COPPERAS COVE (December 7, 2009)--The more than century-old Copperas Cove Leader-Press has been evicted from its home after the paper published a story about the arrest of the man who owns the building.

The newspaper will soon to move to a location on East U.S. Highway 190.

Jack Smith, landlord of the Ave. D location, had an eviction notice delivered last Wednesday afternoon that directed publisher Larry Hauk to vacate the property within 30 days.

The notice read: "The above referenced month to month lease ends on Dec. 31, 2009. The landlord does not intend to renew or extend the lease. This is your 30-day notice to vacate the premises. Please clear the property and turn in all keys on or before 30 days from the date of this notice."

The notice of eviction was issued about two weeks after the newspaper published a story about Smith, who was arrested at a high school football game.

Police records indicate Smith was arrested on Oct. 30 during the Copperas Cove-A&M Consolidated game at Bulldawg Stadium on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol in a public place, said Lt. Danny Austin of the Copperas Cove Police Department.

According to several witnesses, Austin said, police officers escorted Smith out of the stadium and then later arrested him after an officer said he became belligerent.

Smith was released on a $200 city personal recognizance bond at 4:45 a.m. on Oct. 31.

Lt. Austin said the case was forwarded to the Copperas Cove Municipal Court.

"It was an unfortunate incident that had to be reported," Hauk said. "We will not be swayed into picking and choosing who or what we cover."

Smith bought the buildings that house the Leader-Press and the Pampered Pets in the fall of 2008.

Smith and his lawyer told News 10 Monday that the case is a private matter and that it has nothing to do with the decision not to renew the newspaper’s lease.

Once the Leader-Press leaves the downtown area, the law offices of Zachary Boyd will be the only business left open in the 100 block of West Avenue D.