Yearly Archives: 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, I have been reflecting on my time as Governor and looking forward to what is ahead. In January, I announced my W.I.N.S. initiative for my final year as Governor. Each letter

An accident in Fulton County claimed the life one and injured another December 22 on U.S. Highway 63. According to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, 47-year-old Faith Babcock of Caruthersville, Mo. was traveling southbound on U.S.

A West Plains man suffered minor injuries in an accident Thursday afternoon on his motorcycle. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when 50-year-old Terry Darnell was traveling northbound on County Road 6070 a

According to the probable cause affidavit, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence in Bergman for a report of a vehicle crashing into a home. While en route to the scene, the caller reported

Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday announced her intent to nominate Jacob Oliva, a key education leader in Florida, as the Secretary of the Department of Education. Oliva’s nomination replaces Johnny Key of Mountain Home, who currently

The North Arkansas Youth Center will be hosting a New Years Eve party Saturday night to benefit projects to grow the youth center in Cotter. Mark Kapshandy and Jerry Hopper joined KTLO’s MJ Haworth on Talk of

The positive trends have continued through the years end for Baxter County and the City of Mountain Home’s sales tax revenue. According to Alma Clark, the City of Mountain Home’s Director of Finance and Treasury, the city

A Missouri man is facing multiple charges for stealing a hospital vehicle and breaking into a home.According to the probable cause affidavit, Boone County Sheriff deputies were first dispatched to a residence on a report of a

An Ozark County woman was injured in a two vehicle accident Wednesday in Howell County.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 40-year-old Levi Gunter of West Plains was traveling westbound on Private Road 6313 at highway AB,

A Howell County woman suffered moderate injuries in a four car accident Thursday evening on U.S. Highway 63 one mile south of Thayer. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when a vehicle was

Baxter Health has welcomed general surgeon David Harrison, MD, to the medical staff. Dr. Harrison joins the practice of Dr. John Spore, Dr. Jacob Dickinson, Dr. Jennifer Foster and Dr. John Austin Carlisle at Ozark Surgical Group

Two new boil water orders were issued Thursday for the Krooked Kreek Water Association in both Boone and Newton counties. The entire system of Krooked Kreek Water Association is under the boil order due to an issue

Sarah Edwards (Photo courtesy of Baxter Health) As Barney Larry gets ready to retire from the Baxter Health Foundation, his successor has been named. Current Vice President and Major Gifts Officer Sarah Edwards will take on the

A Baxter County man has been arrested for aggravated assault against a first responder and failure to control or report a dangerous fire. According to the probable cause affidavit, Baxter County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a structure

A Mountain Home man has been arrested after entering a residence without consent and taking inappropriate photos while the victim slept. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Mountain Home Police Department were dispatched to a residence

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) states Missouri Route AC in Douglas and Ozark counties will be closed to replace a culvert under the roadway beginning January 3. The section of roadway between Route 14 in Douglas

The Salesville Planning and Zoning Commission will meet Thursday evening at 6 in the Salesville City Hall. The agenda includes discussion regarding regulations and procedures for tiny homes. WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

The Bull Shoals City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday evening at 6:30 at the Bull Shoals City hall. Items on the agenda include the 2023 budget and audit report. WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

The Arkansas Department of Health has issued several boil orders for communities in the KTLO listening area.In Baxter County, all customers in the Big Flat Waterworks system are under a boil order due to a frozen line

Black Hills Energy says the arctic blast felt across much of the country resulted in very high demand for energy including the Mountain Home system, which resulted in the loss of pressure to affected customers. They state

The Omaha Fire Department has determined a hair salon along Old Highway 65 in Omaha is a total loss after the structure caught fire over the weekend. According to KY3, the Omaha Fire Department, with aid from

Daniel Scallorn While a charge of keeping a gambling house in Mountain Home has just been filed, the same charge filed earlier against a Green Forest man has been settled and dismissed. In late July, 33-year-old Daniel

An Izard County man has been arrested for two counts of fraudulent practices controlled substances and one count of theft of property after stealing prescription medications from a Calico Rock physicians office. According to the probable cause

Among the states 38 dispensaries, eligible Arkansans spent $23.2 million on medical marijuana in November to obtain 4,489 pounds. A monthly breakdown of sales, provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, shows Plant Family Therapeutics

A two-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in an area northwest of Mountain Home on a road with ice and snow resulted in injuries to two rural Mountain Home residents and the arrest of another. Sixty-year-old Karen Baker was

Photo courtesy of Henderson Fire Department Facebook A fire in Henderson Monday night left one building a total loss and three more suffering minor exterior damage. According to Henderson Fire Chief Kaleb Johnson, the cause of the

