posts and my interview with Shackelford, she dropped off her dogs at the store around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and prepaid for grooming services. She said the dogs were not ready for pickup until after 7 p.m.

    Shackelford said she was immediately alarmed by the dogs’ appearance, describing extensive hair removal and visible skin irritation. After returning home, she claims both dogs showed signs consistent with razor burn across their bodies.

    In a follow-up post, Shackelford further alleged that a woman who was inside the store during the grooming appointment contacted her after seeing the original post. According to Shackelford, the woman claimed she witnessed one of the dogs being handled roughly by the groomer, including forcefully holding the dog’s mouth shut while the animal was panting heavily.

    Shackelford also reported noticing swelling on one dog’s face and abnormal mouth movement later that evening. She said a veterinarian confirmed swelling beneath the dog’s left eye but found no fractures. Both dogs were reportedly prescribed antibiotics, with one also receiving pain medication.

    Shackelford described multiple interactions with store staff and management, stating that a refund was eventually issued but that she was dissatisfied with how the situation was handled. She said a regional manager told her there were no cameras inside the grooming area and advised that any further action would require legal counsel. According to Shackelford, corporate representatives offered to cover veterinary expenses.

    PetSense has not publicly confirmed the allegations, the presence or absence of surveillance cameras in grooming areas, or any personnel actions related to the groomer named in the posts.

    Animal welfare experts encourage pet owners to document injuries, seek veterinary care promptly, and report suspected mistreatment to appropriate authorities.

    Animal care professionals note that certain breeds, including poodles and poodle mixes, require frequent and consistent grooming as part of their overall health care. Regular grooming helps prevent painful matting, skin infections, and mobility issues, and it also relies heavily on trust between the animal and the groomer. Experts say repeated positive grooming experiences are essential for reducing stress, preventing injury, and ensuring that animals remain calm and cooperative during future appointments. When that trust is damaged, it can have lasting effects on both an animal’s physical health and behavior.

    This story remains under investigation. PetSense and its parent company, Tractor Supply Co., have been contacted for comment.

  • Zaxby’s Incident — Discriminatory Conduct Allegation

    Location: West Monroe, LA

    As many of you know, I am a linguistic consultant acting as an advocate for those who need a voice. Today, I am acting on behalf of a client who has requested anonymity.

    On a recent visit to the Zaxby’s location in West Monroe, Louisiana, my client, a Hispanic male, was asked for his name when placing an order. The receipt printed the name “ICE.”

    This name was not provided by the customer.

    In the current social and political climate, assigning this label to a Hispanic customer raises serious concerns regarding discriminatory conduct, workplace culture, and customer safety.

    This post serves several purposes:
    – To publicly document the incident
    – To preserve community awareness
    – To notify relevant parties that this matter is being taken seriously and reviewed

    This is not an allegation of intent against a specific employee at this time. It is a factual account of what occurred and the impact such conduct has on individuals and the community.

    Businesses serving the public have an obligation to ensure customers are treated with dignity and without bias. Failure to address incidents like this exposes broader issues that warrant scrutiny.

    We are currently in the process of gathering documentation and determining appropriate next steps.

    This post is not a call for harassment or retaliation. It is a call for accountability, transparency, and corrective action.

    Respect is not optional.
    Documentation matters.
    Community awareness matters.

  • Local Rescue Raises Alarm Over Deadly Cat Virus at Shelter

    In an exclusive interview, a West Monroe cat rescue owner is speaking out after losing dozens of kittens to panleukopenia, a highly contagious and often fatal cat virus. She says the local shelter did not disclose that some cats were exposed, and several kittens she rescued died despite strict care.

    She also warns that members of the public adopting cats from the shelter could unknowingly bring home the virus, putting their families and pets at risk. Rescue operators say multiple kittens have died this year under similar circumstances, and the outbreak may have been kept quiet.

    At the time of publication the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter was unavailable for comment. I will continue to reach out for a statement. This story is ongoing.

  • Ouachita Parish Fire Department — Chief Robert Moore Interview

    In a sit-down interview, Robert Moore, Fire Chief of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department, said the department’s mission is simple: to serve the public and meet community needs.

    “We’re here to help,” Moore said. “I just don’t think people realize everything we do.”

    Many residents only interact with the fire department during emergencies, but Chief Moore says the department provides far more services than most people realize. He has served with the department for nearly 15 years and brings more than 35 years of public safety experience to the role.

    Ouachita Parish operates as one unified fire district, covering nearly the entire parish outside of Monroe and West Monroe. Unlike many areas in Louisiana that rely on small volunteer districts, Ouachita Parish runs as a coordinated system with 15 fire stations, with a 16th station planned along Highway 80 near Trapp Field, currently projected for 2028.

    While fire suppression is a core responsibility, about 80% of calls are medical. Many firefighters are paramedic-certified and provide advanced life support, often arriving before ambulance services. The department is also the only local agency with mechanical CPR devices on every frontline truck, allowing consistent chest compressions during cardiac arrest and transport — a critical factor in survival, especially in rural areas.

    Despite covering more than 600 square miles, the department holds a Class 3 fire rating, considered exceptional for a district of this size and one that can positively affect insurance rates. Moore says the department plans years in advance for major purchases like fire engines, ladder trucks, and stations, allowing them to operate without debt or bonds and stay within budget.

    The department also offers several free services many residents don’t know about, including free smoke alarm installation, fire safety education in schools, CPR and first responder medical training, fire protection reviews for new subdivisions, and assistance with gas or carbon monoxide concerns. If a request falls outside their jurisdiction, staff help connect residents with the appropriate agency.

