LATEST EPISODE
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3.210.2023
Chief Michael Kramm, Texarkana Arkansas Police Dept.
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.
ARCHIVE
2.24.2023
Yasmen Ritchey, faith-based yoga instructor
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.
2.10.2023
Travis Turner trial recap and a visit with Gazette GM/Editor James Bright
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.
1.24.2023
David Peavy and April Phillips of the Banana Club Players
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.”
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.
1.13.2023
Chace Rains
Singer-songwriter Chace Rains talks about the Texarkana music scene, his music-first writing process, the stories behind five original songs, and more.
LINK
Erin talked with singer-songwriter The Poet of Texarkana, aka Hunter Clark, about using his songs to connect with others, supporting the Texarkana music scene and much more. He performed five original songs, including "Tune In," written just for the occasion.
LINK
12.6.2022
Travis Powell, Elvis tribute artist
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
11.10.2022
April Matthis: From Texarkana to Broadway
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.
11.10.2022
Special Report: Taylor Parker death penalty
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.
11.7.2022
ALEXANDER COLD CASE: Carla Lewis, childhood friend of victims
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.
11.5.2022
Dallas Ross
Erin talks with R&B singer Dallas Ross, who performs three original songs.
LINKS
10.21.2022
Special Report: Taylor Parker punishment phase, week 1
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.
10.19.2022
"Rocky Horror" superfan Larry Viezel
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"
10.11.2022
Kristina Rivas-Jones, 100 Families Alliance
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
10.7.2022
PHED
Erin and Karl talk with acoustic duo PHED about the unusual way they came together, their creative process and their influences. With four original songs.
PHED is:
Phoebe Rose, vocals
Ted Stone, guitar
LINK: PHED on Facebook
10.3.2022
Special Report: Taylor Parker guilty verdict
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.
9.27.2022
Carl Finch, founder of Brave Combo
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.
9.25.2022
Special Report: Taylor Parker trial week two
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
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
9.23.2022
Seth Reid
Erin talks with Seth Reid about the influences of his rural McCurtain County, Oklahoma, upbringing, his beginnings singing in church, his love of outlaw country music and more. With three original songs.
LINK
9.17.2022
Special Report: Taylor Parker trial week one
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
9.13.2022
Rudy Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers
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
8.16.2022
Dr. Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for Arkansas governor
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.
8.16.2022
ALEXANDER COLD CASE: Cheryl Hester, genetic and forensic genealogist
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
8.12.2022
Brain Panic
Erin talks with Brain Panic, a new Texarkana-based punk trio. Singer-songwriter Nicci McCarty tells how her personal mental health struggles inspire the group's songs and how she hopes the band will empower others.
With three original songs recorded live in Starbear Studio.
Note: This episode was recorded in June.
See Brain Panic's Facebook page for their latest performance dates.
Brain Panic is:
Nicci McCarty, vocals and guitar
Glenn Smith, bass
8.1.2022
Jrmar Jefferson
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.
7.15.2022
O'Malley's Prayer
Irish pub music trio O'Malley's Prayer joined Erin in the studio with songs, stories and a lot of laughs.
7.12.2022
Bill Owney
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 was the perfect time to check in with Bill Owney, who writes the Gazette's weekly “Test Drive” car review column.
6.14.2022
Yasir "BIG$ Nova Gawd" DeGrate
Texarkana Gazette entertainment reporter Erin DeBlanc interviews poet and musician BIG$ NovaGawd about his journey from Army photographer to performer, entrepreneur and spiritual mentor, and he performs a poem and two original songs.
BIG$ NovaGawd Online:
6.28.2022
Trey Outlaw
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.
6.14.2022
Chris LeGrand
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.
6.1.2022
After Uvalde: PTSD in Children
After the recent 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.
5.17.2022
Catt Dahman
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.
LINKS
3.15.2022
Christina Tutt
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
3.4.2022
George Tobolowsky
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
3.1.2022
Jay Ellington
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 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.
2.22.2022
Les Minor & James Bright
Texarkana Gazette Editor Les Minor is retiring 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.
2.15.2022
Allen West
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, 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
2.8.2022
LaMoya Burks
LaMoya Burks is the head librarian at Texarkana College's Palmer Memorial Library. She was recently appointed interim executive director of the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. In this 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.
2.1.2022
Christa Henry
In this episode, 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.
1.25.2022
Scott Norton
As executive director and CEO of TexAmericas Center, Scott Norton oversees one of the Texarkana region's most important economic assets. That proved true recently, when the Gazette broke the news that an ammunition plant employing 400 people will soon begin operations at the Center.
1.18.2022
Darlene Taylor
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 and host Karl Richter spoke about her journey from grieving widow to successful small business owner — and how she keeps her creative spirit thriving.
12.28.2021
Joe Saul-Sehy (Encore)
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.
12.21.2021
Christy Busby Worsham
Christy Busby Worsham is leaving the Texarkana Gazette after more than 30 years as a city government reporter and city editor. In this episode, she and host Karl Richter looked back at some of the most memorable people and stories she encountered during her long career.
12.14.2021
Beto O'Rourke
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.
12.7.2021
Chad McCrary
When a motocross accident left Bowie County, Texas, native Chad McCrary without the use of his legs, his first reaction was despair. In this episode, host Karl Richter spoke with Chad about how he overcame that adversity to become a professional bodybuilder, motivational speaker and author.