A two-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in an area northwest of Mountain Home on a road with ice and snow resulted in injuries to two rural Mountain Home residents and the arrest of another. Sixty-year-old Karen Baker was

With just days left in 2022, efforts are underway to close on a proposed sale of the NABORS Landfill in northern Baxter County before the years closes. In addition to the 698-acre site, the proposed sale would

A Mountain Home man has been arrested on charges of keeping a gambling house in a local business. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Mountain Home Police Department were dispatch to the Eastside Center for an

A Baxter County man has been arrested for being paid to complete work on a property and not performing the work. According to the probable cause affidavit, owners of a property in Gassville hired 49-year-old Jimmy William

Arkansas State Parks is encouraging Arkansans to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes on Sunday, Jan. 1. Led by America’s State Parks, First Day Hikes encourage everyone to celebrate the new

A Baxter County man has been arrested after discharging a firearm in a vehicle while simultaneously possessing methamphetamine. According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators dispatched to a residence in Salesville regarding an aggravated assault. Authorities state

A Baxter County man has been arrested after tampering with a water meter. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Northeast Public Water Authority (NPWA) stating a water

A Baxter County man recently charged with domestic battery is back in trouble after allegedly using a woman’s debit card while she was in the hospital. According to the probable cause affidavit, a theft of property report

After a little more than six months leading the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Mountain Home native Jeff Pitchford left the bureau Nov. 18. According to Arkansas Business, Pitchford succeeded the retiring Warren Carter as Executive Vice President (EVP),

This holiday season with the support of the community, the Salvation Army was able to provide 400 children with gifts through the Angel Tree program. Major Michelle Robbins spoke with KTLO’s Heather Link about the success the

During Christmas break, the Mountain Home Youth Center will be open and following their summer hours. Enoch Pepin and Andrew McNair from the L.C. Sammons Youth Center joined KTLO’s MJ Haworth on Talk of the Town to

For anyone trying to decide how to dispose of a Christmas tree, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is suggesting donating it to improve fish habitat in the local waters. All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat

The American Red Cross asks donors give blood now and throughout the end of the year.On Wednesday, the Alley-White American Legion Post 52 will be hosting a blood drive from 10 until 2 at 717 Market Street

A new program is set to begin in 2023 will help families with incentives to make purchases for energy-efficient electric items such as electrical system upgrades, appliances, heating and cooling, and vehicles. As a part of the

The winter non-emergency and crisis energy assistance programs through Ozark Opportunities, Inc. (OOI), headquartered in Harrison will begin Jan. 9. The program’s goal is to assist low-income households with the high costs of fuel for heating homes

The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for the 2022 awards. The award winners will be announced at the annual banquet and membership meeting on Tuesday, January 24.The nominees are as follows: For the

Harrison, Arkansas — Park rangers from Buffalo National River assisted the Jasper Police Department with a Kids, Cops, and Christmas event on Dec. 12. Eight children from Newton County had the opportunity to spend time with park

Natural gas service that was interrupted to over 300 residences and businesses in the Mountain Home area has been nearly restored. Black Hills Energy reports as of 2:30 Saturday afternoon, technicians were unable to gain entry into

While some roads have cleared following the Twin Lakes Area’s recent round of winter weather, motorists looking to travel for the holidays may find some slick spots on other roads. A Baxter County Sheriff’s dispatch spokesperson said

A couple from West Plains suffered moderate to severe injuries in a single car accident Thursday afternoon occurring five miles west of West Plains on Highway CC. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 59-year-old Neena Carter

For more than three decades, a local nonprofit organization has dedicated its time and resources to rescuing dogs in Marion County. Gail’s Pets Second Chance has long been taking in strays and pets that have been surrendered

A number of local churches will be hosting services on Christmas Day.  In Mountain Home and other parts of the Twin Lakes Area, the churches hosting services include:St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic at 7, 9 and 11

With Saturday being Christmas Eve, children in the Twin Lakes Area and all over the world will be anxious to know how Santa Claus’ flight path is progressing. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been

Black Hill Energy’s system has successfully been repressurized, and technicians have started going door-to-door to relight customers’ appliances in the Mountain Home area. As of 9 p.m. Friday, the company had restored gas service to more than

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s possibility of rolling outages has passed for the time being. According to a cooperative spokesperson, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) lowered its alert Friday night from Level 2 to Level 0. While

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) is warning members to reduce electricity usage Friday evening and Saturday morning to prevent the possibility of rolling blackouts. NAEC CEO Mel Coleman spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot’s Matt

