DPS releases new photo of Top 10 fugitive

The Texas Department of Public Safety has released a new photo of Rene Morales Munoz, DOB 12-19-67. Munoz, whose last known address was in San Antonio, has warrants out for his arrest for homicide, kidnapping, aggravated assault and sexual assault.

Munoz has been on the Texas Top 10 Most Wanted list since January 2007. This new photo is from a valid Colorado driver license that expires in 2012. Munoz is known to sometimes wear glasses.

Munoz has served time for possession and delivery of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, assault and failure to appear. He was released from prison in 2000. On Jan. 25, 2005, he was involved in a homicide during which one victim died from gunshot wounds.

Munoz is wanted by the Frio County Sheriff's Office for homicide and by the U.S. Marshals Service for kidnapping, aggravated assault and sexual assault. He is also wanted by the Texas Pardon and Parole Board for parole violation (original offense: possession of cocaine).

Here is a list of the remaining Top 10 Fugitives:
• Robert Barrera, DOB 9-26-82, last known address: Austin. Wanted for obstructing police, escape and burglary of a habitation.
• Binus Jackson IV, DOB 7-31-68, last known address: Waco. Wanted for two counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and robbery by threat.
• Gwen Komahcheet, DOB 9-17-50, last known address: Spring. Wanted for aggravated rape with a deadly weapon and failure to register as a sex offender.
• Gaspar E. Loya III, DOB 6-20-74, last known address: Weslaco. Wanted for indecency with a child, burglary, failure to register as a sex offender, escape and unlawful flight.
• Leeroy Suarez, DOB 6-2-83, last known address: New Braunfels. Wanted for homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful flight.
• Ngoc Van Tran, DOB 6-8-70, last known address: Amarillo. Wanted for murder, delivery of a controlled substance and burglary of a habitation.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives to be featured on the Texas Top 10 Most Wanted list. Featured fugitives generally have been accused of committing violent crimes or crimes against children. Investigators are interested in apprehending these fugitives as soon as possible, before they are able to commit additional crimes.

You can find the current listwith photoson the DPS website at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/wanted/. The list is updated as needed.

KPYN News for Wednesday March 3rd, 2010

Charles McMichael is re-elected Cass County Judge, for Cass County’s News leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot net, I’m Robert DelGiorno.

Charles McMicheal was re-elected Cass County Judge last night. McMichael, who’s been Cass County judge for 13-years received 1,880 or 56% of the votes and he beat Hughes Springs city manager George Fite who earned 1,484 votes. Judge McMichael told KPYN new that he had something to say to his supporters who voted for him yesterday. What did McMichael have to say?

Here are the rest of your Cass County results from yesterday’s primary.

Barbara McMillon was re-elected as Justice of the Peace in Precint 1, McMillon won in a landslide getting 1005 votes or 88% beating out challenger Susan K Fields who received 12% of the votes.
Danny Joe Shaddix was re-elected Cass County Commissioner in Precinct 2. Shaddix earned 584 votes or 53% compared to challenger Henry Guinn who had 422 votes.

Gina M Bassham maintained her position as Justice of the Peace in Precinct 2 with 495 votes or 51%, she defeated George McFarland who had 34% of the vote and C.F. (Chuck) Wise who had 15 percent of the votes.

Texas Governor Rick Perry earned the republican nomination for Governor defeating the other Republican challengers Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina. Perry will run against Houston mayor Bill White who won the democratic nomination last night.

Testimony begins today in the murder trial of Atlanta man who’s accused of killing his wife in 2004. 49-year old David Len Mouton’s trial has been moved from Cass to Bowie County because of pre-trial publicity. Persecutors say Moutlon is responsible for the death of his wife Rebecca Moulton who’s body was pulled out of a pond near Atlanta in April 2004.

The Results for Cass County Local Polls

County Judge
Charles McMichael 1,880 (56%)
George Fite 1484 (44%)

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1

Barbara McMillon 1005 (88%)
Susan K Fields 136 (12%)

County Commissioner Precinct 2

Danny Joe Shaddix 584 (53%)
Henry Guinn 422 (47%)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2

Gina M Bassham 495 (51%)
George McFarland 336 (34%)
C.F. (Chuck) Wise 143 (15%)

AUSTIN, Texas
, March 2 (UPI) -- Gov. Rick Perry led among Republicans and former Houston Mayor Bill White won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Texas Tuesday, early returns indicated.

Perry -- who held a sizable lead in pre-election polls over U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and newcomer Debra Medina -- took an early lead in the primary election as returns began to come in. But it remained to be seen whether he would collect enough votes to avoid an April 13 runoff, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Perry's polling numbers have ticked toward the 50 percent mark in recent weeks, but experts say Medina -- who's been steadily tracking in the teens -- may play spoiler and force a runoff between Perry and Hutchison, whose numbers hovered in the upper 20s.

White was favored in the seven-person race to win the party's nomination for governor in the Nov. 2 general election. His nearest competitor was Houston hair-care magnate Farouk Shami.

Things are done big in Texas, and Tuesday's ballot was no exception. Besides choosing who will face off in November to be the state's chief executive, Texans will cast votes for all 32 U.S. representatives, a slew of statewide offices, three state Supreme Court justices, three Court of Criminal Appeals members, 16 state senators, all 150 state representatives, eight members of the state Board of Education, several Court of Appeals justices, district judges, family district judges, county-level judges and many county-level races, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The Justice Department said in a statement Monday it will monitor balloting in Fort Bend, Galveston, Gonzales, Williamson and Wilson counties to ensure compliance with the minority language requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and other federal voting rights statutes.

KPYN News for Tuesday March 2nd, 2010


It’s democrat and republican primary election day in Texas election and the polls will be open until 7 p.m. and in Texas Voters will be voting for candidates in the Governors race, Lieutenant Governor, Land Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, and Railroad Commissioner. Locally, voters will be voting in the U.S. Representative in district 4 race and in the Justice, Texas Supreme Court in place 3, and place 4 and also for Chief Justice, 6th District Court of Appeals in Texarkana.

In Cass County, voters will decide on whether or not to re-elect Cass County Judge Charles McMichael. McMichael who has been Cass County Judge for 13 years is being challenged by Hughes Springs City Manager George Fite. In other Cass County Races, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 Barbra McMillon is running for re-election against Susan K Fields, County Commissioner Danny Joe Shaddix in Cass County Precinct 2 is running for re-election against Henry Guinn and in the Justice of the Peace in Precinct 2, Gina M Bassham, C.F. Chuck Wise and George McFarland are all running.

KPYN will air a special primary election night program tonight beginning at 7 p.m. As soon as the results are posted at the court house in Linden tonight, you’ll here it first on KPYN 900 AM, 95.5 FM and at KPYN.Net; Cass County’s news leader.

On the KPYN website, we have all of your election day information that you need including a sample ballot and where to vote, simply log on to www.kpyn.net for details.

In Odessa Texas, a goat gone wild took 4 police officers, 2 animal control officers and off duty police officer on a motorcycle on a 30-minute chase through a Taco Bell parking Lot and a nearby University dorm before it was subdued with a tranquilizer gun. The goat was taken into custody and theirs is no word on who owned the goat.

KPYN News for Monday March 1st, 2010

ATF CALLED IN TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF FIRE AT ATLANTA SAW MILL
By Robert DelGIorno


ATLANTA, TX- It took 14 different fire departments including the Atlanta Fire Department and over a Half-of-a-Million gallons of water to put out a fire Saturday night and Sunday morning at Anthony Forest Products, 515 South Louise St., Atlanta, Tx., according to Atlanta Fire Chief Robin Betts.

“We were able to contain the fire by 2 a.m. and we didn’t enter the building till the daylight hours,” Betts said. “It was for the safety of our fire fighters. The fire spread up a conveyer belt but we were able to stop the fire from spreading to other buildings and it was contained to the main building.” “The fire went undetected and they had a weekend skeleton crew working,” Betts said.

The fire was called in to 911 emergency by Atlanta reserve policeman Randy Cruson who saw the fire from the highway, Chief Betts said. “The building was filled with 3-tiers of equipment, hydraulic fluid and flammable- combustible materials used to cut and reduce lumber, then cuts and reduces lumber again so that it comes out a finished lumber product,” Robin Betts said.

Betts said that the 80,000 square foot metal building sustained heavy fire and heat damage and even though there were no injuries, all of the big electric 480 volt equipment was lost and is inoperable and not salvageable as a result of the fire. Besides the Atlanta fire department, assistance was also provided by fire departments in McLeod, Queen City, Bloomburg, Linden, Avery, Bright Star, Doddridge, Liberty-Eylau, Red Water, Miller County, Center Hill and Douglassville. The Red Cross set up rehab for fire fighters during breaks.

Chief Betts said that he requested that the ATF come in to assist in the investigation and late Sunday afternoon a national response team call out was made and now the ATF will send over 15 experts to Atlanta to determine the cause of the fire. According to the Company’s web-site, Anthony Forest Products in Atlanta employ’s 100-249 people in Atlanta and they generate annual revenue of $20 Million to $50 Million


Early voting ended Friday for tomorrow's republican and democratic primary. The primary election is tomorrow. KPYN will have complete election results beginning tomorrow night at 7 p.m. when the polls close with a special elections return special. You'll get the results from the Cass County races first, beginning tomorrow night at seven with KPYN 900 AM and 95.5 FM and at www.kpyn.net.,

The deadline for candidates to file for the local city and school elections is a week from today, March 8th. Atlanta Mayor Keith Crow is up for reelection and Rodney Garrison has also filed and will run against Crow for his Mayoral seat. Early voting for the city election will begin on Monday April 26th.

COON HUNT A HUGE SUCCESS

ATLANTA, Texas-The Cystic fibrosis coon hunt in Cass County raised $11,300 over the weekend. Dexter Whatley with the Coon hunt was pleased with the turnout, especially with the weather being bad Friday.

The King of the show was Rick Kerns from Lancaster Mississippi with Mr. Gold Dust X and the Queen of Show was Mike and Barbara Markum from Palestine Texas with their dog Frankenstein nightmare. We have complete results on our website at www.kpyn.net.

ATF CALLED IN TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF FIRE AT ATLANTA SAW MILL
By Robert DelGIorno
Sunday 7 p.m.

