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On April 14, 2023, Jeffrey Lynn Brown, 47, of Bonham, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on three separate cases of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) with the intent to deliver. 15TH District Court Judge Jim Fallon sentenced the defendant per the terms of the plea agreement with the State.

On October 5, 2022, Howe Police responded to a report of an overdosed individual at a residence. Officers’ investigation led to the discovery of approximately 212 grams of methamphetamine that the defendant, who was present at the scene, admitted to possessing and selling.

On October 29, 2022, Denison Police conducted a traffic stop on the defendant. After asking the driver, Brown, why he failed to immediately stop for officers, the police were alerted to items of drug paraphernalia and ultimately conducted a search of both the defendant and his vehicle, resulting in the defendant being found in possession of approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine.

On November 11, 2022, Sherman police responded to a welfare concern of an individual passed out in a vehicle at Town Center. When they arrived, police located the defendant who woke up when the police attempted to rouse him. During his interaction with police, the defendant admitted he had meth on his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an additional 40 grams of methamphetamine.

“People who participate in spreading the scourge of methamphetamine on our society by selling it should be punished severely,” said Assistant District Attorney Nathan Young. District Attorney Brett Smith added, “The defendant demonstrated that he was not going to stop selling meth until he was locked up. This lengthy sentence will remove him from the streets for the safety of our community.”

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney J. Kerye Ashmore and Assistant District Attorney Nathan D. Young. The defendant was represented by criminal defense attorney Britton T. Brooks.

HOWE, Texas – After five years of service to his community, the Howe Police Department’s first-ever K9 cop is hanging up his leash.

K9 Loki, a 13-year-old Jack Russell/Fox Terrier mix, joined the police department in December 2017 after being donated to his owner and handler, Sergeant Keith Milks, by a San Antonio-based non-profit organization that trained him to sniff out drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

In those five years, Loki has played a key role in targeting narcotics traffickers and abusers in Howe and throughout Grayson County. K9 Loki conducted 208 narcotics detection deployments, resulting in the seizure of pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as firearms, vehicles, and tens of thousands of dollars from drug traffickers. His efforts led to the arrest of more than 90 suspects.

“He was always focused and driven, and the best partner I could ever have,” said Milks. “All he wants to do is work.”

Other law enforcement agencies frequently requested the assistance of K9 Loki and he lent his nose to the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, the Denison and Sherman Police Departments, State Troopers, Game Wardens, and the DEA and ATF.

K9 Loki will enjoy his well-deserved retirement with the Milks family and their two Corgis.

The city will honor K9 Loki at its city council meeting on April 18 at 6 p.m.

Grayson County DA Press Release

Dylan Kyler Lucas, 24, of Howe, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl between 4-200 grams.  The sentence results from a plea agreement with the Grayson County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.  Judge Larry Phillips of the 59^th District Court formally sentenced the defendant.  Since this offense is considered aggravated, the defendant must serve at least seven and a half years before being considered for parole.

On February 24, 2022, Howe Police responded to a call of shots fired on the 700 block of North Collins Freeway.  Responding officers interviewed the defendant who claimed he had advertised a pair of shoes for sale on Snapchat to an unknown male.  Lucas claimed the unknown male appeared at his house, produced a rifle, and fired several shots into the defendant’s residence.  Investigating officers located several defects in the residence indicating bullets had struck the house.  Witnesses told the officers that the defendant was seen standing on the porch holding a handgun.  After officers inquired about the true nature of the shots fired investigation, the defendant eventually walked into his bedroom and provided the officers with a container of pills marked “M 30”.  A subsequent Department of Public Safety Laboratory Report, which only tested a portion of the pills, indicated at least 7.7 grams of Fentanyl. 

The Howe Police Department continued the investigation and later charged two other individuals for their role in the shooting of the house and attempted robbery of the defendant.

Assistant District Attorney Don Hoover stated, “This was a drug deal gone bad.  All too often we see those involved in the dope game carrying guns or getting robbed.  The two go hand in hand.  We commend the Howe Police Department for getting this poison off the streets and apprehending two other dangerous individuals.”  District Attorney Brett Smith added, “Drug dealers in Grayson County should be dealt with harshly.  Thanks to the new laws on Fentanyl distribution, we can now swing a bigger bat”.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Don Hoover.

