YEAR IN REVIEW 2022

JANUARY

The Atlanta Police Department issued an active arrest warrant for 26-year-old Da’Kyree Lamont Hawkins for the murder of Atlanta resident Vidarious Lakeieth Cooper which happened in Atlanta on Friday, December 31, 2021, in the late afternoon. Cooper was gunned down after an altercation with Hawkins at the Country Place Apartments on Dogwood Street. According to witnesses on the scene, the disagreement started over drugs. *** Ramon Benjamin Fernandez, the escaped inmate from FCI-Texarkana was arrested this morning by officers from the Atlanta Police Department. He is currently being booked into the Cass County Jail until he is transported back home to his room at a federal prison. According to Atlanta Police Chief Robin Betts. Fernandez was arrested by the ice machine kiosk in Atlanta. *** Atlanta ISD Superintendent of Schools, Sidney Harrist, announced retirement effective February 1, 2022. *** Charles Brooks, Jr., originally of Atlanta, TX, cut his ankle monitor and was on the run. Brooks is accused of severely injuring his two-year-old stepson who had been left in his care.

*** The Atlanta ISD Board of Trustees has named Jason Harris as Lone Finalist for the position of superintendent following a special meeting Monday, January 3, 2022

***

Tyler Morton was hired last week

to be the new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Atlanta ISD. Morton was the Defensive Coordinator at Arkansas High School in Texarkana, Ark., before being hired by Atlanta. *** On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, a Cass County jury sentenced Damien O’Keith Lawson, Sr., 26 years of age, to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division for the felony offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. Lawson had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on January 12, 2022, before Fifth District Judge Bill Miller, and was found guilty.

FEBRUARY

CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital - Atlanta has reaffirmed their commitment to the health of the Northeast Texas communities they serve with the renewal of their 10-year agreement with the Atlanta Hospital Authority to operate the hospital and facilities through December 2032. *** Jill Crocker has been voted to be the new president of the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce. In October, then chamber president, Miranda Johnson, announced that she would be stepping down from the chamber in order to give her full attention to her duties as the Atlanta City Development Executive Director. *** Area schools and colleges were canceled Friday, February 4 on Thursday in anticipation of inclement weather. Weather forecasters expected the possibility of icy streets and freezing temperatures. Cass County experienced rain most of the day on Thursday afternoon, leaving the possibility of icy streets Friday.

MARCH

A Hughes Springs teacher has been arrested and charged with numerous charges of sexual assault and abuse of a child. Aaron Michael Marshall turned himself in on February 23.

*** On March 1, 2022, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital Atlanta will celebrate half a century of dedicated service to the health care needs of the Atlanta, Cass County, and the surrounding region. During this special time, the community looks back on 50 years of growth, expertise and compassionate care – and to the road ahead. *** The Journal featured information on two of the Atlanta mayoral candidates, Kendell Wolfe and Marshall Brooks. The election date for Mayor was on May 7. Mayor Travis Ransom has held office since 2017 after taking over for Keith Crow. Ransom’s term ended in May. *** On Thursday, February 17, 2022, it was reported that a Cass County jury sentenced Lorenza Deondra Andrews, age 30, of Atlanta, TX, to 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division for the first-degree felony offense of murder. *** Swepco announced they would raise rates in 2022. *** Cass County citizens came out to vote for various key county and state races during the March 1st primary elections. The largest contested race in our county was for Cass County Judge, where current Atlanta Mayor, Travis Ransom defeated businessman Mike Lee.