ATLANTA, TX- It took 14 different fire departments including the Atlanta Fire Department and over a Half-of-a-Million gallons of water to put out a fire Saturday night and Sunday morning at Anthony Forest Products, 515 South Louise St., Atlanta, Tx., according to Atlanta Fire Chief Robin Betts.
“We were able to contain the fire by 2 a.m. and we didn’t enter the building till the daylight hours,” Betts said. “It was for the safety of our fire fighters. The fire spread up a conveyer belt but we were able to stop the fire from spreading to other buildings and it was contained to the main building.”
“The fire went undetected and they had a weekend skeleton crew working,” Betts said.
The fire was called in to 911 emergency by Atlanta reserve policeman Randy Cruson who saw the fire from the highway, Chief Betts said.
“The building was filled with 3-tiers of equipment, hydraulic fluid and flammable- combustible materials used to cut and reduce lumber, then cuts and reduces lumber again so that it comes out a finished lumber product,” Robin Betts said.
Betts said that the 80,000 square foot metal building sustained heavy fire and heat damage and even though there were no injuries, all of the big electric 480 volt equipment was lost and is inoperable and not salvageable as a result of the fire.
Besides the Atlanta fire department, assistance was also provided by fire departments in McLeod, Queen City, Bloomburg, Linden, Avery, Bright Star, Doddridge, Liberty-Eylau, Red Water, Miller County, Center Hill and Douglassville. The Red Cross set up rehab for fire fighters during breaks.
Chief Betts said that he requested that the ATF come in to assist in the investigation and late Sunday afternoon a national response team call out was made and now the ATF will send over 15 experts to Atlanta to determine the cause of the fire.
According to the Company’s web-site, Anthony Forest Products in Atlanta employ’s 100-249 people in Atlanta and they generate annual revenue of $20 Million to $50 Million per year.

ATLANTA SAW MILL CATCHES FIRE
By Robert DelGiorno
2/28/10, 9 a.m.

ATLANTA, Texas- The Anthony Forest Products Co., Saw Mill in Texas caught fire Saturday night around 8:30 p.m. and Atlanta fire fighters were still extinguishing the fire at 8:51 a.m. Sunday morning. “The main processing mill caught fire but nobody was hurt and everything went smoothly,” Atlanta Fire Chief Robin Betts said.
The Atlanta Fire Department has not determined what caused the blaze.
“We are going to look into it as soon as we get all of our hot spots knocked out and probably use the resources of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to determine the actual cause of the fire,” Chief Betts said.

ATF investigators are already at the scene of the fire trying to determine the cause of the fire. The Anthony Forest Products Atlanta location employs 100-249 people and produces annual revenue of $20 Million to $50 Million, the company website said.
The question is: will the plant remain open at full capacity after the fire is completely put out and repairs are made to the main processing plant.
KPYN news will attempt to contact the plant manager sometime Sunday for his comments on the blaze and the future of the plant.

Atlanta Police Department Press Release

February 25, 2010 2:35 pm - Danny Wayne Peterson, age 46 of Queen City, was arrested for traffic warrants.  Trans to CCSO.

February 25, 2010, 5:30 pm - A burglary of a habitation was reported in the 900 block of North Louise. 

Reported stolen was a handgun, jewelry and cash.  Case is under investigation.

PORTION OF HIGHWAY 59 NAMED AFTER TROOPER FROM CASS COUNTY

Trooper James Scott Burns

ATLANTA, TX- The Atlanta Texas office of the Texas Department of Transportation said that a section on US Highway 59 between Linden and Jefferson will be officially named after Texas State Trooper James Scott Burns who died tragically in the line of duty on April 29th after he was shot during a seemingly routine traffic stop in Marion County. The unveiling ceremonies for the sign designating the section of US 59 Scott Burns Memorial Highway will be at 10 a.m. Friday morning, February 26th Highway 59 at the southern city limits of Linden, TX at County Road 1741.Family and friends of Trooper Burns, State Representative Frost and TxDot representatives will be on hand for the event. Rep. Frost, democrat from Atlanta sponsored House Bill 3800 which was passed last year and it renames a 15-mile stretch of Highway 59 after Trooper Burns.
House Bill 3800 that was passed by the 81st Legislature last year that renames the 15-mile section of US 59 between Linden and Jefferson as the Scott Burns Memorial Highway. The Department of Public Safety Officers Association and local citizens donated funds for the preparation and erection of the signs at each end of the designated highway.

New Railroad Overpass to be Built on FM 3129 in Domino

Waits on trains crossing Farm-to-Market Road 3129 between US 59 and the International Paper Mill in Domino will soon end according to plans approved by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in February.
“We will be constructing bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad and County Road 3676,” said Kenny Icenhower, area engineer for TxDOT in Texarkana. “The overpass will be constructed on a new location just north of the current highway so traffic will continue to use the highway while the structure is being built. County roads affected by the overpass will be rerouted to connect with the new roadway.”
The bridge will have two 12-foot traffic lanes with 10-foot paved shoulders on each side.
East Texas Bridge, Inc. of Longview was awarded the contract for the project with a low bid of $3.9 million.
Work on the overpass should begin in April of this year and take a little more than a year to complete, Icenhower said.

ATLANTA, TX- The Atlanta Police Department made a third arrest in the investigation of the sexual assault of a 14 and 15 year old girl. Atlanta Police Chief Mike Dupree said that the Atlanta Police arrested 26-year old Cedric Charles Clay Wednesday and charged him with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
According to police, 49-year old Tony Randall Hill was arrested Friday and he was also charged with Aggravated Assault of a child. 47-year old Carl Alando James was arrested and charged with failing to report the aggravated sexual assault of a child.
The three arrests come after the alleged sexual assaults which investigators believe occurred in Atlanta on January 29th. That’s when investigators believe that the two juveniles were drugged and taken to multiple locations and sexually assaulted by as many as 10 adult men. 

KPYN News for Thursday February 24th, 2010

The alleged arsonists who are being charged with 1-count of felony arson for torching an East Texas Church appeared before a judge for Arraignment in Tyler Monday. 19-year old Jason Bourque and 21-year old Daniel George McAllister appeared in the 114th district court. According to court records, books on demons and atheism as well as rifles and knives were found in a home linked to one of the suspects.

Early voting ends tomorrow for the democratic and republican primary. The Election Day is Tuesday. One of the local races that’s important is the Cass County Judge race where incumbent Charles McMichael is running for re-election against Hughes Springs city manager George Fite. KPYN will have election coverage and results Tuesday night beginning at 7 p.m.

The 2010 Four States Cystic Fibrosis Coon Hunt will take place February 26th and February 27th at the Cass County Expo Building on US Highway 59 in Atlanta. To help raise money, they’re selling brisket lunch Friday, For $8 you can get brisket, slaw and potato salad and you can pick it up at the Coon Hunters Loge in Queen City on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. or they’ll deliver it to you in the Atlanta and Queen City. To order your brisket lunch for Friday to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis’s Coon Hunt, Call 903-748-2780 or 903-748-8959.The hunt is an AKC sanctioned event which means that no animals will be harmed. In the history of the coon hunt, between $500,000 to $600,000 has been raised for Cystic Fibrosis. Donations are needed to help fund the event They’re will also be an auction. The Coon Hunt is looking for sponsors for the food and for donations for the auction. For more information about the hunt, or to make a donation, call Dexter Whatley at 903-799-5406.

Queen City’s Band of Champions
Invites you to a very special event
THIS SATURDAY EVENING - Feb 27th @ 7pm!!

It’s “Game Show” night and some of your favorite Teachers, Administrators, Band Directors, Board Members, Parents, Grandparents, Community Leaders and local Business Owners will be participating in“The OLDIE Wed Game” and “Battle of the Sexes”Names of eight students, 6th-12th grade only, will be drawn randomly that night to enjoy an enlightening round of “How Well Do You Know Your Child?” A parent or guardian must be present to participate.
The overall winner of this game will win $100Every person who buys a ticket, whether attending or not, will be entered in a random drawing for $100!!
Tickets NOT required for children 5th grade and under! Money raised will help support the Scholarship Fund and end-of-year band activities.

KPYN News for Wednesday February 24th, 2010


The Atlanta Texas Police have made arrests in the alleged sexual assaults of two teens, for Cass County’s News leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno.

The Atlanta Texas Police Department said that they’ve arrested 2-men who were involved in the alleged sexual assault of a 14 and 15 year old girl in Atlanta on January 29th. 49-year old Tony Randall Hill was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. Earlier last week the Atlanta Police said that they arrested 47-year old Carl Alando James and charged him with failing to report the aggravated sexual assault of a child. Atlanta Police Chief Mike Dupree told a Texarkana Newspaper that investigators believe that the girls were given drugs at the first house they visited, were sexually assaulted there, and sexually assaulted again at other houses. Cass County District Attorney Clint Allen told the Texarkana paper that officials believe 10 adult men were involved and that no juveniles are suspected in assaulting the girls. Police said that the investigation is ongoing and that they’re working on identifying more suspects in the case.


A 10-year old Texarkana, Texas boy was returned home safe after he was reported missing after school on Monday. According to the Texarkana, Texas Police Department; Latavious Tolbert boarded the wrong bus after school Monday at Bender Elementary School in Liberty-Eylau ISD and he was dropped off by the Lakeridge apartments in Texarkana. He was seen Monday about an hour after school walking near Liberty Eylau High School. When the Liberty-Eylau boys high school baseball team returned from their baseball game at Carthage, they discovered the boy around midnight in the back of a truck parked on the campus. The youngster was taken to a Texarkana hospital for overnight observation and returned to his family on Tuesday morning.

Early Voting in the democratic and republican primaries ends this Friday. Anyone wanting to vote early can vote at the Cass County Voting Building at 227 East Rush Street in Linden today through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Primary Election Day is Tuesday March 2nd. Cass County’s news leader KPYN will broadcast complete Cass County election results Tuesday night March 2nd beginning at 7 p.m.

KPYN News for Tuesday February 23rd, 2010

The 2010 Four States Cystic Fibrosis Coon Hunt will take place February 26th and February 27th at the Cass County Expo Building on US Highway 59 in Atlanta. To help raise money, they’re selling brisket lunch Friday, For $8 you can get brisket, slaw and potato salad and you can pick it up at the Coon Hunters Loge in Queen City on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. or they’ll deliver it to you in the Atlanta and Queen City. To order your brisket lunch for Friday to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis’s Coon Hunt, Call 903-748-2780 or 903-748-8959.The hunt is an AKC sanctioned event which means that no animals will be harmed. In the history of the coon hunt, between $500,000 to $600,000 has been raised for Cystic Fibrosis. Donations are needed to help fund the event They’re will also be an auction. The Coon Hunt is looking for sponsors for the food and for donations for the auction. For more information about the hunt, or to make a donation, call Dexter Whatley at 903-799-5406.

