A look back: Top stories in 2019

There were several stories this year that impacted the community of Linden, Kildare and the surrounding areas. The editor’s choice of the top three was chosen because of the greatest impact on the community. The top story for this year was probably the lighting and refurbishing of the water

tower. Anytime a community can come together to do something truly historic that will affect generations to come, it should be noted.

The second-largest story was actually two stories. In the midst of all the positive things that happen at our L-K schools on a regular basis, they were unfortunately overshadowed by the tragic losses of Caleb Taylor, and Shantey and Adryanna Hawkins, who lost their lives in separate accidents. The community mourns the loss of these young people that were taken way too young.

The editors pick for the third-largest story was Linden getting a new library. Like the lighting of the water tower, the new library will have historical significance years to come and will be a huge resource to students and adults alike.

Other than those three, there were several other stories worth noting. For instance, earlier this year Christophe Trahan was named the LEDC director. Trahan has worked hard to draw new businesses to the area, pull together area commerce and provide new programs to help local businesses succeed in Linden. In November he hosted a successful lunch and learn program that will carry into the 2020 year.

In May several roads were washed out when extensive rain and flash flooding occurred.

Area sports teams saw some highlights - probably most notably the baseball team taking second in the state.

The community voted on and approved a new roof for the jail. While the façade grant that was acquired has already been used to improve the look and feel of downtown Linden.

Music City Texas Theater will always make a huge splash in the community. This year a few of the artists that played included notable acts like Marty Stuart and Lee Ann Womack. The Music City Texas Theater also played host to the Gala for the Lighting of the Water Tower.

Linden’s Police Department made the news by leading the arrest of a criminal in a high-speed chase, performed a huge drug bust and worked with their bloodhounds to track down missing children. Brian O’Neal Logan was named officer of the Year for the Linden PD. Sherriff Rowe from the Cass County Sheriff’s department celebrated 40 years in law enforcement. The department also brought on a new K-9.

This year the Cass County Court prosecuted several child predators including former Mount Pleasant teacher and Cass County resident Kennie Lewis Cook Jr. ers arrested attorney Bryan Simmons, 49 for trying to smuggle drugs into the jail.

A number of articles were written by our sister paper’s publisher Kenny Mitchell. Reporter Lacy Gross reported on some of the county’s issues including those in the Cass County Appraisal District.

The second Saturday was a huge draw this year. Towards the end of the year a car club that features only classic English manufactured cars, which the newspaper dubbed the British Invasion. A few weeks before that event brought about the famous T-Bone Walker Day. This year, as part of the festivities for the Walker Day, the city restaurants came together to have the first Taste of Linden Day, which drew a number of guests.

Popup week gave new businesses the opportunity to run their businesses in one of the empty buildings, to give them an idea about the potential of their business in Downtown Linden. A number of great businesses brought their merchandise out for a successful popup week.

Towards the end of the year, we learned that the Scouts were meeting again after several years away under new leadership. Greenlee Smith was named the only L-K Cheerleader to be named an all American Cheerleader, subsequently earning her the opportunity to march in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Orlando.

Lastly, there were a number of changes at the paper this year. The Cass County Sun restructured the staff and organization of the newspaper. During this year Shawn Larson became the publisher and eventually editor of the Cass County Sun. Ben Woods left, in that time ex-Sun editor Bobby Horn graciously came on to help with the transition process. We brought on a new graphic design professional Melanie Rhyne with over 30 years’ experience in the field. During that time, Rebecca Strutton did a terrific job covering events and manning the office.

Strutton left to pursue her education, bringing in a few other individuals to find the right fit. That right fit happened again with the hiring of Jamie Jeans.