Another notable race was for District 3 Judge, where first-time runner Kim Cullins defeated longtime incumbent Micki Henderson. According to Cass County Clerk Amy Varnell, there are roughly twenty thousand registered voters in Cass County, with approximately 25% of voters showing up to the polls in our county. *** Dr. Adam Cox of Family Eye Care Clinic in Atlanta recently received the 2022 State of Texas Young Optometrist of the Year award. *** Reports came in Saturday March 12, of a lethal fire that killed two adults. According to the investigator, Sabrina Sartor, from the Cass County Sheriff ’s Department, “There were two bodies located inside a burned camper trailer. Upon further investigation, Sherriff Larry Rowe revealed in a later press release that the two people in the camper “had apparent gunshot wounds and were deceased before the camper burned. – Spraberry listed as suspect. *** On March 21 seven tornadoes hit Texas, three of them here in Cass County causing downed trees, power outages and major structural damage. The National Weather Service in Shreveport LA updated their reporting to note that in Cass County that of the three tornadoes one was an EF2 and two were EF1s. It has been reported eight people were injured, but no loss of life.’

APRIL

*** Townhall meeting against Marvin Nichols - Texas, a group of citizens from across the area that are determined to continue the fight against the lake’s inclusion in the State Water Plan. *** The building that used to house the Linden Municipal Hospital on Kaufman Street will be busy once again when The Village of Open Hearts residential home for foster children opens this summer. *** On April 7, 1:05 p.m. several individuals, at Linden Police Department, publicly resigned their positions on Facebook, explaining that April 21, would be their last day with the Department. Among those resigning was the current acting chief, two police officers, and an administrator. *** Larry Breashears was sworn in at the Monday City Council meeting by Danica Porter. Longtime resident Breashears will replace Dean McDuff who passed away March 19 as the new Atlanta City Council member. *** This weekend April 22 and 23, will kick off the Wildflower Trails festivities. This year there will be a fair for the kiddos and a new battle of the bands. *** A Texarkana man, DaKyree Lamont Hawkins, 26, aka Rico Suave has been indicted for murder for the shooting death of Vadarious LaKeith Cooper on New Year’s Eve.

MAY

Bass player and Texas Country Music Hall of Famer James Kirkland died on Friday at 87-years-old. *** On April 26, the City of Linden welcomed David Dulude to be its new police chief. Judge McMillon swore in Dulude to a courtroom full of people that included the mayor and various city administrators. *** Tuesday, May 3rd at 6:00 PM at Music City Texas, the Linden City Council hosted a Town Hall meeting to share the approaches to fixing the streets in Linden. *** On May 7, the City of Atlanta, Texas voted on a new mayor, a City Council At-Large and the voters of Cass County voted for two propositions in the State Constitutional Election. In the mayor’s race, Marshall James Brooks defeated Kendell Wolfe, 260 to 145. (Mayor Brooks mugshot) *** Nineteen-year-old, Louisiana man Nathanial Barger was arrested during an early-morning stop Thursday, April 28 in Bardstown, Kentucky on charges of kidnapping a Mc-Leod, Texas minor and receiving stolen property, according to a citation from the Bardstown Police Department. It was also noted that Barger was taken into custody at an RV park in Kentucky. *** On May 13, Colby Boyce from Atlanta ISD Middle School was chosen as the Region 8 Middle School Principal of the Year for being an outstanding school leader. *** After 48 years in education Superintendent Sidney Harrist will be retiring from Atlanta District schools apart from a part-time project, he anticipates coming up soon. *** Monday, May 23 Linden City Manager Lee Elliott issued a release explaining the new six-million-dollar bond proposal to fix extremely warn and broken streets. *** Atlanta Principal, Nancy Rinehart, was named this week the Region 8 High School Principal of the Year for being an outstanding school leader. Rinehart will be with Atlanta ISD for 25 years next year.

