On the Line

For this episode, Gazette reporter Sharda James interviewed Cassandra Speer, co-author of “Her True Worth” and co-leader of a Christian ministry by the same name. Speer talked about her belief that women are subject to false, contradictory messages about what defines their worth and that only through Christian faith can they find the truth. LINK "Her True Worth" book website

Texarkana, Arkansas, Police Chief Michael Kramm has been on the job since late October 2022. He and Karl talked about his experience, crime in Texarkana, public perception of law enforcement, his goals for the department and more. Click here for an extensive Gazette profile of Kramm we published last November. Click here to subscribe with your favorite podcast app, and make On the Line a part of your weekend routine. This episode is sponsored by Hostetler Roofing. Visit their website or call 870-557-4797 to schedule a free inspection of your roof.

For this episode, guest interviewer Sharda James talks with yoga instructor Yasmen Ritchey about her faith-based take on the practice. As you'll hear, she sees her classes as a way to invite God into her students' lives. And if you're curious about yoga in general, you'll be interested in her explanation of its benefits. A programming note: Moving forward, new episodes of On the Line will appear in your podcast feeds on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Click here to subscribe with your favorite podcast app, and make On the Line a part of your weekend routine. This episode is sponsored by Hostetler Roofing. Visit their website or call 870-557-4797 to schedule a free inspection of your roof.

In recent weeks, the Travis Turner murder trial has captivated Texarkana. A jury convicted Turner of killing Jennifer Rose Garrett and sentenced him to life in prison. Karl sat down with Gazette courts reporter Lori Dunn to recap the trial and get her insight on the story. In the second part of this episode, Karl talked with Gazette general manager and editor James Bright about his recent column. It explains why we need subscribers to keep the paper viable. Listen for how you can provide the Gazette feedback during a special event next month. This episode is sponsored by Hostetler Roofing. Visit their website or call 870-557-4797 to schedule a free inspection of your roof.

With Valentine's Day coming up, Texarkana's 1923 Banana Club is doing its part to make sure love is in the air. Owner David Peavy and a troupe of passionate amateur actors are rehearsing the club's second original dinner theater show. It's called “Texarkana Meets Cupid: A Valentine's Tale.” Performances will be February 10, 11 and 14, 2023, at the club, 223 Front Street. Karl talked with Peavy and cast member April Phillips about the romantic comedy, their creative process and their plans for more shows in the future. LINKS 1923 Banana Club on Facebook Buy tickets to "Texarkana Meets Cupid"

Travis Powell has been performing as the King of Rock 'n' Roll since childhood, and he's bringing his authentic take on Elvis to Texarkana's Perot Theatre on Jan. 7, 2023, just a day before Presley's birthday. LINKS Travis Powell on Facebook Buy tickets to Perot Theatre show

April Matthis has earned a place on the list of most acclaimed artists from Texarkana. Born and raised on the Texas side, she has honed her craft as an actor for more than two decades. It paid off with two Obie Awards for her off-Broadway work, and now she is making her Broadway debut. Matthis plays Grace in “The Piano Lesson,” August Wilson’s 1987 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. She is part of an A-list cast that includes Danielle Brooks, John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. She and Karl talked about her memories of Texarkana, her path to success, her part in the play and more. Related story: Texarkana native April Matthis debuts on Broadway

Gazette reporter Lori Dunn shares details and her impressions of the sentencing of convicted murderer Taylor Parker. On Wednesday, Nov. 9, a Bowie County jury took only an hour and fifteen minutes to impose the death penalty. Parker killed Reagan Simmons Hancock on Oct. 9, 2020, and cut her unborn daughter, Braxlynn, from her womb.

In today's episode, we continue our look at the 1981 murders of 14-year-old Karen Alexander and her brother, 13-year-old Gordon Alexander, in Texarkana, Arkansas. Gazette reporter Mallory Wyatt joined Karl to talk with Carla Lewis, who as a child knew the Alexanders. Carla shared her memories of her friends and learning they had been killed. She talked about how the crime continues to affect her and most importantly, made a plea for anyone with information to come forward. If you know anything that could help crack the case, we urge you to call the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department's criminal investigation division at 903-798-3130.

