Jamie Richards photo taken by Mary Jane Farmer

Reprinted with permission.

There are those rare moments in time when the stars and planets align and something great happens, like when singer/songwriter, Jamie Richards, picks up a pen and paper. The proof can be found in the hits he’s penned, including NINE number ones! “Second-Hand Smoke,” co-written with Mark Powell, was named song of the year in 2016.

Jamie honed his craft as a staff songwriter for Curb Records in Nashville, working alongside the industry’s finest. He learned how to package a song and develop a signature sound blending honest country roots with an exciting modern edge. And, he brought all that, along with a phenomenal voice, to the Texas/Oklahoma Music scene, quickly establishing him as a top-level pro.

He is respected by his peers, having had songs recorded by Cody Jinks, Hal Ketchum, Ken Mellons, Kevin Fowler, and others. His song “One Tequila” was featured in the movie “Zoe.”

But for Jamie Richards, it doesn’t stop with the songwriting. Carrying the country music torch, he channels music straight from his heart to the audience. From ballads done in true Merle Haggard style to toe-tapping party tunes, he delivers every time consistently!

There is no one on the Texas Country Music Scene who has the complete package like Jamie does.

Courtesy photo

His vocal ability is second to none, as evidenced by the many accolades and awards he’s received. He’s lived enough, loved and lost enough and defied the odds enough to write and perform songs that speak with undeniable emotions to the heart. Simply put, Jamie can make his audience feel the lyrics he sings. For that reason, fans will often drive for hundreds of miles to attend a show. Jamie instinctively knows what his followers want – a honky-tonk singer with a bold edge and an honest delivery, and that’s what he gives.

He is the true working man’s entertainer with the heart of a poet and soul of a troubadour. More about this Honky-Tonk boss can be found online at

OTHER NEWS

By now let’s hope you have this on your calendar. Tommy Alverson’s 25th Anniversary Festival. The dates are October 6-8, 2022, and we’re going to have more fun than we have at any of the previous ones.

Alverson is still ironing things out regarding tickets and camping, but should be announcing those soon. I’ll certainly keep you informed. Or email Joe Dye at jdye99@att.net and ask to be put on the mailing list.

By Mary Jane Farmer for the Van Alstyne News, Scene In Town

As released in the Herald Democrat, four Van Alstyne men were recently indicted on various felony charges. As is also stated in the Herald Democrat, it is important to note that “Indictments are formal charges and are not considered as evidence of guilt.”

The Grayson County District Attorney’s Office provides the information to media following the Grand Jury’s sessions.

The following people were on that list:

Damian Cass Miller, 42, of Bells, formerly a long-time Van Alstyne resident — Burglary of a habitation intend other felony, attempt to commit arson intend damage and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. It was Sherman police that arrested Miller on Sept. 11 and he remains incarcerated in lieu of $625,000 bail. T he grand jury did not return an indictment on the charge of Criminal Attempt-Capital Murder of Multiple Persons.

Miller went to jail that day after being the sole suspect of crimes at a house on Ricketts Street in Sherman. The callers had said that someone outside the house was breaking windows on the home, pouring gasoline into it, and threatening to set the house on fire. There were three people inside.

Police found Miller in possession of a fuel can, a lighter, two flash drives, 3 DPV units, a receipt, and paper.

Carl David Griffin, 61, of Van Alstyne — Theft of property, five counts of misappropriation of trust fund more than $500 and one count of misappropriation of fiduciary or financial property. GCSO jailed Griffin on April 5, and he posted a surety bond of $7,500 the same day for his release. Details providing information leading to these charges is not available.

Geronimo Santibanez, 54, of Van Alstyne — aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child sexual contact. It was Grayson County deputies who jailed the suspect on Sept. 30, after serving a warrant issued through JP4. J ail records show that the offense was on September 19.  Bail had been set at $100,000, payable in surety bonds with conditions set on them. Jail records also show he was released in early October an attorney bond. Details of the offenses are not available.

Collin Ross Murphy, 34, of Van Alstyne — Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon cause serious bodily injury and aggravated assault causing bodily injury with previous conviction. Grayson County Sheriff’s Office jailed the suspect then on two warrants issued through the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, showing an offense date of July 10, 2021. Murphy had been released the following date on $45,000 bail paid in surety bonds. Details of this arrest are not available.