Monroe News Archives

“That's the info I was given. So go with whatever Pilcher says. "I apologize for any inconsistencies. But that's what I was told when I was polling for everyone's stats from yesterday.”

A Louisiana State Police report Wednesday incorrectly stated that a Monroe city school bus drove "around lowered gates with a train approaching," a Troop F spokesperson acknowledged Thursday. via News-Star

The two people accused of selling a lethal dose of methadone to a 15-year-old West Monroe High School student will go before a Ouachita Parish grand jury next week, District Attorney Jerry Jones has confirmed. via News-Star

Monroe police detectives arrested a man accused of stealing more than $4,000 from a local restaurant. via News-Star

“I can also tell you that I do not be-lieve this is a hate crime. I have been a member of the family for six years now, and I have never once heard Raymond talk ill of someone based on their race.”

Friends and family of Raymond Hodges said they know him as a joke-ster and kind person, not someone who would intentionally shoot another based on their race. via News-Star

“At the same time, we are laying a positive foundation that was attractive to Chase, where Chase made a decision to expand their operation by bringing in an additional 250 jobs to Monroe and closing down their operations in Lexington, Ky.”

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo said voters should look at the last six years to see what to expect if they vote to re-elect him to another term in the Feb. via Ouachita Citizen

Metro Narcotics agents arrested two people on Tuesday, both accused of distributing cocaine in Ouachita Parish. via News-Star

“First of all, it shouldn't have happened”

Monroe City School System officials may take action against two bus drivers who were issued warning citations for railroad crossing violations. via News-Star

“We were scanning the property with our security cameras just in case”

Law enforcement officials alerted public school systems, the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Pecanland Mall that they needed to be alert about a shooter or shooters firing indiscriminately at motorists ... via News-Star

An 18-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including robbery, after he reportedly beat a 15-year-old pregnant girl and took her boyfriend's jacket from her. via News-Star

“We realized that we were all searching for the same vehicle.”

Multiple police agencies spanning two parishes are meeting this morning to ascertain specifics of a Tuesday shooting spree that injured two people and led to a Columbia man being placed behind bars. via News-Star

“Linda is always professional and always has the broader community in mind.”

Joe and Linda Holyfield received the Rambin-Silverstein Memorial Civic Award during the Monroe Chamber of Commerce's 87th annual meeting, which featured Gov. via Ouachita Citizen

Three people were reported shot Tuesday along U.S. Highway 165 in northeastern Louisiana. via WAFB-TV Baton Rouge

“When you're dealing with schools, and you have so much cash money, theft will occur, but if you steal, you are going to get caught and you will lose your job”

Ouachita Parish Schools' net assets increased $3 million during the 2006-07 fiscal year, giving the system a total of $134.7 million in net assets. via Ouachita Citizen

“They were kind of getting close to everyone being tested (then) - it was an issue”

It is no surprise that Ben Sheets prefers not to go into detail about the steroid scandal plaguing Major League Baseball. via News-Star

University of Louisiana at Monroe police arrested a West Monroe man early Sunday on illegal drug allegations. via News-Star

Two West Monroe males were arrested by Ouachita Parish Sheriff's deputies early Sunday for reportedly beating a man. via News-Star

“We can point all over the city and see that. This is certainly one of them. I look forward to the things NOVA is doing to continue to make our city and our community stronger.”

The Monroe City Council approved giving $100,000 to the NOVA Workforce Institute for its ongoing job training initiatives. via Ouachita Citizen

University of Louisiana at Monroe police arrested a 20-year-old man early Saturday after narcotics were found in his vehicle during a traffic stop. via News-Star

Megean Jean Blackwelder and Mathew William Shaw were united in marriage on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Prince of Peace Church in Hoover, Ala. via News-Star

Monroe police arrested a man accused of leaving a halfway house without permission. via News-Star

Members of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Special Crime Apprehension Team arrested three men after finding crack cocaine during a traffic stop. via News-Star

The driver arrested in connection with a crash in which his friend was killed told state troopers he drank several beers and took Xanax before getting behind the wheel. via KATC-TV Lafayette

Having known Jay Marx for more than 40 years, I can say without reservation that I know of no more capable person to continue to serve the city of Monroe as councilman. via News-Star

Monroe police have arrested a man linked to several burglaries in the Garden District area of Monroe. via News-Star

A Monroe man accused of killing his abusive stepfather has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. via News-Star

A West Monroe man was arrested today, accused of stealing copper wire from a local business and burning off the insulation so he could sell it. via News-Star

“We are glad to see this conference continue to be a place where people in the agricultural industry come together to plan for the future”

Renewable energy will be a major focus of the AgOutlook 2008 conference Feb. 25-27 in Monroe, La. via Delta Farm Press

Monroe fire investigators said they believe a Thursday warehouse fire was caused by a hot water heater. via News-Star

“We will ... begin earnest trial preparations with a view to clearing the good name which Mr. Jones has earned through years of dedicated public service.”