JUNE

On January 27, 1992, 30 years ago, Gerri Faye Butts, 29, and her daughters Jessica Butts, 11, and Mackenzie Sullivan Butts, 2, were brutally murdered in their mobile home. Soon after, Kevin Hailey was arrested and in June a probable cause hearing was held, in which a grand jury declined to indict him because there was not enough evidence to prosecute him at the time. Later Hailey was convicted of the murder of Gerri Faye. Journal-Sun revisited the crime 30 years later. *** Coach Jarrick Farmer is coming back to Cass County after spending a couple of years as Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Clarksville ISD. *** A reception was held on May 23rd at the AISD offices to celebrate the retirement of Sidney Harrist and Dianne Whatley. Harrist has been employed with the school district afor 48 years; Whatley for 46 years. *** Flint’s Furniture, a community furniture store, has now been open for seven years and is already expanding to provide the Cass County community with more choices, an even better selection, and a special place for clearance and scratch and dent items. Flint’s Outlet is in the old Sears building located at 301 E Main St in Atlanta, Texas. The Outlet will be celebrating their grand opening on June 23. *** Charles Obin Spraberry has been indicted for several charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and trying to choke a female victim on March 5. According to court documents, Spraberry threatened an individual with bodily harm by brandishing a firearm at the victim, then proceeded to choke the individual. He is also has been indicted for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and kidnapping. *** The City of Linden is excited to announce our TDA Main Street Downtown grant has begun to be implemented. Contech Contractors, Incorporated out of Texarkana, Texas had the low bid of $378,080.31 and began their contract the week of June 6, 2022, with the sidewalk extension on North Main to the former Congressman Wright Patman’s house. This portion of the extension provides for a connection Downtown to one of our very important historical residences which is also the oldest home in our community. *** On Thursday, June 16, 2022, a Cass County jury convicted Kevin Shepard, of Atlanta, Texas of the Capital Murder of Donnie Combs and Cynthia Arnold. Upon conviction, Fifth District Judge Bill Miller sentenced Shepard to an automatic life sentence without the possibility of parole. Uncle Gary Shepard, 50, of Bivins, Texas was also indicted for the murders in September of 2020 but has yet to go to trial. *** In the June 15 Journal-Sun it was officially announced that the City of Bloomburg was accepting sealed bids for a four-person crew that would include demolition and construction of the interior walls of the new City Hall. According to Bloomburg Mayor Delores Simmons, the city of Bloomburg is in process of taking bids to build offices in the newly purchased building that was once the Bloomburg Foods Store and recently Danny’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant. *** On July 2 your Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce along with the city of Atlanta will present Summerfest 2022 *** It was officially announced that the Cullen Baker Fair in Bloomburg will be back.

JULY

Genesis Prime- Care Ellington Memorial Clinic announced on June 28, 2022, that Dr. Joe Daniel Nichols, JR. is retiring from practicing medicine on August 31, 2022.

*** Atlanta Police/Fire Chief Robin Betts has put his notice that he will be retiring. Robin has served the city of Atlanta for nearly 35 years. According to City Commissioner David Cockrell, Betts is the first public safety director that was qualified to do both positions. (Betts headshot) *** On July 8 County Judge Travis Ransom issued an order prohibiting outdoor burning. The burn ban stems from abnormally dry conditions. *** Within the month of July, Cass County has seen nearly 50 new Covid-19 cases. *** On July 11th, the Linden City Council unanimously approved issuing $6 million for the street certificate of obligation bond debt. “Initially,” says City Manager Lee Elliott, “when Council began looking at debt to fix our street infrastructure, we were looking at an interest rate of 4.5% since we are a small taxing entity. Our financial planner believed if we had our debt rated, we could possibly receive a lower interest rate, possibly around 4.0%.” *** On Thursday, July 7, 2022, a Cass County jury sentenced Thomas Ray Mahon, age 42, of Atlanta, TX, to 65 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division for the first-degree felony offense of aggravated sexual assault. He was also found guilty and sentenced to 10 years on assault family violence by gulation, and 20 years each on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. All four sentences will run concurrently, and the defendant will be parole eligible after serving half of the 65-year sentence. *** Amy Robertson, a local Queen City business owner, was recognized by Police Chief Robert W. McGee for helping save a driver’s life who had passed out at the wheel.