Karl and Gazette reporter Lori Dunn recap testimony in the first five days of the punishment phase of Taylor Parker's trial. Parker, 29, was found guilty of capital murder Oct. 3, 2022, for killing Reagan Michelle Hancock, 21, and cutting her infant daughter, Braxlynn Sage Hancock, from the womb Oct. 9, 2020 in New Boston, Texas. The prosecution is asking for the death penalty, while the defense is arguing for life in prison.

Larry Viezel has been passionate about “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” for three decades and is president of the Official Fan Club. He and Karl talked about the show's history, cast, music and what's made it so special to generations of fans. Texarkana's Perot Theatre will present “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. LINKS Tickets: "Rocky Horror" at the Perot "The Rocky Horror Treasury: A Tribute to the Ultimate Cult Classic"

Kristina Rivas-Jones is director of 100 Families Alliance, a new project of the Literacy Council of Miller and Bowie Counties. 100 Families seeks to coordinate services available to families in crisis — and as you'll hear, there are already some local success stories. Gazette reporter Mallory Wyatt joined Karl in talking to Kristina about how 100 Families works, why she felt called to take on the job, how her personal background prepared her for it, and more. LINKS 100 Families on Literacy Council website 100 Families on Facebook

Just hours after a Bowie County, Texas, jury found Taylor Parker guilty of capital murder, Gazette reporter Lori Dunn commented on the trial so far. The sentencing phase will begin Oct. 12.

Texarkana native Carl Finch founded Brave Combo more than 40 years ago. Yeah, it's a polka band. But as you'll hear, Brave Combo is more than that. The group stands for independent thinking and creativity free from peer pressure. You could say the Brave Combo philosophy is that there's no such thing as a guilty pleasure. And it all started in a Woolworth store in downtown Texarkana. Brave Combo will be the musical headliner for Main Street Texarkana's Oktoberfest on the Line on Saturday, Oct. 15, downtown. LINK: Brave Combo official website

Texarkana Gazette crime and courts reporter Lori Dunn summarizes the second week of testimony in the capital murder trial of Taylor Parker. Parker could face the death penalty in the Oct. 9, 2020, killing of expectant mother Reagan Simmons Hancock of New Boston, Texas, and the taking of her unborn child, who also died. Parker has pleaded not guilty. FULL COVERAGE Capital murder defendant called ‘actress of highest order’ Second day of testimony in Taylor Parker trial focuses on online searches TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 3 | Witnesses describe ‘dome of craziness’ with murder defendant TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 4 | Ex-husband labels defendant a ‘con artist’; investigator alleges web of fake phone calls RECAP | Taylor Parker trial PODCAST | On the Line Special Report: Taylor Parker trial week one TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 5 | Witnesses testify about odd finances, pregnancy doubts TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 6 | Mother of Parker’s boyfriend testifies about estrangement from son TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 7 | Jurors hear frantic 911 call, testimony from victim’s husband TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 8 | Relatives describe horrors of crime scene; medical workers put pieces together RECAP | Taylor Parker trial, week two

Texarkana Gazette crime and courts reporter Lori Dunn summarizes the first week of testimony in the capital murder trial of Taylor Parker. Parker could face the death penalty in the Oct. 9, 2020, killing of expectant mother Reagan Simmons Hancock of New Boston, Texas, and the taking of her unborn child, who also died. Parker has pleaded not guilty. FULL COVERAGE Capital murder defendant called ‘actress of highest order’ Second day of testimony in Taylor Parker trial focuses on online searches TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 3 | Witnesses describe ‘dome of craziness’ with murder defendant TAYLOR PARKER TRIAL, DAY 4 | Ex-husband labels defendant a ‘con artist’; investigator alleges web of fake phone calls

After singing together since childhood, Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin gained fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as “All the Gold in California” and “Houston.” And The Gatlin Brothers are still performing. Ahead of their Sept. 25, 2022, show at Texarkana's Perot Theatre, Karl checked in with Rudy Gatlin about what keeps the trio going and what their audience can expect. LINKS Gatlin Brothers official website The Perot Theatre

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and for this week's episode host Karl Richter spoke with some of the people leading the regional and local efforts of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. First, you'll hear a phone interview with Jacqueline Sharp, Arkansas Area Director for AFSP, and Sarah Allen, the group's North Texas and Oklahoma area director. Then you'll hear Karl's conversation with Betty Jackson Carpenter, lead organizer of Texarkana's AFSP events, including two coming up in September and the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in November. Betty shared the story of her daughter's suicide and how she chose to begin helping others in its aftermath. You'll hear how to get involved, as well as what to do if you or a someone else is having thoughts of suicide and how to support those coping with the suicide of a loved one. Recorded in September 2021. WHERE TO GET HELP, LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Links: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention AFSP Arkansas AFSP North Texas AFSP Texarkana Texarkana Out of the Darkness Walk on Facebook