SHREVEPORT - Former state Sen. Charles D. Jones was indicted today on charges he evaded federal taxes and filed false tax returns. via The Daily Advertiser

“I'm ordering her detained pending trial”

Tanya 'Little Feather' Smith entered innocent pleas Friday to six federal weapons charges in U.S. District Court in Monroe. via News-Star

One person was killed Wednesday night in a one vehicle crash on Louisiana 151 at milepost 52 in western Ouachita Parish. via News-Star

Monroe police arrested a 43-year-old woman this afternoon after she reportedly stabbed a man with a screwdriver during a dispute about money. via News-Star

Three people have been arrested in connection with stealing a gun. Ouachita Parish sheriff's deputies arrested Sarah Dyan Hands, 20, Derek Ronald Hands, 17, both of 165 Canterbury Road, Monroe, and Kayla Renee ... via News-Star

A Downsville man is behind bars accused of burglarizing a vehicle and stealing the victim's credit card. via News-Star

Members of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office warrants division arrested a man accused of having sex with his sister. via News-Star

“I woke up around 3 a.m. this morning and could not stop thinking about the events on Friday, and I wanted to do something for them.”

BASTROP - Bastrop Police Chief Alan Freeman and his family found a bag of sausage biscuits on their doorstep Saturday morning with a simple note signed, "thinking of you." As details surrounding the shooting ... via News-Star

“We're generating about $36,000 to $38,000 a month from those that are open.”

Monroe will have four more video bingo parlors open by the end of February to go with the three already in operation. via News-Star

No bond has been set for a man accused of hitting his wife with a firearm during an argument. via News-Star

Bond will be set at a 72-hour hearing for 32-year-old man accused of threatening to kill his teenage girlfriend and wrap her in plastic to keep the blood from leaking onto the floor. via News-Star

A state District Court judge in Monroe today sentenced a man who is a suspect in a 1981 murder to life in prison for an unrelated offense. via TheNewOrleansChannel

Brenda Blackson, 40, 2208 DeSiard St., Monroe, was booked late Sunday on charges of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. via News-Star

“The goal is to give them enough entry-level training so they gain a skill and then decide if they want to go on to more extensive training”

The Eric Whittley Life Skills Center recently kicked off its partnership with several local educational groups to provide job training skills to residents living in south Monroe. via Ouachita Citizen

The state Bond Commission is set to consider tomorrow whether to issue $45 million in revenue bonds for a new Louisiana Delta Community College campus. via KATC-TV Lafayette

Ouachita Parish firefighters battled three separate fires in a 24-hour period. The first fire occurred at 8:39 p.m. Wednesday at 1911 Bailey St., West Monroe. via News-Star

Wherever and whenever I travel, I proudly tell people I'm from Monroe. I'm blessed to live in Ouachita Parish and northeastern Louisiana. via News-Star

Metro Narcotics Unit agents arrested two people Thursday at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites accused of harboring methampetamines inside their rented room. via News-Star

“The only good cop is a dead cop.”

A district judge will decide this week whether a guard at a Monroe halfway house accused of forcing a resident to have sex should remain in jail. via News-Star

Monroe police arrested a woman on multiple charges after she reportedly struck a police officer during a traffic stop. via News-Star

“We tell them we're going to fly you, and we're going to fly you for free”

On a cold, wet and windy Friday afternoon, a twin engine Beechcraft piloted by Mike Terry gingerly touched down at the Monroe Regional Airport. via News-Star

West Monroe police have arrested a man accused of his fourth driving while intoxicated charge. via News-Star

“We are growing and improving our program”

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Geosciences department is looking for a few good men, women, and children to assist in the new Louisiana rainfall network. via News-Star

Monroe police arrested a local teenager and a juvenile after a theft at a local hunting supply store led to a lengthy foot chase. via News-Star

“We let out of school at 2:45 p.m.”

Bond has been set at $80,750 for a convicted sex offender accused of being armed with knives and soliciting money from Crosley Elementary schoolteachers. via News-Star

Ouachita Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested two men for failing to register as sex offenders, just days after the department implemented a new program to keep track of such offenders in the parish. via News-Star

West Monroe police seized marijuana and cocaine from two men in an early morning traffic stop. via News-Star

Richwood police have arrested a woman accused of stabbing a man at a local club. via News-Star

Monroe police have arrested a man accused of trying to burglarize a house. Officers were dispatched Friday morning to 207 Carlton Ave. via News-Star

“It's a huge civic experiment. We elected a reform governor, but he needs the support of the citizens to rally behind him”

Blueprint Louisiana, a group of business people and citizens pressing for reform in state government, landed a super majority of legislators to shepherd its reform agenda. via News-Star

A Sonic employee is facing a felony charge following a sexual misconduct complaint at the drive-in. Marcus D. Lowens, 18, 2605 Maddox St., Monroe, was arrested late Wednesday night on one count of sexual ... via News-Star

No bond has been set for a convicted sex offender accused of carrying weapons onto the campus of a local elementary school and soliciting teachers for money. via News-Star

Monroe Youth Baseball Association is now accepting coach applicants for the 2008 baseball season. via News-Star

A man accused of a December home invasion and armed robbery has waived extradition back to Ouachita Parish. via News-Star

“This guy was a very good businessman and very smart with his investments. This is one of the first drug-dealers I have seen that takes care of his family.”