Early Voting in the democratic and republican primaries ends this Friday. Anyone wanting to vote early can vote at the Cass County Voting Building at 227 East Rush Street in Linden today through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. the last day to apply for a ballot by mail is today (Tuesday) . Election Day is Tuesday March 2nd. Cass County’s news leader KPYN will broadcast complete Cass County election results Tuesday night March 2nd beginning at 7 p.m.

KPYN News for Monday February 22nd, 2010

The Atlanta Police department is investigating the sexual assault of two female juveniles. For Cass County’s News leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno

The Atlanta Police say they’re investigating an alleged sexual assault of two female juveniles who are 14 and 15 years old. The alleged incident was reported to police on February 2nd and Atlanta Police Chief Mike Dupree said that it occurred on January 28th when the victims said that they were taken to a residence, given a drug and assaulted sexually. The victims said that they were then taken to another residence and assaulted again by the same and possibly additional individuals. Police said that one of the victims was allegedly taken to other residences and assaulted. The Atlanta Police and Cass County DA are investigating the case. The Atlanta Police said that they’ve issued warrants for the arrest of Cedrick Charles Clay, a 26-year old black male and Gregory Lamar Young, a 36-year old black male. Anyone knowing their whereabouts is asked to call the Atlanta Police Department. The Atlanta Police Department said that they’ve arrested 47-year old Carl Alando James from Atlanta and charged him with Failure to Report the Aggravated Assault of a Child.

Two men have been arrested and charged with 5-counts of felony arson in connection with 10 church fires that occurred in East Texas since January 1st, 2010. The men arrested were 19-year old Jason Robert Bourque from Lindale, and 21-year old Daniel George McAllister from Ben Wheeler. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Bourque was arrested in Van Zandt County without incident and McAllister was arrested by Texas Rangers in San Antonio. Both of the alleged arsonists were transported to Smith County. According to Robert Champion of the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the two suspects are believed to be responsible for more than just arson. Smith County DA Matt Bingham said that if convicted, the two suspects face serious prison time. Bond for each suspect was set at 10-Million Dollars.

The Board of Trustees of the Linden-Kildare ISD School Board will hold a special meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the W.A. Parker Administration Building. On the agenda; the discussion on facilities and a possible bond proposal.

Early Voting in the democratic and republican primaries ends this Friday. Anyone wanting to vote early can vote at the Cass County Voting Building at 227 East Rush Street in Linden today through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. the last day to apply for a ballot by mail is tomorrow (Tuesday) . election Day is Tuesday March 2nd. Cass County’s news leader KPYN will broadcast complete Cass County election results Tuesday night March 2nd beginning at 7 p.m.
Atlanta Police Department Press Release

The Atlanta Police Department is currently investigating the sexual assault of two female juveniles.  The ages of the victims are 14 and 15.  It was reported to the department on February 02, 2010 and occurred on January 28, 2010.  It was reported by the victims that they were taken to a residence and they were given some type of drug and were assaulted sexually.  They were then taken to another residence and were assaulted by the same and possibly different individuals.  One of the victims was taken to other residences and assaulted.  The Atlanta Police Department currently has warrants for Aggravated Sexual Assault for Cedric Charles Clay, black male, age 26 and Gregory Lamar Young, black male, age 37.  If anyone knows the whereabouts of these individuals, please contact the Atlanta Police Department.  The Atlanta Police Department has also arrested Carl Alando James, age 47 of Atlanta, for Failure to Report Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.  This investigation is ongoing and more arrest are expected.  The Atlanta Police Department is being assisted in the investigation by the Cass County District Attorney's Office.

DPS releases new photo of Top 10 Most
Wanted fugitive

The Texas Department of Public Safety has released a more recent photo of one of its Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives, Gwen Komahcheet, DOB 9-17-50. He was last seen in Spring, Texas.

Komahcheet is wanted in Texas for aggravated rape with a deadly weapon and in Comanche County, OK, for failure to register as a sex offender. His criminal history in Texas, Oklahoma and California includes drunk driving, disturbing the peace, vandalism, vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and rape with a deadly weapon.

In 1979, Komahcheet was arrested and convicted in Dallas for sexual assault with a deadly weapon. He received a 75-year sentence but was paroled in 2004 after serving 24 years. He absconded shortly after his release from prison.

Here is a list of the remaining Top 10 Fugitives:

·       Robert Barrera, DOB 9-26-82, last known address: Austin. Wanted for obstructing police, escape and burglary of a habitation.

·       Javier Castro, DOB 5-26-62, last known address: Houston. Wanted for robbery and failure to comply with sex offender registration.

·       Binus Jackson IV, DOB 7-31-68, last known address: Waco. Wanted for two counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and robbery by threat.

·       Gaspar E. Loya III, DOB 6-20-74, last known address: Weslaco. Wanted for indecency with a child, burglary, failure to register as a sex offender, escape and unlawful flight.

·       Rene Morales Munoz, DOB 12-19-67, last known address: Laredo. Wanted for homicide, probation violations and possession of cocaine.

·       Leeroy Suarez, DOB 6-2-83, last known address: New Braunfels. Wanted for homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful flight.

·      Ngoc Van Tran, DOB 6-8-70, last known address: Amarillo. Wanted for murder, delivery of a controlled substance and burglary of a habitation.         

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives to be featured on the Texas Top 10 Most Wanted list. Featured fugitives generally have been accused of committing violent crimes or crimes against children. Investigators are interested in apprehending these fugitives as soon as possible, before they are able to commit additional crimes.

You can find the current list¾with photos¾on the DPS website at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/wanted/. The list is updated as needed.

KPYN News for Friday February 19^th, 2010

The drought in Texas is officially over. The Federal Drought map was released and drought conditions in Texas are officially gone. Only a few Texas Counties are considered abnormally dry. This time last year, more than 60% of the state was considered under a draught. During the worst part of the drought, about 340 water systems in the state issued either voluntary or mandatory water restrictions. 

The results of this weeks KPYN opinion poll may surprise you. According to the 1,663 voters to log on to KPYN.Net; 81% said that they’ll vote for Debra Medina for governor in the primary March 2^nd . 18% said that they would vote for Governor Rick Perry and only 1% said that they would vote for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. 

Do you know this man?

This week we will have several blood drives in the Atlanta, Linden area.

Thursday, February 11^th we’ll have International Paper from 12:30-4:30pm

Thursday, February 11^th also we’ll have Linden Community which is at the hospital Physical Therapy Bldg from 12:15-6:30pm

Friday, February 12^th   The bloodmobile will be at Wal-Mart in Atlanta from 1pm-5:30pm

For an appointment to any of these blood drives donors can call me at 903-277-6602 or log on to www.bloodhero.com and search the area zip codes.

Atlanta Police Department Press Release

February 06, 2010, 1:00 am - An Aggravated Robbery occurred in the 300 Block of Carney St.  Three suspects entered a residence, armed with a handgun, and demanded cash from the occupants.  When they were unable to obtain any money one of the suspects attempted to strike the victim, Desmond Bernard Simmons, age 19 of Atlanta, with the handgun and the handgun discharged striking the victim in the upper left chest.  Victim was transferred to Atlanta Memorial Hospital.  Case is under investigation.

February 06, 2010, 11:30 pm - An Aggravated Assault occurred in the 600 Block Allday Street. Victim, Lulis Curtis Alexander, age 45 of Atlanta, was standing near the roadway when a dark colored vehicle approached and stopped.  Words were exchanged and gunfire was exchanged.  Mr. Alexander was struck in the upper leg.  He was transferred to Atlanta Memorial Hospital. 

Timothy Wayne Williams, age 21 of Atlanta, was arrested.  Case is under investigation and an additional arrest is expected.

KPYN News for Monday February 8^th, 2010

Candidates are now allowed to file for the city elections in Atlanta, Queen City and Bloomburg scheduled for May 8^th. Filing began officially on Saturday but city and school offices are officially open today for candidates who want to begin filing. Positions are up for election for Atlanta Mayor and in city council district 1 and at large. There are also elections going to be held in the Atlanta, Bloomburg and Queen City Board of Trustees. The deadline to apply for a place on the ballot is Monday March 8^th with the deadline to file as a write-in candidate is March 16^th.

The Atlanta Citizens Journal said they will host a candidate forum for candidates running for county positions in the March 2^nd primary and the public is invited. The forum will be Thursday February 18^th at 7 p.m. at Horne Enterprises.

The city of Atlanta said that they will soon accept payments on credit and debit cards. The city council approved the idea at their meeting on February first. A $1 convenience fee will be added to payments on the card. The city will be purchasing a machine which will allow citizens to start charging on cards. The public can begin charging on their cards as soon as the city receives the machine they’re purchasing to process the charges.

Four Texarkana Residents were indicted by a federal grand jury in Texas for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine and marijuana. According to a story in this mornings Texarkana Gazette, 33-year old Ansan Suman-Amir Meadows, 33-year old Shakia Lasha Meadows, 30-year old Clarence Lee Williams JR and 34-year old Richard Lyne Young, all from Texarkana Arkansas were indicted last Monday in the Texarkana division of the Eastern district of Texas and they each face 10 years to life in prison if they are convicted of possessing and intending to sell more than 5 kilos of cocaine and more than 1,000 kilos of marijuana.

In yesterday’s SuperBowl Pre-Game show yesterday, CBS aired a 12-minute interview between CBS’s Katie Couric and President Barack Obama, and that’s the topic of this mornings KPYN opinion poll question on the KPYN website today. KPYN wants to know if  you appreciated CBS's News's Katie Couric's interview with President Barack Obama in the Superbowl Pre-Game Show. Would you say, Yes, I did appreciate it,  No, I didn't appreciate it, it was a mood killer or I don't care. Log onto our website at KPYN.Net and cast your vote.

TEXARKANA, Tex. Feb. 1, 2010– Texarkana College student Ethan McBride was chosen for a national Student Leadership Award by the American Chemistry Society for 2010. McBride was one of 15 students chosen from all over the United States for this award, and was the only student chosen from a two-year college.  In conjunction with this honor, McBride was invited to the American Chemistry Society’s 2010 Leadership Institute in Fort Worth, Texas January 22-24.  Texarkana College chemistry professor, Dr. Mike Buttram, encouraged McBride to apply for the award. “I’m really excited that Ethan had this opportunity,” Buttram said. “He had a good trip, and he really learned a lot of leadership skills. The ACS invites in professionals that teach relevant material that will help Ethan in his college education and beyond.” McBride, a second year student at Texarkana College, explained the benefits of this award. “The speakers at the conference really taught me how to be a leader, including how to motivate people, recruit volunteers for various tasks, and communicate effectively when in leadership roles,” McBride said.