Another warming shelter has been opened up. The shelter is located at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Summit. Marion County Judge John Massey says the shelter was opened around 3 p.m. Friday. WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

A structure in Baxter County was a total loss after an early morning fire on Friday. No injuries were reported from the blaze. According to Tracy Area Assistant Fire Chief Cade Seal, the Tracy Area, Salesville and

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative(NAEC) is asking members in Norfork, Lone Rock, Jordan, and Salesville to conserve electricity. According to Tori Moss, Marketing and Communications Director for NAEC, in order to avoid disruptions to service in these areas,

A fire Friday morning caused damage to nearly a quarter of a Mountain Home residence. No one was injured in the blaze, and the resident was believed to be out of the house at the time it

A Wind Chill Advisory has been issued for the entire KTLO listening area. This advisory is in effect from NOON Friday to SATURDAY morning at 6. Joe Goudsward, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Three Rogersville and Springfield men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a scheme to transport tens of thousands of stolen catalytic converters into Mountain Home as part of a multi-million-dollar

Many restaurants in the Twin Lakes area will be open during the Christmas holiday. Echo & Bee located at 1560 SOUTH College Street in Mountain Home will be open December 23 and 24 from 3 until 7

During the holiday season, safety in the kitchen is essential. Mountain Home Fire Marshal Shawn Lofton spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News to remind people to be mindful in the kitchen. Listen: click to

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Entergy Arkansas is prepared for the likelihood that winter weather will affect parts of the company’s service territory through Saturday with temperatures below freezing, strong winds and precipitation. Forecasts call for sustained winds

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for the 2022 holiday season’s, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, impaired driving campaign, which runs through Jan. 1.

    A Winter Weather Advisory continues to be in effect for the entire KTLO listening area as the cold front beings to move in. Dennis Cavenaugh with the National Weather Service in North Little Rock has the

Thursday and Friday the Salesville Community Center will be open as a warming center starting at 8 in the morning. For more information call Salesville City Hall at 870-499-5675. The First Baptist Church in Gainesville will open

The National Weather Service in North Little Rock says an inch or two of snow will be possible today across northern Arkansas as the artic front moves through. Strong winds will blow the snow about as the

The Reach Center in Mountain opened its doors as a warming facility December 16 and will be open through the end of February. Kirby Brown and Jennifer Daniel of The Reach Center spoke with KTLO’s Sammy Raycraft

The Mountain Home Police Department (MHPD) is asking for the public’s help to identify the person or persons responsible for stealing mail. Over the past several weeks, many citizens have reported mail stolen from their mailboxes. MHPD

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has prioritized conserving, restoring and enhancing aquatic habitats in reservoirs and lakes throughout the state. They have refreshed many fish habitat sites on Bull Shoals Lake that have deteriorated over

The Gassville City Council met Tuesday night for its last meeting of 2022. Gassville Mayor Jeff Braim has the report. Listen: click to download audio WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

As frigid wind chills move into the Twin Lakes area this week, there are some things to keep in mind to prevent water pipes from freezing at home. Chad Dewey of Dewey and Sons Plumbing spoke with

As the winter weather moves into the area, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) doesn’t expect any wide spread outages, but they are monitoring the situation. NAEC CEO Mel Coleman spoke with KTLO’s Heather Loftis on how is

During cold weather, it is common to search for warmth using auxiliary sources of heat. Mountain Home Fire Marshal Shawn Lofton spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News to discuss tips on how to keep

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the entire KTLO listening area. The advisory is in effect from Thursday morning at 6 through Thursday night at 9. The wind chill warning also remains in effect Thursday

A Harrison couple managed to escape without injury after their plane crashed Monday afternoon. According to KY3, the Boone County Airport Manager Judy McCutcheon states the couple was flying from Kansas City to Harrison when the engine

Tuesday morning, students from Guy Berry College and Career Academy (GBCCA) manufacturing and science classes released a floating duck house along with five ducks in the pond at McCabe Park. This partnership with the city of Mountain

A new book highlighting the history in and around the square of Mountain Home is set to be released this week by the Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society. “Around the Square from Rapp’s Barren to Mountain

The Flippin School Board met Monday night for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Superintendent Kelvin Hudson gives the report. Listen: click to download audio WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

Images courtesy of National Weather Service The Twin Lakes Area continues to prepare for a high chance of a wintry mix followed by frigid wind chill values later this week. A wind chill watch will be in

A Diamond City man has died in a one vehicle accident occurring in Lead Hill. According to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, 57-year-old Steven Crump of Diamond City was traveling southbound on Arkansas Highway 7 on

