Bogalusa bus stop littered with drug dangers, says parent

By Jacob Brooks
The Daily News
Published/Last Modified on Friday, October 9, 2009 9:15 AM CDT


Scanning the ground at the corner of Virginia Avenue and Montgomery Street on a foggy morning Thursday, Kimberly Monson doesn’t see any empty drug baggies.

But she wouldn’t be surprised if she did.

“Last week, there was a green and a blue one, to be specific,” said Monson, a 35-year-old mother of twin 7-year-olds.

Kimberly Monson leans against the street signs of Virginia Avenue and Montgomery Street in Bogalusa, the site of a school bus stop. Her children get on the bus at the location, where discarded drug bags are common, she said. DAILY NEWS PHOTO/Jacob Brooks

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It’s here where her children, and about eight other students, get on the bus to go to Pleasant Hill Elementary. It’s also a place where drug users discard the small, often colorful baggies that are commonplace in Bogalusa’s drug scene, Monson said.

But that’s not all.

Last Saturday, one of Monson’s children found a discarded syringe in a nearby alley that she believes was used for illicit drugs.

The child brought it home and said, “Daddy, what is this?”

Luckily, the needle had already been broken off, but the incident set off an uncomfortable conversation about the dangers of drug use with 7-year-olds.

“They shouldn’t even know what that is,” Monson said.

In drug-plagued Bogalusa, however, an education on narcotics is something that may be unavoidable.

A week ago, Monson said her children came home from school saying that a “bag of weed” had been found on the bus — a bus where elementary students ride with middle school and high school students.

Monson said she never saw the bag of marijuana, but it was apparently the big conversation on the bus that day. She called the Pleasant Hill Elementary principal, but she doesn’t know if anything was done.

Monson said she’d rather teach her children about drug abuse in a book, and not have them bring home drug paraphernalia they find at the school bus stop or learn from high school students who ride the same bus.

A four-way stop at the intersection may be partly to blame. Drug-users who cruise by and stop at the intersection throw out used baggies so they won’t get caught with them, Monson said, adding the neighborhood isn’t one where you might think drugs are a big problem.

“I’ve been in this neighborhood since I was a kid,” she said. “It’s not something you would think you would find.”

Her grandparents lived in the area, and when Monson was growing up, she never saw dirty needles or empty drug bags.

But times have changed.

“There’s probably a lot more we don’t see,” Monson said, adding similar problems likely exist at every school bus stop in town.

 

 

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Comments

    SoSad wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:38 PM:

    " The police are a pitiful excuse for law enforcement! Don't expect them to do anything about this. I agree about getting a "new broom" to clean up the town more effectively. I no longer live here and it is sad to see what it has turned into. "

    just me wrote on Oct 15, 2009 1:55 PM:

    " But Mack sits in City Hall and continues to think he's doing a wonderful job because of these new business' that are being bulit and the new machinery that the grant brought in. Oh and let's not forget the new grant for our much needed airport.

    Eddie Price was under indictment and stepped down, does our Mayor not have the brains to do the same for our city? "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:55 AM:

    " The old adage goes:

    " A New Broom Sweeps Clean "

    It is my opinion that we need to sweep City Hall CLEAN of the politicians who are currently in power and control of Bogalusa.

    then replace 100% of them with new blood!

    we have in our community many TALENTED, HONEST people who will step up to the plate, if encouraged to do so, and MOVE BOGALUSA FORWARD!

    can I get an AMEN to this?

    GO BOGALUSA! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 15, 2009 4:15 AM:

    " "john wrote on Oct 14, 2009 3:29 PM:
    " Why have WE let this happen? Where are all the people who care about this town? Where is the leadership?
    This town is in control of the criminals.
    Why not call in the State Police? "

    I agree with you, John. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!