KPYN News for Friday February 5^th, 2010

The Donkey Basketball games last night at the Linden-Kildare High School Gym was a huge success, as a standing room only crowd of over 500 fans crammed the gym to watch 4 games between the Linden-Kildare teachers, Peace Officers, Senior Students and underclassman. The Teachers beat the Peace Officers in game one. The Seniors beat the Junior classman in game two. In the consolation game, the Junior classman beat the peace officers. An in the championship the Teachers beat the seniors. The leading scorer for the teachers was Coach Neil Kiser. State Representative Stephen Frost played for the Peace Officers and he said it was all for a good cause. Last nights Donkey basketball game raised thousands of dollars for the Linden-Kildare FFA.

Today is homecoming at McLeod high school and ceremonies are scheduled to take place in the McLeod Gym at 5 p.m. A homecoming queen and king will be crowned. The candidates for homecoming queen are Jessica Collins, Taylor Davis, Alexandria Kennair, Erika LaCroix and Kourtni Whatley. The candidates for homecoming king are Douglas Autry, Steven Hicks, Grayson Porter, Ethan Sartor and Cameron Wells. After the homecoming ceremonies tonight, McLeod will host Avery in basketball as the JV girls, JV boys, varsity girls and varsity boys will all be in action.

The Grammy Award winning Cowboy Crooners, “Riders in the Sky” will perform tomorrow night at Music City Texas in Linden. The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at MCT. For tickets, call 903-756-9934.The group will also be the grand marshals for the Mardi Gras Parade in Jefferson tomorrow at 2 p.m.

ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE

February 02, 2010, 5.30 pm - A theft of a leaf blower was reported from the 100 Block of Red Bluff Road.  Case is under investigation.

February 03, 2010, 8:00 am - Audrey Renee Gros, age 38 of Queen City, was arrested for outstanding warrants for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of Dangerous Drug, and Driving While Intoxicated. 

KPYN News for Thursday February 4^th, 2010

A 15-year old Queen City girls who was struck by the mirror of a vehicle and rushed by ambulance to St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana was released  from the hospital yesterday after being treated for facial injuries, including a  fractured bone in her face. Queen City Chief of Police Robert McGee said that the girl was hit by the vehicle driven by 25-year old Robert Brandon Dotson from Queen City Tuesday evening around 8 p.m. on the 500 block of Hickory Street in Queen City. No citations were issued in the incident.

Atlanta Senior Carlos Ibarra signed a letter of intent to play college Football at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark.,  yesterday at a ceremony in the Atlanta High School Library. Ibarra said that he plans on competing for a starting quarterback job and he also plans on studying engineering. Ronnie Melton, the Atlanta head football coach said KPYN is a good player and student who worked hard to earn a scholarship.

Tomorrow is homecoming at McLeod high school and ceremonies are scheduled to take place in the McLeod Gym at 5 p.m. A homecoming queen and king will be crowned. The candidates for homecoming queen are Jessica Collins, Taylor Davis, Alexandria Kennair, Erika LaCroix and Kourtni Whatley. The candidates for homecoming king are Douglas Autry, Steven Hicks, Grayson Porter, Ethan Sartor and Cameron Wells. After the homecoming ceremonies tomorrow, McLeod will host Avery in basketball as the JV girls, JV boys, varsity girls and varsity boys will all be in action.

The Linden-Kildare High School FFA department will host Donkey Basketball at the Linden-Kildare High School Gymnasium tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the FFA building at Linden-Kildare High School and tickets will also be sold at the door. Advanced tickets are $6 and tickets are $8 at the door. All the money raised will benefit the Linden-Kildare High School FFA department. Yours truly Robert DelGiorno will be the celebrity PA announcer at the event.

The Texarkana, Texas police said that a Texarkana Texas man was arrested  yesterday and charged with selling pirated DVD’s. 46-year old Ira D. Thompson was charged with felony labeling, a violation of the Texas business commerce code. No bail has been set. The Texarkana, Texas Police said that they used information from the FBI to help them with making the arrest.

According to a press release from the US Attorney’s office, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute in Texarkana who is doing time for drug trafficking was indicted Tuesday for possession of marijuana while doing his time. 39-year old inmate Freddie Espino faces another 5-years in prison for the possession of the weed while in custody.

Texarkana Texas Police, acting on information obtained from the local FBI office, today arrested 46 year old Ira D. Thompson, a black male from Texarkana, Texas, for illegally selling pirated movies on Digital Video Disc (DVD) format.  Recently officers have been receiving complaints of a suspect approaching shoppers at local retail establishments attempting to sell illegal pirated movies.  Today at 4:30pm, Texarkana Texas Detectives Will Scott and Micah Brower, along with Officer Tommie McElhiney, were able to locate and subsequently arrest Thompson, yielding a seizure of over 500 individual DVDs.  Thompson has been charged with felony Labeling, a violation of the Texas Business and Commerce Code.  The investigation is open and ongoing.  No bond has yet been set.

KPYN News for Wednesday February 3^rd, 2010

 A 15-year old Queen City girls who was struck by the mirror of a vehicle and rushed by ambulance to St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana is expected to be released today from the hospital after being treated for facial injuries, including a  fractured bone in her face. That’s according to Queen City Chief of Police Robert McGee. According to Chief McGee, the girl was hit by the vehicle driven by 25-year old Robert Brandon Dotson from Queen City last night at around 8 p.m. on the 500 block of Hickory Street in Queen City. No citations were issued in the incident.

In KPYN sports. Atlanta Senior Carlos Ibarra signed a letter of intent to play college Football at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ar. Ibarra said that he plans on competing for a starting job there and he told KPYN that he plans on studying engineering. Ronnie Melton, the Atlanta head football coach said KPYN is a good player and student who worked hard to earn a scholarship.

KPYN news for Wednesday February 5^th, 2010

Friday is homecoming at McLeod High School For Cass County’s news leader, KPYN; I’m Robert DelGiorno

This Friday is homecoming at McLeod high school and ceremonies are scheduled to take place in the McLeod Gym at 5 p.m. Friday and a homecoming queen and king will be crowned. The candidates for homecoming queen are Jessica Collins, Taylor Davis, Alexandria Kennair, Erika LaCroix and Kourtni Whatley. The candidates for homecoming king are Douglas Autry, Steven Hicks, Grayson Porter, Ethan Sartor and Cameron Wells. After the homecoming ceremonies Friday, McLeod will host Avery in basketball as the JV girls, JV boys, varsity girls and varsity boys will all be in action.

The pre-trial hearing of a Cass County man accused in the murder of his wife in Atlanta in 2004 is scheduled for Friday at the Cass County Law Enforcement and justice center in Linden. David Len Moulton will appear before Judge Ralph K. Burgess. Moulton is being charged with murder in the April 2004 death of his wife Becky Moulton who was found in a pond near the couples home near Atlanta.  Jury selection in Moulton's trial is scheduled to begin March 2^nd and Moulton’s trial will be held in New Boston because of a venue motion that was approved by the judge.

The Linden-Kildare High School FFA department will host Donkey Basketball at the Linden-Kildare High School Gymnasium tomorrow night  at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the FFA building at Linden-Kildare High School and tickets will also be sold at the door. Advanced tickets are $6 and tickets are $8 at the door. All the money raised will benefit the Linden-Kildare High School FFA department. Yours truly Robert DelGiorno will be the celebrity PA announcer at the event.

KPYN News for Tuesday February 2nd, 2010

The Linden-Kildare High School FFA department will host Donkey Basketball at the Linden-Kildare High School Gymnasium Thursday evening February 4th at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the FFA building at Linden-Kildare High School and tickets will also be sold at the door. Advanced tickets are $6 and tickets are $8 at the door. All the money raised will benefit the Linden-Kildare High School FFA department.

Results from the Cass County Cattlemen's Associaition Winter Jr Livestock Show in Atlanta on Saturday January 30th, 2010

Steer Show:

Grand Champion Exhibitor-Kody Young-Hughes Springs FFA

Reserve Champion Exhibitor-Tad Mitchell, Linden-Kildare FFA.

Heifer Show

(American Division):

Gand Champion Exhibitor-Taylor Fielden-Union Grove FFA

Reserve Grand Champion-Wes Hervey-Redwater FFA.

(English Division)

Grand Champion Exhibitor Scott Sutton-Redwater FFA

Reserve Grand Champion Exhibitor-Jaylie Abernathy-Jefferson FFA.

(Exotic Division)

Grand Champion Exhibitor-Patrick Randolph-Union Grove FFA

Reserve Grand Champion-Michael McConaughey-Redwater FFA.

Senior Showmanship-Scott Sutton-Redwater FFA

Junior Showmanship-Jaylie Abernathy-Jefferson FFA.

KPYN News for Monday February 1^st, 2010

Today is the last day to register to vote in the state of Texas Primary election which will be held Tuesday March 2^nd, 2010. Early voting will be February 16^th through February 26^th. The deadline to apply for a ballot to vote by mail is February 23^rd.

Two college students from Cass County are excelling at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Northwestern State announced that Kali Davenport from Queen City, Texas was named to the deans list their for the fall semester. Kali is the daughter of Jim and Tammy Davenport in Queen City. Molly Boatman and Jeffery Ware from Atlanta were named to the honor roll at Northwestern State University for the fall semester.

A Cass County Feed Store is planning a special program for Big Bucks in East Texas. Jayne’s Farm and Feed located on FM 125 in Linden will be hosting a meeting presented by Louis Etsel a Can Deer and game specialist on February 9^th at 6 p.m. Richard Jaynes from Jaynes Farm and Feed explains.

If you would like to attend the meeting at Jaynes Farm and Feed on February 9^th, you need to RSVP by this Thursday February 4^th. Dinner will be served at the event. For more information, call Jaynes Farm and Feed at 903-756-3395.

KPYN News for Friday January 29^th, 2010

An individual with a gun tries to go through the check point the Texarkana federal court house. For Cass County’s news leader KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno

According to an official at the Federal Courthouse in Texarkana, an individual with a gun tried to go through the checkpoint there yesterday. The official said the bag went through the X-Ray, the gun was detected, the bag and gun were confiscated and the individual was apprehended. Because of the investigation involving the incident, the age, gender and identity of the suspect was not released.

According to an Industry group; Hurricane Ike was the costliest weather catastrophe in Texas history. The Insurance Council of Texas said yesterday that Hurricane Ike which made landfall in Galveston on September 13^th, 2009 caused nearly $12-billion in insured damage. Insurance company’s in Texas reported over 800,000 wind damage claims and almost 44,000 flood claims after Ike.