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and for this week's episode host Karl Richter spoke with some of the people leading the regional and local efforts of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. First, you'll hear a phone interview with Jacqueline Sharp, Arkansas Area Director for AFSP, and Sarah Allen, the group's North Texas and Oklahoma area director. Then you'll hear Karl's conversation with Betty Jackson Carpenter, lead organizer of Texarkana's AFSP events, including two coming up in September and the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in November. Betty shared the story of her daughter's suicide and how she chose to begin helping others in its aftermath. You'll hear how to get involved, as well as what to do if you or a someone else is having thoughts of suicide and how to support those coping with the suicide of a loved one. Recorded in September 2021. WHERE TO GET HELP, LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Links: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention AFSP Arkansas AFSP North Texas AFSP Texarkana Texarkana Out of the Darkness Walk on Facebook

Dr. Chris Jones is this year's Democratic nominee for Arkansas governor. During a recent campaign stop in Texarkana, he came by the studio to talk about his story, his platform and his strategy to win votes in a deep red state. He and Karl spoke about his views on Southwest Arkansas, broadband internet access, education, marijuana legalization, church/state separation, the January 6 insurrection and more.

The unsolved murders of young Karen and Gordon Alexander have haunted Texarkana for more than 40 years. In April 1981, Karen, 14, and Gordon, 13, were found brutally stabbed to death in their Arkansas-side home. Infamous serial killer Henry Lee Lucas later claimed to be the murderer, but his confession was found to be false. The case went cold, but interest has recently increased, in large part because of a Facebook group focused on finding justice for Karen and Gordon. That new spotlight on the case attracted the attention of this episode's guest. Texarkana native Cheryl Hester is an expert in the emerging science of forensic genealogy. Karl and Cheryl talked about what that means and how her skills just might lead to a breakthrough in the Alexander case. LINK: AdvanceDNA

In May, Texarkana native Jrmar “JJ” Jefferson won the Democratic nomination to represent Texas' 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. With about 12 weeks until voting begins, we offered Jefferson the opportunity to share his story and views. As you'll hear, he had a lot to say.

In this episode recorded in January, Texarkana Gazette reporter Andrew Bell joined host Karl Richter to interview Christa Henry, boys' soccer coach at Texarkana's Pleasant Grove High School. As you'll hear, there's no limit to her passion for the game. She talked about the career path that led her to Texarkana, her plans to build a championship team and what it's like to be a woman coaching a boys sport.

Texarkana Gazette reporter Andrew Bell joined host Karl Richter to interview Christa Henry, boys' soccer coach at Texarkana's Pleasant Grove High School. As you'll hear, there's no limit to her passion for the game. She talked about the career path that led her to Texarkana, her plans to build a championship team and what it's like to be a woman coaching a boys sport.

Between high gas prices, global supply chain problems and a new headline about electric vehicles practically every day, many people are thinking about what they drive. It's the perfect time to check in with Bill Owney, who writes the Gazette's weekly “Test Drive” car review column. Bill and host Karl Richter talked about the current car market, the future of EVs, how to cut your fuel bill, the new vehicles he loves and a lot more.

Recently hired Arkansas High School athletic director and head football coach Trey Outlaw brings a track record of success to his new position. As you'll hear, he has worked with many of the winningest football coaches and programs in Arkansas. Guest host Andrew Bell talked with Outlaw about his goals for the Razorbacks, the team culture he aims to establish, the coming season's roster and a lot more.

Here's a taste of "Tune In Texarkana," a new podcast from the Gazette's Starbear Studio focused on local musicians. From Episode 1, BIG$ NovaGawd performs "You Vogue, I Meditate." The podcast's monthly episodes will feature host Erin DeBlanc interviewing artists across the spectrum of the Texarkana music scene, and each will include performances recorded live. "My vision for the podcast is to be able to give local artists a platform to share their music with a large audience. There are many talented musicians in Texarkana that many of us are unaware of, and having this podcast, thanks to the Texarkana Gazette, enables them to share their creativity and hard work with more people than they would entertain at a local venue," DeBlanc said. To listen to "Tune In Texarkana," search for and follow the show on your favorite podcast app. You can also listen at tuneintxk.castos.com or texarkanagazette.com/podcast.