A Salem man has been arrested on multiple felony charges for breaking into multiple apartments early Sunday morning. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Mountain Home Police Department was dispatched to an apartment complex Sunday morning

A Marion County man has been arrested for stealing over $30,000 from a deceased individual. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Flippin Police Department received a report of a Bull Shoals man who had been depositing

A Fulton County man has been arrested for assault after running over a man after an altercation. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence for a report where

Deadline to ship for the holiday season are fast approaching. While most regular shipping deadlines have past, the deadlines for shipping are quickly approaching and will cost more as Christmas gets closer. Starting Monday, United States Postal

The Gassville City Council will meet Tuesday evening at 6. Unfinished items on the agenda include considering ordinances including the condemnation process for removal of houses, buildings or structures constituting a nuisance; authorizing the mayor to enter

The Norfork City Council will meet Tuesday evening at 6:30 at the Norfork City Hall. Items on the agenda include discussing unfinished business regarding the speed limit on Norfork hill and the 2023 budget resolution. New items

The City of Bull Shoals will hold its monthly workshop meeting Tuesday evening at the Bull Shoals City Hall. Agenda items include the 2023 budget and audits. WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

The Lakeview City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7 at the Lloyd Travis Municipal Center.Items on the agenda include discussion of old business including the use of ARPA fund for roads and Ward

The National Weather Service in North Little Rock has issued Wind Chill Watch in effect from Thursday evening through Friday morning. Meteorologist Thomas Jones spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News with the latest weather

Beginning Thursday evening, the Coulter Celebration of Lights will be drive through only due to extreme weather conditions. Visitors can still enjoy the carousel, train rides, concessions, and Santa and Mrs. Claus through Wednesday night. Rides are

Beginning Monday, a section of roadway on Route 181 in Ozark County will be closed to replace a culvert under the roadway. The closure will take place in the section between Route H and County Road 338

Images courtesy of National Weather Service The Twin Lakes Area is still expecting a major pattern shift this Thursday as an Arctic cold front blasts through the region creating concerns for travelers and shelters. Meteorologist Justin Condrey

A significant change may be coming to an area school district. At its recent meeting, the Ozark Mountain School Board to close the high schools at the Bruno-Pyatt campus in Eros and at the St. Joe campus.

Michael R. Hobbs II has made a number of appearances in Baxter County Circuit Court recently in an attempt to have property seized by the Mountain Home Police Department in July 2021 returned to him. On a

A residential addition tops the three building permits issued in November, according to a report from the City of Mountain Home Building Inspection Department. The permit has been issued to Jim Wood for property located at 1509

The City of Mountain Home issued 10 business licenses in November, including five home-based. The licenses include: Kevin Decker for Backroad Treasures, LLC., a resale shop located at 1041 Highland Circle Suite 36; Richard Robertson for Forever

The Harrison City Council proposed a 15% water rate increase for all customers in a recent meeting. According to KY3, the city’s chief financial officer, Like Feighert, presented the information to the council, discussion the many factors

Left to right: Kirby Brown with The Reach Center, Committee member Jeff Quick, Committee member Sara Zimmerman, Jennifer Daniel, Mayor Hillrey Adams, Kimberly Jones, Committee member Rev Daniel Thueson, Committee member Deborah Knox and Committee member Sarah

The Norfork School Board will hold their regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 5.Items on the agenda include a renovation project update on the baseball field; roofing project progress; discussion of new HVAC project and updates; and

The Flippin School Board will meet Monday evening at 6 in the Administration Building. Items on the agenda include middle school teacher Kylee Stoner moving to a high school science position and student transfers. WebReadyTM Powered by

Adam Wetstein (Photo courtesy of Baxter County Sheriff’s Office) A petition filed to revoke the probation of a 32-year-old Mountain Home man has been dismissed by the state. The action was announced during a session of Baxter

A slight possibility for a wintry mix is expected for the Twin Lakes Area Monday morning. Meteorologist Justin Condrey of the National Weather Service office in North Little Rock says a week system will be moving into

Two women suffered minor injuries in an accident Thursday afternoon in Ozark County. The accident occurred seven miles east of Gainesville on Highway 160 when a vehicle driven by 76-year-old Sharon Kendall of Clarkridge, failed to yield

Fifteen students from Mountain Home Junior High and Pinkston Middle School qualified for the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association Region VI Honor Bands. With over 800 students competition for 200 spots between two honor bands, the

The Harrison Fire Department responded to a call Tuesday related to Christmas lights.According to KYTV/KSPR, a neighbor reported smoke coming from a home in the Skyline Heights neighborhood, where firefighters worked to put out flames in a

The Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney’s Association (APAA) announced Friday its 2023 Board of Directors. Matt Durret, Prosecuting Attorney for the 4th Judicial District will serve as President, Jeff Phillips, Prosecuting Attorney for the 5th Judicial District will service

Jonathan Fry (Photo courtesy of Mugshots Zone) A 24-year-old man who has recently been locked up in the Hempstead County jail in southern Arkansas was in Baxter County Circuit Court Monday to face criminal charges filed locally.