Monroe police narcotics officers were still tracing money today linked to a suspected drug dealer who kept a logbook of his transactions that dates back to 1998. via News-Star

“During a brief meeting this afternoon in my administrative office, Logan made the decision to resign his position with the Monroe Fire Department”

A Monroe firefighter facing weapon and domestic battery charges resigned from the department this afternoon. via News-Star

The Monroe Fire Department, in conjunction with the Monroe Water Distribution Department, will be continuing citywide fire hydrant flow testing on Monday. via News-Star

Monroe police arrested a local man late Saturday for firing gun shots toward a female's residence. via News-Star

Metro Narcotics Unit agents arrested two men on cocaine charges Monday afternoon. via News-Star

Members of the Monroe police Specialized Neighborhood Action Program Team arrested three people in an overnight narcotics sting. via News-Star

A federal jury has been seated in U.S. District Court in Monroe in the trial of two former Monroe police officers accused of insurance fraud. via News-Star

West Monroe police arrested a local man early Monday for reportedly cutting a woman. via News-Star

A suspect in a December armed robbery in the Monroe area is in custody following his arrest by the United States Marshals Service in Texas. via News-Star

Rodney D. Burks, 23, 121 Pink Street, West Monroe, was booked late on aggravated assault with a fire arm and illegal use of a firearm charge. via News-Star

Ouachita firefighters are investigating a Wednesday morning vehicle fire. Curt Meachum, fire prevention officer, said firefighters responded to a 9-1-1 call of a vehicle on Harmon McDonald Road, located in the ... via News-Star

A West Monroe man is being treated for life-threatening injuries following a one-vehicle accident Saturday morning. via News-Star

Shooting incident lands one man in jail A Monroe man remains at Ouachita Correctional Center accused of shooting a gun at another man. via News-Star

Members of the Monroe police Specialized Neighborhood Action Program team arrested a man accused of running his cocaine business out of his girlfriend's house. via News-Star

Monroe police have taken into custody a lone suspect in connection with what was believed to be an unprovoked attack -- authorities are calling it a random act of violence -- on a female shopper at Wal-Mart at ... via News-Star

“This is something we will follow up on and take appropriate action”

A Monroe fire captain has been booked into jail accused of attempting to force dog feces into his wife's mouth. via News-Star

It's a crime that defies easy explanation. A lone man - he was homeless, police say - was attacked in the early morning January cold along busy 18th Street in Monroe. via News-Star

“He threatened to have him sent back to jail if he didn't”

An employee at a Monroe halfway house has been arrested for forcing a male resident to have sex with him. via News-Star

West Monroe police arrested two men after a fight involving guns was reported on Kiroli Elementary School grounds. via News-Star

Ouachita Parish sheriff's deputies and Monroe police are investigating a spate of vehicle vandalism throughout the city and parish. via News-Star

West Monroe police said a 24-year-old man is lucky to be alive after his car left Interstate 20 and traveled more than 300 yards before running into a house on Moss Park Drive. via News-Star

A Monroe man was arrested after he concocted a story about being robbed to get out of losing his company's cell phone. via News-Star

“A 25-year sentence is more than appropriate for this man who broke into his 19-year-old girlfriend's house and tried to kill her”

A state appellate court has rejected the appeal of a Monroe man convicted in 2005 of stabbing his young girlfriend at her grandmother's home. via News-Star

“This is a random act of violence. It could have happened anywhere. It's just unfortunate that it happened at a Monroe business.”

Bond has been set at $50,000 for a Monroe man accused of stabbing a woman while she shopped this afternoon at the Monroe Wal-Mart Supercenter. via News-Star

West Monroe police arrested two men this afternoon after receiving a drug complaint at a local convenience store. via News-Star

West Monroe police this afternoon were investigating what appeared to be a single-vehicle Interstate 20 wreck in which the driver narrowly escaped serious harm. via News-Star

“He threatened to have him sent back to jail if he didn't”

An employee at a Monroe halfway house has been arrested for forcing a male resident to have sex with him. via News-Star

“When you walk into a room that is totally unorganized and dirty, you have to start from somewhere and work your way out”

When Ali Moghimi first arrived in the United States more than 30 years ago, like many other immigrants, he arrived at an airport. via Ouachita Citizen