The Cass County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its Winter Jr. Livestock Show on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Exposition Building located on US Hwy. 59 in Atlanta, TX. This heifer and steer show is open to FFA and 4-H exhibitors in the 4 States area. Entry fee is 20 dollars per animal. Health papers are required on heifers. No bulls allowed.

Heifer check-in is from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. with the heifer show starting at 10: a.m. Steer weigh-in is from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. There will be Junior and Senior Jackpot Showmanship. The steer show will follow the showmanship contest.

For more information, contact Gene Bobo at 903-756-5391 or Boyce Whatley 903-799-0919.

KPYN News UPDATE or Thursday January 21st 2009

A 2-year old boy is ok after he was reported missing yesterday in the Bivens area. According to Cass County Sheriff James "Troop" Estes, the mother of the toddler said that when she went to the bathroom, the child wondered out of the house and into the woods. The Sheriffs department and folks in the neighborhood searched for the child and he was discovered by two young men a couple hundred yards from Highway 43.

"He was barefoot with nothing but a diaper. The two young men that found him were headed toward Atlanta and they found him two hours later," Sheriff Estes said. "We thank the Lord that we found him." The toddler boy is fine and back home with his mother in Bivens.

The Texarkana Police said that they're looking for a suspect wanted in an aggravated robbery. According to the Texarkana Texas Police, 19-year old Reginald Dowon Tookes, a black male from Texarkana, Texas allegedly forced his entry into an apartment of an elderly female with another black male on January 18th along with another man. Police say that a small amount of money and electronics were stolen. "We think that he may be in Bowie County," Sergeant Shawn Fitzgerald, Texarkana, Tx., Police said. "We are looking for people that know this guy who recognize him or have seen him recently to call us. We need to find this guy and get him in custody."

The wanted suspect is described as being a black male, 5'11, and 160 pounds. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Reginald Dowon Tookes is encouraged to call the Texarkana, Texas Police department at 903-798-3116. KPYN Has a picture of the suspect on our website at www.kpyn.net., click on local news.

KPYN News for Thursday January 21st, 2010

If you bought a Graco Stroller from Wall Mart, Target or another retailer, it’s been recalled. The recall came after some children’s fingertips were amputated by hinges on the product. The company received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the strollers canopy hinge as the canopy was being opened or closed. Five children had their fingers severed and two children received cuts on their fingertips. The strollers were made in Chino by Graco and sold at numerous retailers including Wall Mart and target. The recalled strollers were made between October 2004 and February 2008 and the model numbers and manufacturer dates are on the lower portion of the frame just above the rear wheels. The company said that if you have a stroller that was recalled you should stop using it and call Graco to receive free protective hinge covers.
 

Three Arkansas State Prisoners who were free for about three hours were captured along I-30 in Texarkana at mile marker #2. According to police, twenty-five year old Jeremy Gorforth from Smithville Arkansas and 20-year old Sidney Bradbury from Hot Springs escaped yesterday morning from the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections Center in downtown Texarkana. Arkansas State Police noticed the two cons walking on the shoulder of the road and arrested them without incident.

Two wanted men on the Texas DPS Troopers top 10 most wanted list were arrested in the past five days. 24-year old Joe Robert Torres was arrested Friday in a Bryan Texas grocery store hours after he’d been put on the list. Torres was arrested at the store on theft charges where he was shoplifting with a woman and several children. The woman was also arrest. Torres had warrant for his arrest on dangerous drug charges, forgery and failure to appear. Forty year old Aaron Edward Binion was arrested Tuesday afternoon at a residence in Austin after two tips called into crime stoppers led to his arrest. Binion was wanted for assault on a public servant. Texas Crime Stoppers will give up to a $1,000 cash reward to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of the fugitives on the Texas most wanted list. The list of the fugitives and the phone number to call to turn them in for a tip is listed on the KPYN website, simply log on to www.kpyn.net and click on local news.

KPYN News for Wednesday January 20^th,  2010

Redeemer Lutheran Church is hosting bible classes for 10 consecutive Wednesday’s at 6:30 p.m. beginning tonight at the church located on FM 2328 off Highway 59 just south of Atlanta. The bible studies are entitled, I Have Good News for You and its Truly Good News. Mac Burse is the Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church and he told KPYN news what the bible study classes are all about. The 10 bible classes that begin tonight are free, and for no information or if you need a ride to the bible classes, you can call Mac Burse at 903-799-7870.

Texas Governor Rick Perry is accusing President Barack Obama of trying to take over state public schools with the presidents proposed “Race to the Top” Education program which Governor Perry said allows school districts to circumvent the state’s decision not to compete for millions in education reform dollars. The Program is currently only available to states but Governor Perry said that the program would let local school districts compete directly for funding down the road. Perry is against the Race for the top program and decided last week not to compete for the $700 million in the program and he also has been critical of the federal stimulus program that would have given Texas $555 Million for an unemployment fund; Perry tuned that program also. Perry said the latest proposal is another case of the federal government interfering with state rights.

Officials are investigating drive by shootings of Atlanta homes. According to a story in Wednesday citizen’s journal, police are investigating and incident where a resident of a home on Price Street was allegedly shot when someone drove by his home and fired multiple shots into his house on December 26^th. According to the story, the victim was treated at Atlanta Memorial Hospital. According to the story, the Atlanta Police are also investing another incident which allegedly occurred on Monday night January 11^th when a resident on Church Street in Atlanta said that that someone shot bullets into their home. It’s unknown if the cases are related.

Atlanta Police Department News Press Release

1. On 1-17-10, at 1:53a.m., an Attempted Burglary was reported in the 200blk of Grandview St.  This case is under investigation at this time.

2. On 1-17-10, at 1:14p.m., Johnny Eduard Beauchamp, 43 years old of Linden, Tx. was arrested in the 700blk of Taylor St. for Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd or more.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

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KPYN News for Tuesday January 19^th, 2010

Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods grocery stores have begun a scan-coupon donation program to help Haitian Earthquake victims thorough the American Red Cross. Customers wanting to take part can purchase either a $1 or $5 coupon at checkout. All donations go to the Red Cross. The grocery chain based in Tyler, with a location on East Main Street in Atlanta will match the first $10,000 raised through customer donations. The program is scheduled to run indefinitely.

FEMA has demobilized an elite search and rescue team from Texas who were going to fly to Haiti. According to the Texas Engineering Extension Service Station in College Station, The United Nations mission in Haiti has declared that search and rescue teams already in Haiti are sufficient.

Experts say that most of the south Texas citrus crop is ok after a cold snap earlier this month,  However, the fate of some crops may not be known for several weeks.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Douglasville, TX invites people, choirs and praise teams for a musical that they’re hosting Saturday, January 30^th. Latonia Garner with Mt. Zion Baptist Church explains

The musical is being held the week before Mt. Zion Baptist Churche’s Pastor Rickey D. Green Senior and first lady Karen Green’s 2^nd anniversary. Garner told KPYN news what kind of pastor Rickey D Green i

For more information on the musical January 30^th and Pastor and First Lady Green’s 2^nd Anniversary at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Douglasville, call Latonia Greene at 903-846-4242.

Atlanta Police Department News Press Release

1. On 1-12-10, Christopher Robin Smith, 29 years old of Texarkana, Ar. was arrested in the 200blk of Loop 59 on an outstanding Arkansas warrant for Aggravated Robbery.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

2. On 1-12-10, at 11:28a.m., Lagusta Tyrone Davis, 39 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested, while in the custody of the Cass County Jail, for outstanding Atlanta P.D. traffic warrants.

3. On 1-12-10, at 7:30p.m., a report of Harassment was filed in the 800blk of Stone Ridge Dr.  This case is under investigation at this time.

4. On 1-14-10, at 9:30p.m., a Theft was reported in the 900blk of Red Bluff Rd.  Reported taken was a digital camera, a pair of sunglasses, and a coat.  This case is under investigation at this time.

5. On 1-14-10, at 9:52p.m., an Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon was filed in the 300blk of Church St.  This case is under investigation at this time.

The City of Texarkana, Texas Engineering Department has advised that on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, DG&E Railroad will be servicing the railroad crossing at Westlawn Drive.  The entire roadway will be closed during the repairs which should take two days.  Detours, with clear signage, will be set up to allow traffic to bypass this area.  Citizens should allow extra time for these detours and possible delays.   

KPYN News for Friday January 15^th, 2010

The Better Business Bureau is warning residents about scams going on after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The BBB is offering six tips to help you donate wisely. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Be wary of claims that 100 percent of the donations will assist relief victims. Be cautious when giving o line. Find out if the organization has an on-the-ground presence. Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising funds for other groups. Gifts of clothes, food or other in-kind donations, while well intended, may not be the quickest to way to help.

KPYN is recommending that, if you want to help the Haiti victims, give to an organization called “Food for the Poor.” The number to call to donate and help the Earthquake victims through “Food for the Poor,” is 1-866-714-3663.

AAA in Texas said that gas prices are on the rise. In the past week, gas went up 5 cents per gallon nationally and up six cents a gallon in Texas. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded nationally and in Texas is $2.62 per gallon. The average price in Atlanta, TX is slightly lower, $2.59 per gallon. The price of gas today is 1-dollar higher than it was this time last year. AAA said that thee broad cold snap bringing unseasonably low temperatures gave investors the idea that the demand for heating oil would go up and it drove up the future prices for oil types of oil including gas.

Sunday the World Famous Stamps Quartet will perform live in concert in Queen City at First Baptist Church Queen City’s Family Life Center. Ed Enoch who has been performing with the Stamps for 41 years said that a love offering will be taken at the concert, and it helps them with the expenses of getting around the country on tour promoting our savior Jesus Christ.

The Stamps Quartet concert Sunday at First Baptist Church Queen City is at 3 p.m. The Church is located at 206 Marietta Street in Queen City. For more information, call 903-796-7934.

KPYN News for Thursday January 14^th, 2010

Cass County Agri-Life Extension is hosting a Cass County baggiest loser weight control program. Signup for the program will begin tonight from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m. in the courtroom of the Cass County Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Center at 604 Texas Highway 8 North in Linden. According to Cass County Extension agent Pam Lincoln, all participants must attend the kick off for the official weigh in. Last year Lincoln said 57 people participated in the program and they lost a total of 613.2 pounds. Lincoln said that the program is designed to encourage participants to shed unwanted pounds while having fun and learning to develop healthy life styles.