AUGUST

*** A 33-year-old man Roosevelt Falls, former professional arena ball player died during a domestic dispute. *** Daniel Garcia, 25, of Linden, owner of the local animal rescue Save’em Acres was in an accident on Highway 59 near Linden, Texas that took his life. Preliminary investigation indicates that Garcia’s vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, was southbound on US 59 when it hydroplaned in standing water while raining. Garcia’s car went into the northbound lane where it was struck by a second vehicle, a 2019 Ford F150 driven by Frank Rutigliano, 32, of Houston.

*** On July 29, Captain Greg Restelle from the Atlanta Police *** Department issued a press release regarding the homicide of Elijah Smith, 18, that happened on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at approximately 1:45 p.m. *** On July 29, Captain Greg Restelle from the Atlanta Police Department issued a press release regarding the homicide of Elijah Smith, 18, that happened on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at approximately 1:45 p.m. *** David Cockrell will retire on September 30, 2022, after 13 years here in Atlanta as the City Manager. Danica Porter has been hired to replace Cockrell when he officially leaves his position. *** Atlanta Mayor Marshall James Brooks announced that the City Council has appointed Danica Porter to become the next City Manager of Atlanta, Texas following the retirement of longtime City Manager David Cockrell. *** The burn ban for Cass County has been lifted effective August 22, 2022, due to the increase of the recent rain in the area. The ban has been in effect since July 8 due to unusual draft conditions. *** All seven Cass County Schools received a B or better for this year’s state of Texas Accountability rating. According to MyTexasPublic-Schools.com, “Accountability ratings are given to public schools in Texas based on a state-created accountability system. The accountability system provides districts with an A-F rating. *** Friday, Bowie County Sheriff honored Johnny and Victoria Stevens of Cass County were honored for their heroic efforts in assisting law enforcement in tracking down murder suspect Hector Alejandro Pintor Aguilar, who shot Bowie Sheriff ’s officer Office Lt. Scott Lillis after pulling over a stolen vehicle. The Stevens were traveling on Highway 59 on the evening of August 6 when they witnessed the shooting. *** Bloomburg recently made the decision to let the community know that they have faculty members on staff that are professionally trained to carry firearms on school grounds. Bloomburg Superintendent Brian Stroman says he has taken the task seriously for nearly ten years using

u See YEAR page 9 “The Texas School Guardian Program”. However, considering the school shootings around the country, most recently, and notably, here in Texas at Uvalde, he felt like it was important now to let the community know they have policies in place to help protect their students which include carrying a gun. *** On Monday, August 29, it was reported that Charles Obin Spraberry had escaped Cass County Jail with a shank made from a screwdriver.

SEPTEMBER

*** A Cass County Jail escapee was captured early Wednesday near Mooringsport, Louisiana after a short chase with Caddo Parish Sheriff ’s deputies, according to CPSO Sheriff Steve Prator. *** Moonlight madness event held. Good turnout. *** On September 10 31-year-old Avinger man Blake Edward Reddock was found dead in Harris County of apparent stab wounds. *** On September 18 a silver alert was issued for Kathleen Spanel, a 64-year-old white female last seen wearing a purple shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. She is also reported to have grey and white hair, is 5’6, 130 lbs, and has blue eyes. She was possibly walking toward Highway 77. She has hallucinations, but she is nonviolent. She walked away from home mid-morning Sunday, September 18th. Please be on the lookout in the vicinity of 1121 CR 3214 Atlanta of Hwy 77. Note: Spanel has not been found. (Mug Shot) *** Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick poses in front of the oldest courthouse in Texas along with Cass County officials, including Sheriff Larry Rowe, Judge Travis Ransom, District Attorney Courtney Shelton and others. *** A substitute physical education teacher working in Caddo Parish School District was arrested Sept 12 after an August 23 incident when the substitute offered to pay up to $25 dollars for five students to tackle another student, according to Public Information Officer Bia Roldan, with Caddo Parish Sheriff ’s Office. Aadrina Smith, 24—reportedly of Atlanta, Texas is alleged to have offered to pay five different students $5 each to tackle another student in PE class. Detectives with CPSO arrested Smith for encouraging students to commit battery and bully a classmate said, Sheriff Steve Prator.