Texarkana native Chris LeGrand created Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show more than 20 years ago. The show has grown into a full-time business for LeGrand, who portrays Stones frontman Mick Jagger. A performance Friday, June 17, at Texarkana's Perot Theatre is one of hundreds Satisfaction will stage this year. He and host Karl Richter talked about how Satisfaction got started, how the group keeps its tribute authentic, life on tour and more.

After last week's mass shooting of elementary school students in Uvalde, Texas, we wanted to talk with someone familiar with childhood trauma who could speak to what the survivors in Uvalde are going through. Cindy Thomas is a licensed professional counselor who has specialized in working with children for more than 20 years. She currently works for a local school district, and as you will hear, she has a keen understanding of how trauma affects children and how to help them. LOCAL RESOURCES: COUNSELING SERVICES Behavioral Medicine Center 1902 Galleria Oaks Dr Texarkana, TX 75503 903-614-3800 Betty J Feir PC & Associates 5501 Medical Parkway Texarkana, TX 75503 903-793-8588 Community Healthcore 1911 Galleria Oaks Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 1-800-4-INTAKE 903-792-0308 CASA of NE Texas 1201 Main St Texarkana, TX 75501 903-792-1030 Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center 1203 Main St Texarkana, TX 75501 903-792-2215 Chenal Counseling 1305 Arkansas Blvd., Suite Texarkana, AR 71854 870-340-2636 Genesis Primecare Tammy Crawford 4323 Jefferson Ave Texarkana, AR 71854 870-773-0700 Elizabeth McCauley 4140 McKnight Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903-824-5548 Olive Tree Counseling 3930 Galleria Oaks Dr Texarkana, TX 75503 903-336-3484 Serendipity Wellness Center Robert Strayhan, MD 1732 Galleria Oaks Dr Texarkana, TX 75503 903-764-1636 Southwest Arkansas Counseling Dorcas I Adepoju, MD 2904 Arkansas Blvd Texarkana, AR 71854 870-773-4655

Texarkana native Catt Dahman is a creative force of nature, with more than 60 novels to her name. She works mostly in the horror genre, and that passion has led her to a new endeavor: movies. In the tradition of filmmakers such as Roger Corman and our own Charles B. Pierce, Catt is busy writing, producing and directing horror movies that have much bigger stories than budgets. The latest is a modern, fictional take on Texarkana's Phantom Killer called “Sundown.” She and host Karl Richter talked about the movie, her path to becoming a director and her other endeavors, including advocating for prison reform. LINKS Ren Says Films Catt Dahman official website On the Line on Twitter

As executive director and CEO of TexAmericas Center, Scott Norton oversees one of the Texarkana region's most important economic assets. That proved true in January, when the Gazette broke the news that an ammunition plant employing 400 people will soon begin operations at the Center. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with Scott about some recent developments at TexAmericas Center, and what the future holds there. This episode first aired Jan. 25, 2022.

As executive director and CEO of TexAmericas Center, Scott Norton oversees one of the Texarkana region's most important economic assets. That proved in January, when the Gazette broke the news that an ammunition plant employing 400 people will soon begin operations at the Center. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with Scott about some recent developments at TexAmericas Center, and what the future holds there. This episode first aired Jan. 25, 2022.

When Houston-area technology professional Benny Prince began researching his Ark-La-Tex roots, he had no idea he would meet a character literally larger than life. James Wesley “Big Jim” Patterson, Prince’s great uncle, stood out in the family story as much as his reported 8 foot, 4 inch height stood out among residents of Bloomburg, Texas, where he died on Halloween 1920. A trove of heirloom documents, including rare vintage photos, told Prince the tale of Patterson’s life as a circus sideshow performer, businessman and member of a family that played an important role in the history of Cass County. Now Prince is working on a book about Big Jim and hopes someone out there can tell him even more about the giant billed by Sells Brothers Circus as “The World’s Tallest Man.” This episode was first released Sept. 26, 2021. LINKS Kickstarter: "Out of the Borderlands into the Big Top," by Benny E. Prince Email Benny Prince