    APATHY is the culprit, John. Thank YOU for your input. "

    AriesTaurus wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:06 PM:

    " Civilized human beings come from stable homes with parents that teach them right from wrong. It begins at home and follows with church, community, school, etc. Until our parents stand up and raise their children to be respectful, decent members of society and teach them about the love of God, these problems will continue. Don't blame city hall for trashy people! "

    me wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:00 PM:

    " I personally gave the police the name of a person i KNEW (my son-in-law) was selling drugs, where they live, what they drive, the doctor who prescribed them and who they associate with. Did they do ANYTHING with the information? No. The boy is still selling oxicontin to support his crack habit. The cops do not care. Ask them where their children go to school. I can bet its not bogalusa! "

    william wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:35 PM:

    " i was recently broke into and had my stuff stolen the guy and girl are still out on the streets the girl was arrested her mom works as a cop and her name was with held from the news papper thats not right put a stop to corrupt cops "

    john wrote on Oct 14, 2009 3:29 PM:

    " Why have WE let this happen? Where are all the people who care about this town? Where is the leadership?
    This town is in control of the criminals.
    Why not call in the State Police? "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 14, 2009 2:36 PM:

    " At the Senior Citizens Center when "Mack" was "politicking" to get votes for another term, he asked if there was any questions.

    I replied, "Mr. Mayor, what are YOU going to do about the drug problem in Bogalusa?"

    "Mack" replied, "Mr. Chandler, it's out of control, there is NOTHING that can be done to stem the drug problem in Bogalusa" ...

    I replied, "YES, Mr. Mayor, with YOUR ATTITUDE, there is nothing that can be done" ... I went home and TRASHED HIS RE-ELECTION SIGN ON MY FRONT LAWN!

    Bogalusa deserves BETTER! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 14, 2009 1:32 PM:

    " "curious07 wrote on Oct 13, 2009 10:45 PM:
    " It is true about the police not doing anything, my elderly father's next door neighbor is openly selling drugs out of her home, the cops were informed of this six times, twice I spoke with a detective, they were offered use of the house for survellience, they never took us up on it. Never investigated her. They could care less. If I could sell my house, I would move, and move quick! "

    ... Shouldn't this incident be investigated, Chief of Police?

    ... Thank you, "curious07" "

    MARY ROS wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:01 AM:

    " THE DRUG PROBLEM IS BAD BUT THE DISEASES FOLLOW.YUKK!!! MRSA,ETC.VERY CONTAGOUS AMONG DRUG USERS PASSED DOWN TO GOOD PEOPLE.WASH YOUR HANDS EVERYWHERE IN BOGALUSA "

    joy wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:09 AM:

    " i was raised in bog went home a few years ago was riding around showing my sister where we and other family members had lived it did really look bad there were people on ott street selling drugs they were hollering at us and waving there hands we just kept going and got out of there i loved bog when i was younger am scared to ride the streets now "

    curious07 wrote on Oct 13, 2009 10:45 PM:

    " It is true about the police not doing anything, my elderly father's next door neighbor is openly selling drugs out of her home, the cops were informed of this six times, twice I spoke with a detective, they were offered use of the house for survellience, they never took us up on it. Never investigated her. They could care less. If I could sell my house, I would move, and move quick! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 13, 2009 9:46 AM:

    " Good Morning, "cholly" Please re-read what I have written and you will see it is about a city-wide problem, not my personal problem.

    I "fled" New Orleans because it has become a disgrace, The Violent Crime Capital of America!

    I do not want to see our Bogalusa become another New Orleans, cholly. Do you?

    When I talk about CLEANING UP BOGALUSA, I'm talking about cleaning up City Hall, the Police dept, the DRUG PROBLEM, etc.

    ... there is a direct connection between these entities!

    GO BOGALUSA! "

    Cholly wrote on Oct 12, 2009 10:25 PM:

    " Mr Chandler, as usual you cloud the issue with your own problems. This article was about drugs being sold at a bus stop. Your problems with city hall is about blight on Ave B. Why can't you get a life ??? "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 12, 2009 9:48 PM:

    " "Or maybe how folks (police) live the lifestyles they live on a cops salary. They KNOW who the dealers are and, for some reason, just don't seem to care. "

    The REASON is clear: PAYOLA ... my informant swears that Bogalusa police are PAID CASH not to see "too much" drug activity.