    Ouachita Parish Fire Department maintains an Urban Search and Rescue team and is part of a regional response network activated through the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. Local firefighters have deployed to floods, hurricanes, and other disasters both in Louisiana and out of state. The department is also trained and equipped for high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, and water rescue, with all equipment and training maintained in-house.

    While life-threatening emergencies take priority, firefighters also respond to animal rescue calls when needed, including animals trapped in vehicles, trailers, or dangerous situations. In many cases, animal control or law enforcement requests assistance due to the specialized equipment required.

    The department employs approximately 190 personnel, including firefighters, dispatchers, training staff, and maintenance crews. On any given day, at least 46 firefighters are on duty, working 24-hour shifts. The department operates its own in-house fire academy, which lasts about a year and includes EMT certification and fire suppression training. The department is currently hiring and expects to bring on around 15 new firefighters this year.

    Those interested can learn more at:
    – ouachitafire.org
    – 318-325-1621
    – Facebook

  • Taking the Lock Off City Hall — Don Nance Interview

    (TLDR at end)

    Today I sat down to interview Mr. Nance at his local business in West Monroe. His message was clear: not just access to information, but access to leadership.

    Nance, who previously worked for the City of West Monroe for 13 years under prior leadership, says his decision to run is rooted in what he believes has been lost in recent years. He points to transparency, financial discipline, and an open relationship with the people as central concerns.

    And he framed it in a way that was hard to ignore.

    “When the current mayor ran, she talked about transparency and an open-door policy,” Nance said. “The first thing she did was put a lock on the elevator at City Hall so you can’t access the second floor.”

    His promise?

    “I will literally and figuratively take the lock off.”

    A Focus on Financial Reality

    Nance does not shy away from discussing the city’s finances. He repeatedly pointed to what he describes as a growing debt burden, citing approximately $42 million in debt, along with long-term bond payments tied to projects like the West Monroe Sports Complex.

    According to Nance, the issue is not whether amenities are nice to have. It is whether they are sustainable.

    He expressed concern about multiple city-owned event venues operating at a loss. His solution is not to abandon them, but to manage them differently.

    “If it’s going to survive without draining tax dollars,” he explained, “it has to be booked constantly. You can’t rely only on local youth leagues. You have to bring in outside events.”

    Rather than pointing fingers, Nance says his approach would be practical. He wants to run the city the way he runs his own businesses, with financial restraint, long-term planning, and clear priorities.

    “There’s a time to eat beans, and there’s a time to eat steak,” he said. “Right now, we need to be asking, does this make us safer? Does this fix our water? Does this improve our streets? If not, it moves down the list.”

    Clean Water: A Long-Term Commitment

    Water infrastructure is another major pillar of Nance’s campaign.

    He was careful not to promise overnight fixes. West Monroe’s water system pulls from multiple sources, which makes filtration upgrades complex and expensive.

    “It’s not a day-one solution,” he said. “If it was easy, it would already be fixed.”

    However, he believes the city should aggressively pursue available federal infrastructure funding that is specifically earmarked for water improvements.

    His stance is simple. If grant money exists for clean water, it should be pursued just as aggressively as funds for other projects.

    Public Safety and Protecting Children

    Nance also emphasized safety, particularly when it comes to theft and school security.

    He described personal experiences with property theft and advocates for increased night patrols in neighborhoods. One of his strongest positions was clear.

    He wants a police officer in every school within city limits.

    “We can make cuts in other areas,” he said. “But what’s more important than our children?”

    Beyond policing, Nance talked about building unity across pastors, coaches, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and community members to mentor young people before problems begin.

    “This isn’t about national political debates,” he said. “It’s about running a city. It’s about unity.”

    Supporting First Responders

    Another issue he raised was employee benefits for police officers and firefighters.

    Nance believes it is unacceptable for first responders to risk their lives while struggling to afford family health insurance.

    “If someone is willing to protect this city, we should protect them,” he said.

    He indicated he would prioritize reviewing and strengthening those benefits if elected.

    Involving the Citizens in Decision-Making

    Perhaps the most consistent message of the conversation was inclusion.

    Nance repeatedly emphasized that major city decisions should not happen in isolation.

    “When the council meets and we’re deciding what to spend money on, I want citizens involved,” he said. “They know their neighborhoods. They know their problems.”

    He described canvassing neighborhoods personally and hearing directly from residents who felt unheard.

    He says transparency is not just about publishing numbers. It is about accessibility. It is about answering the phone. It is about meeting face to face. It is about removing barriers, both physical and symbolic.

    A Commitment to Accountability

    At the close of our conversation, I asked Nance directly whether he would commit to transparency and accountability with me as an independent journalist, even if criticism arises.

    His response was immediate.

    “100 percent yes.”

    Whether voters agree with every position or not, Nance’s campaign message is clear. Restore financial discipline. Prioritize core services. Strengthen public safety. And perhaps most notably, give the citizens a key to City Hall.

    In his words, it is time to take the lock off.

    TLDR: Taking the Lock Off City Hall

    Don Nance says he’s running for mayor of West Monroe to restore transparency, financial discipline, and public access to leadership. He believes the city is carrying significant debt and wants to prioritize core services like clean water, safer streets, and stronger support for police, fire, and schools before funding additional projects.

    He supports pursuing federal funding to address long-term water infrastructure issues, increasing neighborhood patrols, placing officers in every school, and reviewing benefits for first responders.

    Most importantly, he says he wants citizens directly involved in decision-making and promises to be accessible and accountable. In his words, he plans to “literally and figuratively take the lock off” City Hall.