This week the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership, Erric Totty was on KTLO’s talk of the town to share the latest events going on during the holiday season. Listen: click to download audio To

A Boone County man has been charged with theft by receiving and assault when a concerned citizen called in a tip of person pointing a gun at others. According to the probable cause affidavit, a Boone County

A Boone County man is facing felony charges of terroristic threatening for threatening to kill his wife in an incident in November 2021. According to the probable cause affidavit, the Harrison Police Department had been made aware

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – A bill requiring stricter safety rules in response to the 2018 sinking of a Branson tourist boat that killed 17 people passed the Senate on Thursday. The legislation, headed to President Joe

Last week Moody’s Investors Service released a report affirming Baxter Health’s outlook increasing from negative to stable. The Baa3 rating received, shows an improving balance sheet with limited debt and increasing cash and investments. Baxter Health’s President

The Mountain Home City Council met for their final meeting of 2022 Thursday night. The council heard a first reading for an ordinance regulating noise within the City of Mountain Home. The ordinance would apply to noises

A legislative panel advanced the Department of Corrections’ request for the transfer of $75 million in state restricted reserve funds for the proposed North Central Unit expansion in Calico Rock on Tuesday. The council’s performance evaluation and

Mary Medley (Photo courtesy of Baxter County Sheriff’s Office) The second of two people arrested during a late April compliance visit to a home along Glenbriar appeared during a session of Baxter County Circuit Court Monday. The

Dr. Rick Massengale, Northark president (left) presents an Associate of Arts degree to Noah Cuevas-Klepper, the first high school student to graduate college a full semester before his high school graduation. A Bergman High School senior Charles

During the retirement reception Thursday for Baxter Health’s Vice President of Business Development and Executive Director of the Hospital Foundation, Barney Larry was presented with a proclamation from Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams declaring December 30 Barney

A Stuttgart police officer is dead and an Arkansas State Trooper has been wounded during an attempt to arrest a Stone County man south of Stuttgart. According the to the Arkansas State Police, a vehicle pursuit began

Two people were killed in an accident occurring November 27 in rural Marion County.According to the recently released Arkansas State Police report, the driver of a 2017 Lexus was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 62/412 attempting to

Left: Deborah Firecloud; Right: Donald Merrill A Baxter County woman has been charged with a felony count of hindering apprehension of a man facing trial in Marion County for rape and sexual assault. According to the probable

Tomalee Pierce-Hodges (Photo courtesy of Baxter County Sheriff’s Office) A Clarkridge woman charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree appeared in Baxter County Circuit Court Monday. Thirty-nine-year-old Tomalee Pierce-Hodges is now been

A Boone County man has been arrested after attempting to cash a counterfeit check at a business in Harrison. Authorities were conducting an investigation into counterfeit checks at a supermarket when the complainant was able to name

During Thanksgiving break, the Mountain Home High School Marching Band went to Orlando, Florida to take part in the Universal’s Holiday featuring Macy’s parade and in an art of foley workshop. The art of foley is the

The Cotter City Council will meet Thursday evening at 6 in the Cotter City Hall Council Chamber. This meeting has been moved up a week due to the Christmas holiday. On the agenda includes an update on

The Baxter County Judge’s Office is inviting the public to a retirement reception for Judge Mickey Pendergrass Friday afternoon from 12 until 2 in the Baxter County Courthouse Second Floor Courtroom. Refreshments will be provided. WebReadyTM Powered

The Mountain Home School Board will meet Thursday night at 6 in the District Administration Building. Items on the agenda include budget amendments for the 2022-2023 school year from carryover federal funds; approval of a related party

The Marion County Quorum Court will be holding a special meeting Thursday night at 5:30 at the Marion County Courthouse. The agenda includes an ordinance to appropriate money for the purchase of equipment for E-911 services and

The Gassville City Council will be holding a budget work session Thursday evening at 6 at the Community Center located at 203 South School Street. WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

The Mountain Home City Council will meet Thursday night at 6 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. Agenda items include amending an ordinance to redefine the wage scale and compensation plan for the fire department;

The jury trial set this month for a former Omaha High School principal and head boys’ basketball coach is accused of killing his wife has again been pushed back. A pre-trial hearing in the murder case of