In recent weeks, Christina Tutt has been one of the most vocal advocates raising concerns about the Texarkana, Arkansas, Animal Care and Adoption Center. For this episode, she and host Karl Richter talked about the Board of Directors' response; her organization, Texarkana Animal Coalition Team; the state of dog and cat care in the Twin Cities; what she has observed at the animal shelter; and what people can do to help. LINKS Texarkana Animal Coalition Team (TACT), Facebook Texarkana Animal League Ark La Tex Animal Clinic Animal Protection League Fix TXK, Facebook

Thanks to three prominent exhibitions in the past nine years, sculptor George Tobolowsky has become synonymous with public art in Texarkana. You've probably seen at least one of his pieces, metal sculptures made of objects found in scrap yards and industrial sites. This week, he installed four new sculptures in Texarkana for an exhibition called “Bending the Rules 3.” While he was in town, he stopped by the studio to talk about his work, his process and his relationship with the Twin Cities. LINK Related Texarkana Gazette story with photos

Since he was hired last summer, City Manager Jay Ellington has been hard at work pursuing his vision for a better Texarkana, Arkansas, including an ambitious plan to turn Front Street Festival Plaza into a more welcoming event venue. In this week's interview, he and host Karl Richter talked about the plaza project, as well as residents' concerns about streets, flooding and the city Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Texarkana Gazette Editor Les Minor is retiring next week after almost 40 years with the paper, including 35 leading its newsroom. Host Karl Richter sat down with Les to talk about his memories and accomplishments, and what it's like to leave behind the profession to which he has devoted his life. Les's successor, Gazette General Manager James Bright, joined them to talk about his vision for the paper and what readers can expect after the transition.

Allen West hopes to upset Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and win the Republican Party's nomination for governor. The retired Army lieutenant colonel, former U.S. House representative and former chair of the Texas GOP spoke to host Karl Richter by telephone Friday, three days before early primary voting began. You'll hear why he's taking Abbott on, as well as his views on energy policy, immigration, election integrity and more. LINK Texarkana Region Primary Election Early Voting Information

LaMoya Burks is the head librarian at Texarkana College's Palmer Memorial Library. Last week, she was appointed interim executive director of the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. The organization's mission is to empower library staff to serve teens and support them — especially those with the greatest needs — on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. In this week's interview, LaMoya and host Karl Richter talked about her career success, what's different about serving younger library patrons, recent attempts to remove books from library shelves and more.

As executive director and CEO of TexAmericas Center, Scott Norton oversees one of the Texarkana region's most important economic assets. That proved true last week, when the Gazette broke the news that an ammunition plant employing 400 people will soon begin operations at the Center. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with Scott about some recent developments at TexAmericas Center, and what the future holds there.

You may not know Darlene Taylor's name, but there's a good chance you've seen one of the dozens of murals she has painted in the Texarkana area. She's a self-taught artist whose other interests include designing and sewing vintage-style clothing and historical costumes. She and host Karl Richter spoke about her journey from grieving widow to successful small business owner — and how she keeps her creative spirit thriving.

Texarkana resident Joe Saul-Sehy's Stacking Benjamins podcast has won awards and gained a loyal audience by providing financial advice with a light, humorous touch. His new book with co-author Emily Guy Birken is called “Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management.” And it's available beginning Dec. 28. In July, Joe and host Karl Richter spoke about the book, the podcast and what he has learned in his decades of work helping ordinary people achieve financial security. Here's an encore presentation of that interview. Look for all-new episodes of On the Line in 2022 — and happy new year!

Christy Busby Worsham is leaving the Texarkana Gazette after more than 30 years as a city government reporter and city editor. For this week's episode, she and host Karl Richter looked back at some of the most memorable people and stories she encountered during her long career. They also discussed how journalism and Texarkana have changed in the last three decades — and what she will be doing next.

Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke is back on the campaign trail, this time challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The election is almost a year away. But O'Rourke has already begun traveling around the state, stumping in cities large and small. It's a strategy that brought him within three percentage points of Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in the 2018 race that first put O'Rourke in the national political spotlight. He followed that run with a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Earlier this year, he again hit the road in Texas in support of voting rights and registration. On Saturday, O'Rourke visited Texarkana, drawing a small but seemingly receptive audience to hear his message. After that appearance, he stopped by the studio for a half-hour interview. Host Karl Richter asked him about a range of issues, including COVID mandates, abortion and gun regulation.