TXDot said that if you’re going to Texarkana you will notice that frontage roads in Texarkana are changing to one way operations beginning today. The 51^st Street and Realtor Avenue will be narrowed to one lane. Traffic on Realtor Avenue will go east toward Little Rock. Traffic on East 51^st Street will travel west toward Dallas. The change will be between state line and Jefferson avenues. Temporary ramps are also expected to open from the interstate. I-30 traffic will merge onto Realtor Avenue prior to reaching Jefferson Avenue. Westbound I-30 traffic will merge onto East 51^st Street across state line.

Democratic - Texas Representitive Stephen Frost from Atlanta has been chosen to serve on the hose select committee on emergency preparedness. The committee was formed to study the states preparedness for major disasters, and makes legislative recommends to improve safety in Texas.

The Texas State Board of Education in Austin is getting ready to adopt new class room standards that will determine how history is taught in Texas schools for the next decade. Yesterday, parents, students and lawmakers lobbied the board for more diversity in Texas social studies curriculum. The public hearing yesterday sets up a vote today on the new standards. The curriculum the board chooses will set the guidelines for teaching history and social studies to 4.8 million kindergarten through 12^th grade students in Texas for the next 10 years and the standards that will be used to develop state tests and the textbook publishers who will develop material that will be used to educate the Texas students in Texas.

IH-30 Frontage Roads in Texarkana, Ark. Converting to One-way on Jan. 14
 
What:  Portions of frontage roads along Interstate 30 are being converted to one-way in Texarkana, Ark. When:  The conversion will begin during the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. Where:  Between US 59/71 (State Line Avenue) and Jefferson Avenue in Texarkana, Ark. Who:  Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Austin Bridge and Road.
 
Barricades and barrels will be placed in the lanes that normally carry the direction of traffic that will be discontinued on each side.  These lanes will be reopened as additional one-way lanes at a future date when drivers have become accustomed to the new traffic patterns and as construction work allows.  Signal lights and turn lanes will also be changed accordingly.

Frontage roads on the south side of the interstate will have eastbound traffic only between East 49th Street near State Line Avenue and the driveways at Trucks Plus near Jefferson Avenue.  Frontage roads on the north side of the interstate will only carry westbound traffic between and vacant lot near Jefferson Avenue and the driveways at the Clarion LaCrosse Hotel and Pier 51 near State Line Avenue.

Temporary exit lanes from Interstate 30 to the newly converted frontage roads on both sides will also be opened Thursday.  In addition, the exit ramp from eastbound Interstate 30 to Jefferson Avenue will be closed permanently.

Enhanced Recycling Program – Results of Inaugural Week

For immediate release:

The City of Texarkana, Texas new enhanced recycling program began January 4, 2010 and the results from the first week have surpassed even the most positive of predictions.  While implementation has not been without the expected challenges that accompany any new initiative - and the City and Waste Management are working diligently to resolve any customer service issues – the citizens of Texarkana, Texas have embraced the recycling concept and are recycling at an amazing rate.

In 2009, Texarkana, Texas recycled 272.4 tons of single stream recyclables – that is recyclable materials collected in a single receptacle without sorting required – with an average of 5.2 tons recycled each week.  During the first week of the enhanced program, 32.7 tons of recyclable material was collected for a 628% increase.

“We realize there will most likely be some settling before we get to a stable number,” explained Waste Management District Manager Brian Conditt.  “But this is as successful a roll-out as we’ve experienced in any community we serve.  The citizens of Texarkana are doing an awesome job with recycling and should be commended for their efforts.”

KPYN News for Wednesday January 13^th, 2010

KPYN Listeners are urged to help feed the poor in Haiti after a devastating earthquake there yesterday. For Cass County’s news leader KPYN, I’m Robert DelGiorno

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in 200 years hit Haiti yesterday.  Haiti is a desperately poor country and KPYN is asking the listeners of the radio station that can help, pleas do so by making a donation to Food for the Poor, an organization who will help feed the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. To give, please call 866-714-3663. The number again to call to donate money for food to the earthquake victims in Haiti is 866-714-3663.

The world famous Stamps Quartet is coming to Queen City Texas for a concert this Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Queen City Baptist Churches Family Life Center on Marietta Street. Ed Enoch, the leader of the quartet told KPYN News that the Stamps have a new CD coming out, so this Sundays show will feature old favorites and some new songs too. A love offering will be taken at the Stamps Quartet concert to support the Stamps Quartet Ministries.

In a last minute gesture of goodwill, the amazing, fantastic trio known as Beatlegras has offered to travel to Linden's Music City Texas Theater on January 23 in order to make "the show go on," in the wake of Hal Ketchum's inability to perform that night. They have gone even one step further and produced a short video announcing their appearance at MCT. Please view it at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjBvkH6_dI4

AARP said that they’ll offer free Tax preparation and e-filling for those over 60-years of age who have low and moderate income, February 1st through April 15th, 2010. If you need help, the Texarkana site is open Monday's and Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Southwest Center, 3222 West 7th St. or visit the Atlanta site each Friday in February from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 701 Lindsey Lane. For more information call 903-824-3735 or 903-276-1168.

The City of Texarkana, Texas Parks Department has advised that various restroom facilities in the parks will be closed intermittently in the next two weeks for repairs due to pipes that burst during the recent inclement weather.  The pipes had been winterized, but with the temperatures reaching the lower teens, the Parks Department encountered pipe breakage requiring repairs.

For additional information, please contact the Parks Department (903) 798-3978.

KPYN News for Tuesday January 12^th, 2010

A Bivins man is dead, another injured after a gas leak Saturday night at the Enbridge Pipeline's Bryans Mills Plant, For Cass County’s News leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno.

Enbridge Pipeline said that a leak at their plant in Bryans Mill resulted in the death of 56-year old Nalvester Maxie from Bivins and the hospitalization of Richard Youngblood from Queen City. Terri Larson with Enbridge Pipeline told KPYN News what Happened. Ms Larson said that the accident is being investigated by Enbridge and that OSHA is conducting their own investigation. She also said that it’s a sad time at Enbridge. Yesterday Mr. Youngblood was still in a Shreveport hospital. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Maxi are pending with Coleman-Atlanta Funeral Home.

The Cass County Genealogical Society will meet for their first annual meeting of the new year, 2010 tonight at  6:30 p.m. at  Horne Enterprises in Atlanta. According to CCGS, tonights program will be taken from the Red River Symposium DVD held in Old Washington, Arkansas. David Jeanne's presentation will be about the Sulphur Fork area  which is the Spring Bank Ferry area near Doddridge, Arkansas where  Southern Arkansas University conducted an archeological dig  a few years ago. Members and guests are invited.  For further questions, please contact 903-796-6662 or 903-796-4456.

Redeemer Church is hosting a special series of bible classes beginning Wednesday January 20^th and the classes will go on for 10 weeks and they’ll be held at 6:30 p.m. The clases are entitled, “I Have Good News For You and it Turely Is Good News. Redeemer Church says that these bible classes  answer those troubling questions: what will happen to those who die? Is there life after death? Is there a heaven? Hell? Where will I spend eternity? It’s a course designed to answer those questions and more: Is there a God? Who was Jesus? Is the devil real? The informal ten lesson study is right from the Bible. It is free and without obligation. Redeemer Lutheran (Christian) Church located at 4058 Laws Chapel Rd. (FM 2328).  If you someone needs a ride or more information, they can call l (903)799-7870; (903)748-5964; or (903) 885 -7313

Atlanta Police Department

News Press Release

1. On 1-5-10, at 10:00a.m., a report of Debit Card Abuse was reported in the 500blk of E. Main St.  Case is under investigation at this time.

2. On 1-6-10, at 10:38a.m., a Rebeca Sue Croschere, 41 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested in the 1000blk of S. Louise St. for Theft.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

3. On 1-9-10, at 12:30p.m., a Theft was reported in the 1100blk of N. Louise St.  Reported taken was bedding.  Case is under investigation at this time.

4. On 1-9-10, at 3:10p.m., a Theft was reported in the 800blk of W. Miller St.  Reported taken was U.S. Currency.  Case is under investigation at this time.

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1/11/10... BRYANS MILL, TX- A hydrogen sulfide leak at the Enbridge Pipelines Bryans Mill Plant resulted in the death of a Bivins, Tx. man and resulted in another Cass County man being taken to a Shreveport hospital by helicopter while 5 others, 4 employees and a contractor were taken to a Linden hospital for observation where they were later released, a spokesperson for the plant said.

            At approximately 7:45 p.m. we experienced a release of hydrogen sulfide here at Enbridge Bryans Mill plant, Terri Larson, with Enbridge Bryans Mill Plant said." An investigation is underway to find out the cause of the leak and OSHA is conducting their own investigation."

            The Bivins man who died at the plant was 56-year old Nalvester Maxie, who according to Larson, has worked at the plant for over 30-years. Enbridge Pipelines has owned the plant since 2001, according to Larson. The employee who was airlifted to the hospital in Shreveport is Richard Youngblood from Queen City, TX. Youngblood remains in critical condition at Shreveport Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, La.

            "Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the families impacted. Our Enbridge family is very saddened by this and we'll do what we can to figure out what happened and how to keep it from again," Terry Larson.

KPYN News for Monday January 11^th, 2010

A local Poet wins a prize in a national contest

For Cass County’s news leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno

Dan Griekspoor from Atlanta who was one of 10 finalists in the Diamonds are Forever and Montblanc love letter writing contest finished runner up in the contest and he won a 14 carrot gold montblanc pen. Griekspoor is a TxDot lab Supervisor and inventor with several Patents to his credit. Mr. Griekspoor said that his love letter was inspired by his love for his wife Gwen of 27 years and together they have 5-childrednJoy DeSilva, Kevin, Jeff, Scott and David. The Griekspoors also have two grandchildren, Landon and Daniella DeSilva.

Atlanta ISD is investigating an alleged fight between Atlanta and N. Lamar students in Atlanta after a basketball game in Atlanta last Monday. The alleged incident occurred when N. Lamar students were loading their bus to head home.

Queen City High School is having a softball and baseball camp Monday through Wednesday January 11^th, 12^th and 13^th from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m. The cost is $30 at it includes a camp T-shirt. For Fore information call Eric Droddy at 903-796-8259.   

“The annual meeting of the Linden Area Chamber of Commerce will be held on Tuesday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Linden Economic Development Corporation office, 201 N. Main Street.  For more information, please call the Chamber office at 903.756.3106.

