News

UPDATE: 3:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 –

Graham Police Department identified David Dewayne Barnwell, 28, of Graham, as the deceased body found near the 300 block of Victory Street Wednesday, Aug. 3. GPD was notified by Young County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3, Stan Mahler that the Dallas County Medical Examiner was able to positively identify the subject.

Barnwell was reported missing Wednesday, Aug. 3 by a friend who stated he had not been seen or heard since Monday, Aug. 1.

The Graham City Council tabled action on animal ordinance changes during their July meeting. The ordinance changes were submitted to the council in June by members of the Humane Society of Young County, Graham Police Department and the city of Graham. HSYC Director Shelby Brogdon stated the changes were submitted due to animals at large within the city.

The smell of burning rubber and the shine of cars both new and old will be around Graham this week at the 12th annual Cars and Stars car show and burnout competition. The show had a call for all bandit cars this year to be a part of the Smokey and the Bandit theme.

Graham ISD opened school registration Monday and will have new student enrollment through the end of the week, depending on the campus. GISD campuses will start school Tuesday, Aug. 23.

One man was arrested and seven others were detained Sunday following a traffic stop at Hwy. 114 and Hwy. 16. Terry Israel Oliva-Reyes, 32, of Honduras, was arrested and charged with smuggling of persons.

According to a press release from the Young County Sheriff’s Office, the group was pulled over in a silver Honda SUV for a traffic violation at approximately 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 24. An investigation revealed the driver, identified as Oliva-Reyes, was smuggling seven individuals into the country illegally.

The Graham High School engineering program will be revitalized this upcoming school year as teacher Stan Burnett takes over the course. With over 40 years in the nuclear power industry, Burnett is bringing skills to help shape the minds of Graham’s future graduates.

Burnett grew up on a farm in the west Texas town of Cotton Center and, in 1974, joined the Navy in the branch’s nuclear program. He spent six years in the Navy, with four years serving on the USS Gado as a nuclear machinist. In 1980, Burnett left the Navy and started his career in the commercial nuclear field.

The Graham City Council tabled action on animal ordinances changes until a new city manager is hired in the position. Following multiple City Council meetings with public comments regarding pit bulls and safety within the city, members of the Humane Society of Young County, Graham Police Department and city submitted updates Thursday, June 9 to city ordinances regarding animals and fowl.

Last Wednesday afternoon marked the end of the Library of Graham’s Summer Reading Program. The program, entitled Oceans of Possibilities, experienced changes this year under new library director Kelly LaFarge.

The program, which kicked off Wednesday, June 1 at Crestview Elementary School, encourages children to develop a habit of reading during the summer. Weekly programs took place at the school, as well as at the library.

Young County Rural Volunteer Fire Departments and Graham Fire Department responded to several fires across Young, Stephens and Palo Pinto Counties this week as hot temperatures combined with low humidity contributed to wildfires. Between Monday morning and Tuesday morning, crews responded to six grass fires.

According to the Young County Blotter, a fire was reported at 11:41 a.m. on the Burch Ranch on FM 61. GFD and Young County Rural VFD arrived just after noon at the fire. The scene was cleared at 1:21 p.m.