Ann Smajstrla

Reporter

Sherman, Texas

Ann Smajstrla

Reporter

Sherman, Texas

Decisions about use of force go deeper than policy
HERALD DEMOCRAT FILE PHOTO A suspect in handcuffs waits to be transported to jail after attempting to elude law enforcement in this 2012 file photo. In 2004, a woman and her two young children were stabbed to death in Sherman. Many Sherman Police Department officers and investigators, including then-SPD officer Brad Blankenship, responded to the scene or were involved with the investigation.
Herald Democrat
Lester Bower dies by lethal injection; victims’ families say execution was ‘past due’
Lester Leroy Bower, 67, died by lethal injection Wednesday evening. He was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. Bower lay on a gurney in the execution chamber, a small room with sea foam green walls. His arms were outstretched to his sides, each strapped down. A white sheet covered him from his chest to his feet.
Herald Democrat
Plans for Van Alstyne power plant being met with opposition
An energy company and a group of concerned Grayson County residents are at odds over a natural gas power plant slated to be built just outside of Van Alstyne. Navasota Energy, a company based out of Magnolia, has purchased 52 acres on Ballard Road where they plan to build the plant, pending a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Herald Democrat
DA says pursuing death penalty would have been too costly in Taunton case; jury hands down two life sentences
A jury gave Thomas Taunton two life sentences without the possibility of parole and a $10,000 fine on Wednesday morning for murdering three of his family members two years ago in Fannin County. On Tuesday, a jury found Taunton, 55, guilty in the capital murder of his stepfather, Harold Harpst, and sister, Regina Taunton.
Herald Democrat
Jury finds Taunton guilty of murder
Editor’s note: This article contains graphic information that some readers may find disturbing. A week-long murder trial came to an end Tuesday with a guilty verdict for Thomas Taunton. Thomas Taunton, 55, was convicted of killing his stepfather, mother and sister in January of 2012 at their Leonard home.
Herald Democrat
Furniture store goes up in flames; officials said no one was in building at time of the fire
CHRIS JENNINGS/HERALD DEMOCRAT Sherman firefighter Daniel Nixon connects two hoses at the scene of a structure fire in the 600 block of Jones Street in Sherman Wednesday afternoon. CHRIS JENNINGS/HERALD DEMOCRAT A Sherman firefighter pulls a hose across the road at a structure fire in the 600 block of Jones Street in Sherman Wednesday afternoon.
Herald Democrat
Local law enforcement gears up with body cameras
In an effort to protect both law enforcement and civilians, many agencies are equipping their officers with body cameras. Grayson County and surrounding areas are no exception to this trend. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office began using body cameras about three months ago, said GCSO Lt. David Russell.
Herald Democrat
After 64 years, one officer is still wearing a badge at 86
It is hard to know where to begin when describing the ongoing career of 86-year-old Grayson College Police Capt. At the beginning of the interview for this article Wade gave a run-down of his accomplishments, all the while exhibiting humility. He has worked in law enforcement for 64 years for four different departments and still works to this day.
Herald Democrat
Gray found guilty of murder, sentenced to 90 years
An earlier version of this article erred in recounting an incident that resulted in Robert Gray’s arrest in California. In a recorded interview that was played for the jury during the sentencing phase of the trial, Gray told a Denison Police Department detective that, during an incident that occurred while Gray was living in California in 1991, Gray held a knife to a man’s throat and robbed him of his wallet.
Herald Democrat
Fort Worth police chief apologizes for roadside survey that took blood, saliva samples
Fort Worth police have issued an apology regarding a roadside survey conducted last week in which off-duty officers pulled over drivers and asked them for blood and saliva samples. The survey was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was supposed to be voluntary and anonymous.
The Dallas Morning News
Body found in abandoned car near Waco may be that of missing Fort Worth woman
Staff Writer Ann Smajstrla: Authorities are working to identify human remains found Sunday in an abandoned car southeast of Waco that are believed to belong to a missing Fort Worth woman. Adrian Denise Thornton, 59, was last seen driving her white Lincoln Continental Town Car on June 1. She was reported missing June 15.
The Dallas Morning News
Dallas’ Foster Grandparent Program pairs older adults with kids who need extra love
Laura Watson is one of many grandparents across the nation who will be celebrated Sunday on National Grandparents Day. The 91-year-old Dallas native has nurtured countless grandchildren over the last 27 years through the Foster Grandparent Program. “The children have been my life,” said Watson, who has participated in the foster program longer than anyone.
The Dallas Morning News

About

Ann Smajstrla

My name is Ann Smajstrla (Smy-stra-la) and I love to write.

In December of 2013 I graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Political Science.

While a student at UNT, I wrote for several student publications, including the NT Daily, On the Record Magazine and Denton Live Magazine. In the fall semester of 2013 I was fortunate enough to intern at The Dallas Morning News, which was an incredible experience.

Since October of 2013 I have been a reporter at the Herald Democrat, a newspaper based out of Sherman, Texas. Like the Dallas Morning News, my time at the HD has been invaluable. I've had the opportunity to cover everything from welding rodeos to murder trials. Just about every day brings something new and different, and I am often required to think on my feet - one of my favorite aspects of the job.

Most of my experience is in “hard news” style writing, but I have written feature stories as well. There is no type of writing I am unwilling to take a shot at – travel writing, reviews, etc.

I have always had a “Type A” personality, and I see that as a good thing! I am happiest when I am being productive and creating new things – let me bring these talents to you.