There will be a Driver Ed class starting on Monday Jan. 25 at 5:30 pm at Atlanta High School. The class will be from 5:30-7:30 on Monday nights. This class will replace the April after-school class. If you choose not to attend this class, the next class offered will be in June. This class will end on Monday May 24.Sign-ups will be on Tuesday Jan. 19 at 4:00 inside the front door of the high school.

In Brownsville, TX officials say that 38-endangered sea turtles were stunned and killed by the cooler water from the recent artic blast and they washed up on the gulf coast over the weekend just south of San Padre Island near Corpus Christi. Wild life experts were able to save 50 of the turtles and they were sent to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.

KPYN News for Thursday January 7^th, 2010 Continued

The Cass County area is bracing for record low temperatures tonight as an artic blast moves thought our area. Larry Trevino the emergency coordinator in Cass County is asking that everyone check on the elderly tonight. 

The cold weather tonight is really a hazard for the homeless. Shelia Whilhite with Randy Sams outreach shelter in Texarkana said the weather tonight is the coldest she’s seen since working at the 86 bed shelter and they only have 5 cots left. She said that they can still take a few more and so can the Salvation Army. However she said the important thing is to take shelter.

If you would like to call the Randy Sams outreach Shelter, call 903-792-7024.  

A house fire in Atlanta early today destroyed a home on Louise Street at Taylor. The Atlanta Police responded to the fire that moved into the homes attic. KPYN news is waiting to learn if their were any injuries as a result of the blaze.

KPYN News for Thursday January 7^th, 2010

Record Cold temperatures will come to Cass County tonight. The National Weather Service in Shreveport, La., has issued a winter advisory for Cass County till Noon today. According to the weather service, an arctic cold front is surging into our area and the rain and snow with it could cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and use caution while driving.

AAA in Texas has some tips from driving in wintry weather; AAA says, take it slow, focus only on driving, clear your windows, head lights, tail lights, mirrors, roof, trunk and hood before driving, plan ahead, get your car serviced for winter conditions, and keep a winter emergency kit in your car. For more details on driving in the winter, log on to our website at www.kpyn.net

The low temperature tonight is expected to drop to 14 degrees in Cass County and the wind chill will hover near 0 and that has a local animal concerned about pets and live stock that are left outside. Mitzi Francis, the sponsor of KPYN’s pet page on the website told KPYN what persuasions should be taken with pets and live stock during the artic blast this week. For more tips on protecting pets, call Mitzi Francis at 903-748-7772.

TX Dot said that they plan on converting the frontage roads along I-30 in Texarkana Arkansas to one way on Thursday, January 14, 2010.  The limits will be one-way all the way from Stateline to Jefferson Ave.  There will be no two-way sections at each end as previously discussed.  TX Dot said that they feel going one way all the way will be safer and less confusing to the public.  The conversion is planned to take place at the same time on January 14^th. Also, the temporary ramps that TX Dot has in that area are planned to be opened sometime today.  The opening of the ramps could be affected by the weather.  Message boards and the media will be used during the next 7 days to alert the public to this change. 

Music City Texas has announced that the Hal Ketchum concert on January 23^rd has been cancelled. The Executive Director of Music City Texas said that he was notified by Hal Ketchum’s agent that due to circumstances beyond his control, Hal Ketchum will not be able to perform. Richard Bowden said that if anyone needs information regarding any performances at Music City Texas, they can log on to www.musiccitytexas.org.

“The annual meeting of the Linden Area Chamber of Commerce will be held on Tuesday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Linden Economic Development Corporation office, 201 N. Main Street.  For more information, please call the Chamber office at 903.756.3106.

There will be a Driver Ed class starting on Monday Jan. 25 at 5:30 pm at Atlanta High School. The class will be from 5:30-7:30 on Monday nights. This class will replace the April after-school class. If you choose not to attend this class, the next class offered will be in June. This class will end on Monday May 24.Sign-ups will be on Tuesday Jan. 19 at 4:00 inside the front door of the high school.

KPYN News for Wednesday January 6th, 2010

Cass County is preparing for record freezing temperatures, for Cass County’s news leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno

The National weather service in Shreveport said that the Atlanta, Texas Area will receive rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet tonight, however, the forecast calls for less of an inch snow and sleet accumulation. Low temperatures tonight will dip to around 28 but Thursday a severe cold front is expected to move through Cass County and the temperature will drop and continue to drop into Thursday night to 15 and the wind chill close to zero. In fact, the wind chill during the day tomorrow is expected to only get up to ten.

KPYN News will remain on 24 hour alert through Thursday night. Stay tuned for emergency information and closings. Plus, for additional news and weather information including closings, log on to our website at KPYN.Net.

The severe cold weather could cause pipes to freeze. Jason Everett with Everett Pluming in Atlanta said it’s a good idea to wrap your homes pipes.

For more information on how to wrap pipes, call Jason Everett at 903-796-9586.

The Texas department of Public safety’s dive teams found the truck and body of a Cass county man yesterday in the Sulphur river yesterday morning. The body of 32-year old Jacob Turner from Bivens, TX was pulled out of Wright Pattman Lake around 5 p.m. yesterday. It’s believed that Mr. Tuner drove off a bridge into the Sulphur River off an icy bridge early Monday morning on his way to work at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Barry Telford Unit in New Boston.

Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes
AUSTIN – Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

Before the Freeze
• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.
• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
• Drain and store water hoses indoors.
• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
• Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
• Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
• Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
• Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.
• Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
• Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
• If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
• If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.
If Your Pipes Freeze
• If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.
• If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
• Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If You Have a Loss
• Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.
• Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
• Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.
• Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. Questions? If you have questions about insurance, call TDI’s Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website: www.tdi.state.tx.us. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

Texarkana, Texas Police were dispatched today to the 3000 block of Meadows Drive reference a burglary in progress. According to the initial investigation, a homeowner living in the 3000 block of Meadows Drive arrived home to find the suspect, later learned to be Matthew Michael Lemke, a 22 year old white male from Texarkana, Texas, exiting the back door of the residence carrying the homeowner’s television set. The homeowner confronted Lemke and physically restrained him until Texarkana Texas Police Officer Will Scott arrived, at which point Lemke was arrested, charged with Burglary of a Habitation, a felony in the State of Texas. Various video and electronic items were recovered and subsequently returned to the homeowner. The investigation is open and ongoing as it is believed that Lemke may be responsible for multiple burglaries throughout the area.

KPYN News for Tuesday January 5th, 2010

The Cass County Sheriffs office said that they’ve found a missing woman alive in the woods in the Center Hill Community near Linden yesterday afternoon off CR 1917. According to authorities, the woman, 59-year old Brenda “B.B.” Eason is a dementia patient and she’d been missing since Sunday afternoon.

The Cass County Sheriffs office said that they’re seeking publics assistance in locating a man reported missing yesterday. According to authorities, 32-year old Jacob Turner was last seen leaving the Wall Mart Parking Lot on Loop 59 in Atlanta at 4:30 a.m. yesterday (Monday) in a maroon-colored Ford Pickup and he was headed southbound on 59. Mr. Turner is a corrections officer at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Barry Telford Unit in New Boston, TX and workers said that he notified them that he was bringing breakfast for everyone. Jacob Turner is 6-3 and 270 pounds and was seen wearing his prison uniform. Anyone knowing his whereabouts is encouraged to call the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 903-756-7511.

Yesterday was the final day for potential candidates to file in order to get on the March 2nd primary ballot. Eileen Collins with the Cass County Republican party told KPYN news who filed as republicans. Charles W. Robison filed, he’s the incumbent running for reelection for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4. Ms Collins filed for Republican County Chair and 5 others filed for republican precinct chairs and they’re Ronni Henrico in voting precinct 14, Joe Harrison in voting Precinct 15, John M. Patillo in voting Precinct 16, Gus Schuhmann in voting precinct 17 and Glen Boyter in voting Precinct 19.

AAA in Texas said that we are going to experience icy driving conditions during the months of January through March and they’re offering tips on driving on icing roads. AAA says, take it slow, focus only on driving, clear your windows, head lights, tail lights, mirrors, roof, trunk and hood before driving, plan ahead, get your car serviced for winter conditions, and keep a winter emergency kit in your car. For more details on driving in the winter, log on to our website at www.kpyn.net.

TxDot said yesterday that they’re expecting extra traffic on Richmond Road near I-30 in Texarkana tonight as they prepare for future turn around bridges at the overpass. The left turn lanes used to access the frontage roads will be eliminated and re-striped beginning at 9 p.m. tonight. The outside lanes of Richmond Road will be used for through traffic and the inside lanes will become left turn lanes. TX Dot says that when the overpass is demolished, all traffic will be moved onto the turn-around bridges while a new overpass is built.

Missing Woman Found Alive By Robert DelGiorno 

LINDEN, TX-The Cass County Sheriff's Department said that they've found a missing woman alive early this afternoon in the woods in the Center Hill Community near Linden off of CR 1917.

The Sheriff's department said the woman who was missing is a dementia patient, 59 year old Brenda B.B. Eason and she had been missing since 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Atlanta Police Department

News Press Release

1. On 12-29-09, at 1:15p.m., a report of Criminal Mischief was filed in the 200blk of N. Louise St.  Reported damaged was windows.  Case is under investigation.

2. On 12-31-09, at 3:17p.m., a Burglary of a Building was reported in the 500blk of Wade St.  Reported taken was stereo equipment.  Case is under investigation.

3. On 12-31-09, at 6:25p.m., Mark Lynn Austin, 44 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested in the 400blk of Pinecrest Dr. for Tampering with Physical Evidence.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

4. On 12-31-09, at 4:30p.m., Christopher Shawn Couples, 20 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested in Queen City on two outstanding Atlanta P.D. traffic warrants.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

5. On 12-31-09, at 9:06p.m., Robert Charles Lee Jr., 34 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested in the 300blk of W. Allday St. for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Driver License.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

6. On 1-1-10, at 5:36a.m., Derrick Jammal Thomas, 21 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested in the 500blk of Wade St. for Assault w/Bodily Injury against a family member.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

7. On 1-1-10, at 4:38p.m., an Aggravated Robbery was reported in the 100blk of N. Louise St.  Case is under investigation at this time.

8. On 1-2-10, at 1:34p.m., Lagusta Tyrone Davis, 39 years old of Atlanta, Tx. was arrested in the 200blk of E. Main St. on an outstanding parole warrant and an outstanding Cass County warrant.  Subject was also charged with Fail to Identify.  Subject was booked and then transported to the Cass County Jail.

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Dale G. Stinson, pastor of the Clarksville Church of Christ in Clarksville, TX, will host a program entitled "What Saith the Scripture?" Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. on KPYN AM-FM and KPYN.Net, today's Christian talk.