11.23.2021
Lynn LaRowe
Lynn LaRowe's name is very familiar to Texarkana Gazette readers. As the Gazette's longtime legal affairs reporter, Lynn has covered the biggest local crime stories of the last 15 years, as well as hundreds of other cases and lawsuits.
11.16.2021
Corrine and Tyron Hinton
This episode features retired Marine Staff Sgt. Tyron Hinton and his wife, Dr. Corrine Hinton, an associate professor of English at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Tyron had several combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and sustained injuries. Corrine became a military caregiver for her husband and works to bring awareness and help to the parents, friends and partners who serve in caregiving roles for veterans. She is an alumni fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which is committed to empowering, supporting and honoring our nation’s military caregivers.
11.9.2021
Carol Miles
From Texarkana to New York, L.A. and almost two decades in Paris, Carol Miles has led an extraordinary life. As a pioneering woman of color in the world of high fashion modeling, a singer, a restaurateur and now as a champion of composer Scott Joplin's legacy, she has used her talents to break barriers and better communities.
10.30.2021
Jenny Walker
For this week's episode, host Karl Richter spoke with Jenny Walker, executive director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties. She leads the Literacy Council's mission to fill a wide variety of educational gaps in the Texarkana community, and she spoke about some of the exciting new projects and programs the Council has in store. It's a LOT more than just teaching people how to read.
10.26.2021
Halloween Special: Scarlett Lewis and Pamula Pierce Barcelou
This special Halloween episode features a double dose of Texarkana thrills and chills. In Part 1, host Karl Richter spoke with Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk host Scarlett Lewis about the tour and her love of local history, and she shared some of her favorite spooky tales. Part 2 is a conversation with Pamula Pierce Barcelou, whose father, Charles B. Pierce, made two iconic horror movies — “The Legend of Boggy Creek” and “The Town That Dreaded Sundown” — in and around Texarkana, based on true local stories. She spoke about her father's legacy in the horror genre and beyond, and what she's doing to preserve it.
10.19.2021
In Memoriam Aaron Brand
Colleagues, friends and loved ones share their thoughts and memories about the late Aaron Brand. Aaron died unexpectedly the weekend of Oct. 2 at his home after a two-decade career as the Texarkana Gazette's features reporter, covering culture, arts and entertainment, among other subjects. Closing music: "I'll Be Seeing You" performed by Marc-Andre Bougie and Candace Taylor.
10.12.2021
Mayoral candidates' forum
This episode focused on this 2021's race for mayor in Texarkana, Texas. Mayor Bob Bruggeman was seeking a fifth consecutive term in office. Former City Council member Brian Matthews was challenging him for the seat.
10.5.2021
Ina McDowell
Ina McDowell is in the forefront of efforts to bring Texarkana's long-neglected downtown back to thriving life. As executive director of Main Street Texarkana, she works to keep downtown rooted in its past as it progresses into a new future.
9.26.2021
Local History: Who was sideshow giant Big Jim Patterson?
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.
9.14.2021
Rob Sitterley
As president and CEO of economic development organization AR-TX REDI, Rob Sitterley leads local efforts to bring new businesses and well-paying jobs to Texarkana. Host Karl Richter talked with Sitterley about what it will take to rev up the regional economy and how REDI has been working to do so since its beginning in 2018.
9.7.2021
Betty Jackson Carpenter
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.
8.31.2021
Sabrina McCormick
Gazette reporter Aaron Brand interviews longtime Texarkana journalist Sabrina McCormick about her recent travels and studies in Northern Ireland — and Sabrina plays a couple of traditional songs on the harp.
8.24.2021
Andrew Clark
As executive director of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Clark is responsible for one of the Twin Cities' most prominent cultural touchstones. Since 2008, Clark has been in charge of TSO's long range planning, fundraising, development, marketing and administration.
8.17.2021
Ray Couch
Ark-La-Tex Comic Con founder Ray Couch has a passion for all things fantasy and sci-fi that's infectious. Host Karl Richter and Couch talked about what's in store at this year's convention — coming up Labor Day weekend — and dug a little deeper into what makes so-called geek culture so popular.
8.10.2021
Special Music Episode: Heather Linn and Jase Bryant
In this special episode, arts and entertainment reporter Aaron Brand takes the wheel to introduce and interview local musicians Heather Linn and Jase Bryant. They talked about their musical partnership and performed a few of their original songs.
8.3.2021
Benjamin Neuman
Dr. Ben Neuman talks about the science behind the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus that caused it and the vaccines that promise to bring it to an end. Neuman didn't intend to become one of the most trusted science communicators of the COVID-19 pandemic.
7.27.2021
Jay Ellington
Host Karl Richter talks with Texarkana, Arkansas, City Manager Jay Ellington about his career, learning about the city and his three-point plan for making it better.
07.20.2021
David Orr
Texas-side Interim City Manager David Orr talks about his deep Texarkana roots and all the latest in city government, including some of the big projects coming up in the second half of the year.
7.13.2021
Joe Saul-Sehy
In the debut episode of "On the Line," Karl Richte talks with Texarkana financial adviser and award-winning podcaster Joe Saul-Sehy, creator and co-host of "The Stacking Benjamins Show" and co-author of the forthcoming book "STACKED: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management."