James Arthur Rayburn Jr, age 61, died on March 27, 2023 after fighting bravely against cancer for the past three years.

Art was born on February 17, 1962 in Denton Texas to James and Frances Rayburn. He grew up in Howe Texas where he touched many hearts and met the person who touched his. He graduated from Howe High School and went on to get his bachelor’s degree in sacred music. He married Judy Haigis on December 31, 1983.

Art is survived by his wife, 2 children, parents, siblings, and numerous others.

Besides spending time with family and friends, Art loved traveling, hunting for antiques, watching old western movies, and supporting the Dallas Cowboys. He also had a gift for singing and playing the guitar. For the last several years he served as the music minister for First Baptist Church of Howe.

Art was a generous person and loved to help everyone around him. He never thought twice if someone needed him. He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Akers Cemetery, in Sherman, TX.

O.B. Powers of Howe, TX passed from this earth and into the arms of his Savior on March 28, 2023 at the age of 79.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday March 31 in the First Baptist Church of Howe.  The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the service.  Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home.

O.B. was born March 18, 1944 in Kirsey, OK to the late Orval and Pearl Powers.  Following his proud service in the US Army OB began his journey as a man of many trades and talents.  Over the course of his life, O.B. served as a police officer in Van Alstyne and Howe, a master welder whose accomplishments include the underwater welding of High Port Marina on Lake Texoma and a volunteer fire fighter in Howe among other things.  However, he found his stride as a business owner trading in farm equipment and working as a ringman and auction worker for over 40 years at Brinkley Auction and others.  Even from his high school days, when he wasn’t working he spent his free time on the rodeo and roping circuit showing off his cowboy skills.  He was a devoted husband and father and fiercely loyal friend maintaining childhood friendships until his passing.  He is described by friends and family as a man of his word, who only said what he meant and did so with wisdom and love.  Longtime friend Wayne Carter said about O.B. “They are not making any more people like O.B.  His words meant something.  He was so clever at making a statement while asking a question at the same time.”  O.B. was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.  

O.B. was preceded in death by his father Orval Powers, mother Pearl Powers and sister Aline Brannum.   

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jan Powers of Howe, TX; daughters  Tracy Powers of Howe, TX, Tiffany McGill of Howe, TX, Tammie Thompson and husband Robby Thompson of Pottsboro, TX and nephew B.J. Sikes of Huntsville, TX.  Sister Linda Kelly and husband Danny Kelly of Tom Bean, TX.  Grandchildren- Tanner Ersch, Christopher McGill, Jacob McGill, Cody McGill, Reid Thompson and Emery Thompson.  Nieces Kim Ball of Aubrey, TX  and Kerry Kelly of Tom Bean, TX along with many other extended family members all of which he loved immensely.  

The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

Van Alstyne- Funeral services for Edward Graham Martin Sr will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 29 at the Western Heights Church of Christ.  Rusty Sherry will officiate.  Burial with Marine funeral honors will follow at Hall Cemetery with Edward Martin Jr, Leonard Rodgers, Brady Martin, Jay Martin, Brent Weilbacher, and Grant Bingham serving as pallbearers.  Mr. Martin, 60, passed away Thursday, March 23 in Van Alstyne.

Edward was born June 15, 1962 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia to Ernest and Beverly (Jay) Martin.  He served in the US Marine Corp and was a proud patriot of his country. He was a business owner doing appliance repair for several years and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Edward had a life-long passion for raising and working with dogs and also owned a kennel for many years, Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun.  

Edward will be remembered as a loving husband and father.  He is survived by his wife Rhonda of Van Alstyne; mother, Beverly Martin of Van Alstyne; children, Edward Martin Jr of Plano, Brandi Weilbacher and husband Brent of Van Alstyne, Brook Bingham and husband Grant of Pottsboro, Leonard Rodgers of Van Alstyne, Victor Rodgers and wife Charlie of Van Alstyne, Brady Martin of Van Alstyne, and Brennan Martin of Van Alstyne; brother Jay Martin and wife Lezlie of Overland Park, KS; mother-in-law, Della Skerkis of Van Alstyne; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Millie Davis of Sadler.  He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Martin Sr; brother, Ernest Martin Jr; and son, Brock Martin.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers any donations be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County.

The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.