According to Stinson, each 15-minute lesson will aid individuals in their personal studies of the Bible, and is especially useful to those who are unable to leave their homes or for those traveling.

Stinson has been involved in Bible based radio work for over 45 years.

"The thrust of the program is two-fold," said Stinson.  "To get a person who is not a Christian to become one, and to strengthen those who are Christians already."

Wrapping Pipes Can Save Money

By: Christy Green

            Atlanta, TX- Jason Everett from Everett's Plumbing in Atlanta is advising property owners to take proper precaution during the below-freezing temperatures of 16 to 17 degrees that the national weather service is forecasting to hit  Cass County on Thursday and Friday night.

            "Wrapping household pipes that are exposed to the cold air will help save money by preventing pipes from freezing and busting," Mr. Everett said." There is about a 100 percent chance of pipes freezing when the temperatures drop this low with the wind blowing."

            Everett also stated that the best thing to do is keep pipes covered with insulation that can be purchased at the hardware store, and also by placing a bucket over the hose bib outside.

Everett's Plumbing offers a service where they go to homes or businesses and help those in need of winterizing, either by wrapping pipes, installing heaters, running gas lines, performing gas inspections, and installing gas fire-places. 

            For more information, call Everett's Plumbing at 903-796-9586.

Missing Person Reported in Cass County by: Robert DelGiorno

 LINDEN, TX- The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a missing person. The Cass County Sheriffs Department said that 59-year old Brenda Eason, described as a white female, with short dark hair was last seen at 2:30 p.m. Sunday (1/3/10) when se wandered off from the Center Hill Community outside of Linden. She was wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes and a red sweater with a gray sweater over it. Ms. Eason goes by the name "B.B." and she’s a dementia patient.

        Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Brenda “B.B." Eason should call the Cass County Sheriffs Department at 903-756-7511.

KPYN News for Monday January 4^th, 2010

A local Atlanta eye doctor is named one of the best in America, for Cass Counties news leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net; I’m Robert DelGiorno

Dr. Randall Cox of Family Eye Care Clinic in Atlanta, TX has been named one of America’s Top Optometrists in 2009, according to the Consumer Research Council of America. The criteria used in naming the top optometrists is peer review, number of years in the optometrist field, board certifications and affiliations with professional optometrist associations. Dr. Cox was recognized with the same honor in 2006.

Tonya Gail Clayton of Atlanta Texas was one of 21 students to graduate from Texas A&M in Texarkana on December 21^st, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Clayton graduated Magna Cum laude from A&M in Texarkana and she was listed the President’s and university honors list. Tony Gail Clayton is the daughter of Colette and Jeff Lawless of Atlanta and Ricky and Jamie Bishop of Linden and she and her husband Joshua Clayton have three children, Ashley Whistle, Kyler and Brendan. She’s employed at the law offices of Thompson and Frost in Atlanta.

Filing ends today for the March 2^nd primary and 12 positions are up for election in Cass County. Candidates need to file by 4:30 p.m. today to be placed on the ballot for the primary. Cass County Court at law judge Donald Dowd, District Attorney Clint Allen, County Judge Charles McMichael, district clerk Becky Wilbanks, County Clerk Jannis Mitchell, county treasurer Martha Sheridan, precinct 2 commissioner Danny Jo Shaddix and precinct 4 commissioner Max Bain are all running for re-election. Also running for re-election are Justice of the peace Barbara McMillion in precinct 1, Gina Basham in precinct 2, Micki Henderson in precinct 3 and Charles Robison in precinct 4.  Former Atlanta fire Chief David Burden said that he will be running against Robison in precinct 4.

KPYN News for Thursday December 31^st, 2009

Kevin Hailey pleading guilty to murder was voted the biggest news story of the year in Cass County, For Cass County’s news leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno.

KPYN listeners voted for Kevin Hailey pleading guilty to the murder of Gerri Faye Butts on October 3^rd as the biggest news story of the year in Cass County. The survey was conducted on the KPYN Web site and 204 different people voted. According to the listeners, the Queen City Band of Champions finishing first at the state marching band competition on November 3^rd was the second biggest news story and the Atlanta Area 12 and under Dixie Youth Baseball team finishing runner up at the Dixie Youth World Series in August was the third biggest stories. The only other news story to receive votes was the April 9^th hail storm.  The other stories nominated that didn’t receive votes were the Atlanta and Queen City flood on July 29^th, the naming of David Cockrell as new Atlanta City Manager in August, the success of the Tall Pines Festival on October 3^rd, the damaging wind storm on October 9^th, The naming of Atlanta as a “Go Texas Retirement Community” on October 27^th, voters approving the Atlanta ISD school bond on November 3^rd and the alleged double homicide in Cass County on November 20^th.

Fifty-seven percent of Cass Countians said that they don’t have a new year’s resolution. That’s according to another year end poll conducted by KPYN.Net. According to the poll, only 43 percent of KPYN’s listeners have a new years resolution and 25 percent say that they want to lose weight, 25 percent want to get fit, 25 percent want to get out of debt and 25 percent want to get organized.

Federal investigators will not prosecute Pilgrims Pride Corp. For employing illegal immigrants. US Attorney’s dropped their case against the Chicken giant in the Eastern district of Texas court yesterday. According to court documents; In return, Pilgrims Pride has agreed to pay $4.5 million to the law enforcement fund at the department of the treasury to improve how it screens prospective employees allowed to work in the United States.

Enhanced Recycling Program Kicks Off January 4, 2010

 For immediate release:

With the City of Texarkana, Texas new enhanced recycling program beginning January 4, 2010, citizens need to be reminded of the following:

• Waste and recycling pick-up days have changed – consult the recycling packet which was mailed to each residence for your current pick up day
• If you did not receive a recycling resource packet by mail, please call Texarkana Water Utilities (903) 798-3800 to request one
• Cart delivery should be complete by Friday, January 1.  If you did not receive your waste and recycling carts, notify Waste Management (903) 794-4111.
• Recyclables are to be placed directly in the recycle cart (yellow lid) – not in plastic bags
• Trash/waste is to be placed in a bag in the large green waste cart
• Green waste (leaves, yard clippings, etc.) can be placed in former waste cans, non-plastic biodegradable bags available at local home improvement stores, or in cardboard boxes
• All carts (waste, recycling, and green waste) are collected on the same day by three different Waste Management trucks
• Carts should be at curbside by 7:00 a.m. on pick-up day and may be set out the night before
• Residences which currently have alley pick-up will continue to have alley pick-up
• Disabled or elderly residents with no one at the residence to assist in getting the carts to the curb may call Texarkana Water Utilities (903) 798-3800 to request ‘disabled carry-out’ assistance.  Waste Management personnel will take the carts to and from the truck at no charge.
• Each cart has a serial number on it which matches it to a specific residence

Most of all, change can be challenging.  Please be patient as Waste Management drivers learn new routes and residents learn a great new habit – RECYCLING. 

For recycling and waste disposal questions, please call (903) 794-4111

KPYN News for Wednesday December 30^th, 2009

There will be a so-called blue moon New Year’s Eve. According to the Miami space transit planetarium the blue moon will be visible Thursday night in the United States. A blue moon is the second full moon in a month an extra full moon in a month happens about every 2 ½ years. A New Years Blue Moon occurs about every 19 years and there won’t be another one until 2028.

Americans say their cautiously optimistic about the economy. According to the consumer confidence index which was released yesterday, 52.9% of Americans are optimistic about the economy this month compared to 50.6% last month.

The Texarkana Texas Police have arrested a suspect wanted for the shooting of a 16-year old girl near the west entrance of the Central Mall last Saturday night. 17-year old Kenneth Earl Williamson Jr turned himself in to authorities yesterday. The Texarkana Police said that the shooting was not gang related. The victim, Shalae Henderson was treated with a gunshot wound in the leg and released. Williamson was charged with aggravated assault and placed in the Bi-State Jail, bail has not been set.

Red River Army Depot said that their Deputy Commander Jere Paul Addington is dead. According to RRAD, Mr. Addington died in Guam where he was visiting family; details on his death were not released.

Texarkana, Texas Police detectives today arrested Kenneth Earl Williamson Jr., a 17 year old black male from Texarkana, Texas, in connection with the December 26th shooting which took place in the 2300 block of Richmond Road in the West parking lot of Central Mall. The investigation has concluded that the shooting was in no way gang related nor did it involve any type of cross-state rivalry. Williamson contacted detectives early this afternoon and soon thereafter turned himself in.

Williamson has been charged with Aggravated Assault, a felony in the State of Texas, and has been booked into the Bi-State Jail. No bond has yet been set.

Texarkana, Texas Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect believed to be responsible for the kidnapping which occurred on Saturday, December 19th in the 2200 block of W. 15th. The suspect is described as a white male, possibly in his 50’s, with gray hair and gray facial hair, possibly a goatee, with blue eyes. He is described as having a slender build and drives a gray or silver four door sedan, unknown make or model. Anyone with any information concerning this crime is asked to contact the Texarkana, Texas Police at 903-798-3116 or the Texarkana Area Crimestoppers at 903-798-STOP (7867).

KPYN News for Tuesday December 22^nd, 2009

The weather outside will be frightful, especially on Wednesday and Wednesday night for Cass County’s news leader, KPYN AM-FM and Dot Net, I’m Robert DelGiorno

The National Weather Service in Shreveport said that Cass County will experience severe thunderstorms Wednesday and Wednesday night, but the weather will improve by Christmas day. Wednesday there’s a 90% chance of thunderstorms and there’s a 100% chance of Thunderstorms Wednesday night. The weather service said that some of the storms could severe.

DPS Troopers said that they busted two Texas men Saturday on I-30 in Titus County after discovering 2,117 pounds of marijuana in their Penske rental truck. The Truck was stopped at mile marker 172 on I-30 for a violation. The DPS Troopers noticed the two suspects were nervous so they searched the vehicle and found the weed. 32-year old Antonio Luis Palomo from Edinburg, TX and Carlos Chavira who is 33 and from McAllen, TX were taken into custody.

In Nazarath, Israel, archeologists say they’ve discovered the home of one of Jesus’ neighbors from our lord and saviors child hood neighborhood. Muslims now outnumber Christians in the city of 65,000 where the over 2000 year home was discovered. The house appears to be that of a simple Jewish family and it reveals the only evidence of what the walls and floors were like in Jesus’ time. Archeologists found remains of a wall, a hideout, a court yard and a water system that appeared to collect water from the roof and sup ply it to the home.

Did you finish your Christmas shopping yet? You better hurry; there are only three shopping days left till Christmas.