    I was asked to go with him to see where the TWO DRUG LORDS LIVE LIKE KINGS , right here in Bogalusa. I declined!

    I was sickened to learn of such corruption in our Police Dept! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 12, 2009 2:53 PM:

    " BOGALUSA CITIZENS:

    DEMAND accountability of our Mayor, City Hall employees, Police Dept., Councilpersons ... all who are on the city of Bogalusa payroll to ACTIVELY WORK TO ELIMINATE CRIME and CORRUPTION IN BOGALUSA!

    Call CRIME by it's rightful name: CRIME!

    ENFORCE THE LAWS ON OUR BOOKS!

    STOP LOOKING THE OTHER WAY ... ACT!

    Examine our Police Dept. and fire any corrupt officers found "on the take" ...

    ... no more "good 'ol boys attitude" ...

    CLEAN UP BOGALUSA. CLEAN UP CITY HALL!

    GO BOGALUSA! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 12, 2009 2:18 PM:

    " I 'm weary of addressing these issues to the Mayor, City Hall, Councilmen, Police., City Hall Meetings, etc.... only to be told:

    "we can't do anything, we make the laws, we don't enforce them" (City Council and Police)

    , "we don't have any money" (Mayor Mack)

    , "It's all over", "Drugs is out of control, we can't helpt", (Mayor "Mack")

    I'm looking for SOMEONE to tell me, "I care, I will try to address these issues that are holding Bogalusa back" ...

    People are moving AWAY!.

    HELP! "

    EdmoChanbellsouth.net wrote on Oct 12, 2009 2:02 PM:

    " When people do not care about blight, abandoned houses, crime, trash in our city,.... we draw crime like a magnet.

    WHAT DRAWS ROACHES AND RATS, FOLKS? They gather in filth. abandoned houses ... in areas where trash and debris is allowed to accumulate. HUMAN VERMIN!

    (BOTH PRIVATE PROPERTY AND PUBLIC PROPERTY) ...

    It's time to STOP TALKING. ACTION IS NEEDED. ...TO RID BOGALUSA OF BAD CITY OFFICIALS, BAD POLICE, ... REPLACED BY COMPETENT HONEST PEOPLE TO SERVE OUR CITIZENS!

    HELP! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 12, 2009 1:45 PM:

    " ... I refuse to live in FEAR, folks, hence, I am partially describing SOME FACTS concerning drugs and our Police Dept. here for all to see. I could write a short novel about my personal experiences with "druggies" and the Bogalusa Police Dept. not doing their job by arresting druggies, and worse. ASSAULT AND BATTERY! (at a drug house next door to me.). The police officer did not even get out of his cruiser. He laughed and drove off!

    I rest my case. SADLY!

    (continued) "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 12, 2009 1:35 PM:

    " Unfortunately, this is not news. I am tired of picking up used syringe needles, cigarette rolling papers, various other drug items from the service road in back of my Avenue B home. I no longer call the police, but simply throw these items in my garbage can. I have been warned by people "in the know" that I am in danger if I call the Bogalusa Police. It was suggested that I clean up the mess, and keep quiet about it. IN NO CASE SHOULD I CALL THE POLICE! "

    Disgusted wrote on Oct 12, 2009 1:12 PM:

    " I recently was in the area of Ann Street in Bogalusa finishing a job and was approached first by a prostitute at a home across the street and then by the people in the house offered drugs. I was concerned for my saftey and left and have never gone back to that neighborhood. I will refuse to do work in that area again. These people were in broad daylight with no concern who saw them. "

    gator wrote on Oct 12, 2009 8:40 AM:

    " No request for comment from the police?
    No request for comment from the bus driver, the transportation supervisor or the superintendent of schools?
    Whether there is any truth to this or not-- and I believe there is a lot of truth in your story--you have published nothing more than a lot of unsubstantiated hearsay. "

    stormy wrote on Oct 11, 2009 9:27 PM:

    " where i live its bad shootings, trash on the ground bog used to be a good place .... but its gone bad i live on the north side of town i"m working on getting myself out of bog "

    Imagine that... wrote on Oct 11, 2009 8:36 AM:

    " Your kids are going to a school in the part of town known as Pill Hill!