OCTOBER

Cass County received over 26 million in forgivable PPP loans *** A local felon who escaped Cass County jail in late August has now been charged with capital murder for a double homicide in Atlanta he’d long been suspected of, according to Cass County District Attorney’s Office. *** New rep for Cass County Gary VanDeaver the District 1 Texas Representative dropped by Thursday at Historic Cass County Courthouse in Linden as a part of his listening tour before session picks back up. *** Southwestern Electric Power Company is working on the Atlanta Area Transmission Improvements Project, with representatives planning to invest about $27 million in rebuilds and upgrades to substations in Cass County, according to SWEPCO representatives.

NOVEMBER

The Cullen Baker Fair is upon us. Come take part in the fun as things kickoff early Saturday, Nov. 5, morning. *** A Marietta man convicted of a murder that occurred last fall has been sentenced to 50 years in a Texas prison, along with a $10,000 fine. Vontrequel Nickleberry, 33, will spend 50 years behind bars in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division for the shooting death of fellow Marietta man, DaChauncey Jones, according to Cass County First Assistant District Attorney Nick Ross. *** Both voluntary and professional crews cracked dawn Saturday and Sunday for cleanup after a brutal tornado and torrential thunderstorm swooped over Cass County and touched down in Hughes Springs, causing major damage to the downtown area. *** Several showed up in honor of Arbor Day at Linden City Park in honor of the special day. At the event councilwoman, Mary Dowd made the Arbor Day Proclamation. Michael Riley planted a tree in honor of the official Tree City Certification and Lacy Johnson, L-K FFA president talked about the history of Arbor Day. *** An 18-year-old was pronounced dead after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound early last week, according to an Atlanta Police Department report. Officers responded to a shooting that had just occurred about 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 7th in the 200 block of Pecan Lane, where they found Brandon Sprayberry, 18, laying in the yard with a fatal gunshot wound. Sprayberry was pronounced dead on the scene, police said. Cody Raymond Maxie Jr., 19, of Atlanta, was arrested by police at the scene for the fatal shooting of Sprayberry, police said. *** Old food truck ordinance caused a stir in the community. ***

DECEMBER

On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, Charles Spraberry pled guilty to the offense of Capital Murder in the 5th Judicial District Court of Cass County, Texas for the deaths of John Thomas, Jr. and Jennifer Archer. Spraberry pled to additional charges of Assault Causing Bodily Injury – Family Violence by Occlusion (strangulation), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Escape with a Deadly Weapon, and Assault on a Public Servant. The pleas took place before the Honorable Judge Bill Miller, with family members from both Thomas’ and Archer’s families present.

*** A local ham radio operator has been named the 2022 National Weather Service Spotter of the Year. Bryan Loper, a lifelong Atlanta resident and 1977 graduate of Atlanta High School, was chosen from thousands of other spotters in a four-state region that includes 48 counties and parishes in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. *** Reported that Tornadoes in Northeast Texas did an estimated $13 million in damages. Storms that tracked across North Texas on Nov. 4 resulted in seven tornadoes, five of which impacted timberland in Bowie, Cass, Henderson, Morris and Red River counties, according to a Texas A&M Forest Service assessment of the damage. One person died as a result of the storm in Morris County. *** On December 20, local power companies issued warnings that there might be power outages with the severe cold temperatures coming over the weekend. The Cold weather started on Friday with frigid lows of 9 degrees and a high of 25. Friday even teased the community of a white Christmas with light snowflakes dropping in the afternoon as people rushed to get last-minute Christmas shopping done and meals planned. *** Missing man Eric Alvarado story was featured on Dateline NBC website.