    I left Bogalusa after repeatedly contacting the police department about a home that was obviously selling drugs. Noted 40 cars within one hour; stop by, person get out go inside then out and depart within two minutes.

    Police stated that someone previously arrested for drugs lived there so nothing could be done. I offered my home for video taping and also took liscense plate numbers off vehicles. BPD did nothing!!!

    So the town reaps what the leaders and judges sow! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 10, 2009 12:23 PM:

    " "“I’ve been in this neighborhood since I was a kid,” she said. “It’s not something you would think you would find.”

    TODAY, " DRUGS" are EVERYWHERE!

    ... read your newspapers, on your TV news, MOST VIOLENT CRIME BEGINS WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS!

    ... This is a constant battle, folks ... a battle we MUST WIN!

    ... KEEP JESUS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND LIVE IN PEACE!

    ... MERRY CHRISTMAS! (not Happy Holiday) ..

    ... DARE TO LIVE FOR CHRIST! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 10, 2009 11:59 AM:

    " DISCLAIMER: Commenting on our drug problem is a sensitive issue, and I cannot and will not divulge the names of the person(s) who warned me to stay inside my home at night, off the streets, away from the "druggies"

    ... however, it is a FACT that much drug activity goes on right here in our community.

    ... This is WHY I am willing to pay an increase in sales taxes to our Sheriff for better crime protection.

    Folks, this is serious business! We must not allow Bogalusa to become another N.O.! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 10, 2009 11:49 AM:

    " ... I am told that Bogalusa now has TWO DRUG LORDS.. I was also WARNED that my home might ACCIDENTLY BURN DOWN IF I REPORT DRUG ACTIVITY TO THE BOGALUSA POLICE.

    ... I was told that the Bogalusa Police are PAID " to look the other way"!

    ... I was cautioned that it is dangerous to interfere with the "payola" ... paid to Bogalusa police to " not see too much" "Their income depends on drug pay-offs" ...

    PLEASE tell me this is not true, Chief Agnew.

    MOST CRIME BEGINS WITH DRUGS! "

    Edmond Chandler wrote on Oct 10, 2009 11:24 AM:

    " Unfortunately, you can drive around Bogalusa on any given night and see the drug dealers on the corners and even in between selling their drugs out in the open.

    I recently had to run an errand at night, and was shocked to see this and not one Bogalusa Police Unit was in sight.

    The drug sales were wide open, as if they had no fear of being caught and arrested! A friend in high places told me that the local police are paid "not to see too much".

    Is this true? "

    getting out of bogue asap wrote on Oct 9, 2009 8:04 PM:

    " Drugs are everywhere in this town. And sadly, if you can't afford to send your children to a private school or a school out of Bogalusa, they WILL be exposed to drugs. Ask yourselves why the police do not do ANYTHING about the people who standing on street corners openly selling dope or the ones who have cars in and out of their houses all day long. Or maybe how folks live the lifestyles they live on a cops salary. They KNOW who the dealers are and, for some reason, just don't seem to care. "

    why not wrote on Oct 9, 2009 4:19 PM:

    " Check Ontario Ave. Big dug problem over there. Especially 700 block. Right by the elementary school. But who cares? Not law enforcement. "

    sp wrote on Oct 9, 2009 4:16 PM:

    " That is why we got out of there. The headlines in our local paper where we are at now was : Tobacco seen on campus at high school. Kids taking skoal to school is the biggest problem here.
    In Bogalusa the police do not care. I have a relative in Bog that has a bad bad drug problem and the cops wont even arrest him. We need a better police department and a mayor that cares. You would think with the mayor having children of his own he would make sure the town was a better place. "

    urpointis wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:16 PM:

    " Yea, Bogalusa is going downhill with no breaks, I am trying my best to get myself out of there, I don't care if i ever came back here. I have been all over the united states and I have never seen anything like bogalusa. It is a shame. "

    RB wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:35 AM:

    " Bogalusa is going down hill fast without Brakes! Glad I didn't stay around, to be honest I reall y hate to visit! "

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