Texarkana Magazine
APRIL • 2026
April | 2026 | Volume 7 | Issue 4
42. STYLE Outdoor Pros 50. STYLE The Sarine Way
15. BUSINESS Insurance Profiles 2026 22. POLITICS The Business of the Budget
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30. ENTERTAINMENT Good Evening TXK 34. LIFE Life on the Spectrum
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62. SHARE THE LOVE Milestones 64. MONTHLY MIX Sun-Drenched Style 66. TXK ROOTS Michael Wacha
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24. cover/COMMUNITY Lights Up, Let’s Go! 26. CULTURE Be Cowboy
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Texarkana Magazine is a multimedia publication showcasing the Texarkana area and is designed and published by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Articles in Texarkana Magazine should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Ideaology, products, and services promoted in the publication are not necessarily endorsed by Texarkana Magazine . © Texarkana Magazine . All rights reserved. All content is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
AMANDA GAINEY quiet mornings
BAILEY GRAVITT three-hour baths
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TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Some things have a way of bringing everyone to the same place at the same time. For this region, the Four States Fair and Rodeo is one of those things. It does not matter how packed the calendar is or how many other obligations are competing for the weekend. When the fair comes to town, families show up. It has always been that way, and I hope it always will be. My own fair memories start in Cass County, sneaking in every possible ride at the Atlanta Forest Festival before my parents came back to pick me up. And I do mean pick me up, because that is how it worked back then. They dropped me off, named a time and a meeting spot, and trusted the rest to work itself out. There were
no cell phones and no check-ins, just the Kamikaze, the Gravitron, the Zipper, and a few hours of pure, unsupervised joy. Looking back, I am equal parts amazed we survived and grateful we got to live it. Parenting looks a little different now, and honestly, I am fine with that. The age restrictions that exist today have quietly saved me from battles I never wanted to fight. But what has not changed is the feeling. Watching my kids lose themselves in the excitement of fair week, the rodeo, the demolition derby, the complete sensory overload of it all, and knowing this is their version of what I had—that is the part that stays with me. The fair has a way of making the whole family show up together, fully present, not looking at a screen, completely caught up in the moment. Those memories are worth every funnel cake calorie and every dollar spent on ride wristbands. This issue is built around that same spirit of togetherness and community. Everything needed to plan your fair visit is inside, including armband and discount nights and the full rodeo schedule. Amanda Gainey, a local mother who knows a thing or two about raising cowboys, shares a column about exactly that. Her sons were on our April 2021 cover and have made a real name for themselves in bull riding at just 18 years old, but Amanda’s perspective is less about the spotlight and more about the work it took to raise them into the hardworking young men they are today. April is also Autism Acceptance Month, and this issue features a local family who opened their lives to us with remarkable honesty and grace. It is the kind of story that stays with you, and I am proud we get to tell it. Add in a beautiful home feature, our monthly staples, and two standout special sections, Insurance Profiles and Outdoor Pros, and this issue has something for everyone. Thank you for reading, for supporting the advertisers who keep this magazine going, and for being a community that still shows up for each other.
A special thanks to the cowboy featured on our cover, Lane Hawkins. He hopes to see you at the Four States Fair & Rodeo!
cover photo by Matt Cornelius
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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INSURANCE PROFILES
Need help navigating the world of insurance? These local agents are here to help.
2026 TEXARKANA MAGAZINE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The insurance agents participating in this special advertising section provided the information in these articles. Texarkana Magazine and Cardinal Publishing have not independently verified the data.
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STATE FARM ® INSURANCE Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®
WHAT SETS US APART State Farm ® has local agents so customers can have a personal relationship, as well as corporate financial stability backing. We have 24-hour Good Neighbor Service as well as a self-service app that customers can access when it is convenient for them. State Farm ® offers all ways of conducting business available to our customers when and how they want, from local small town operations to corporate big business and everything in between. OUR MISSION Our mission is to help people manage the risks of every day life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. HOW WE GIVE BACK State Farm ® and its local agents are constantly supporting our local communities through donations, fundraisers, service projects and almost anything when they are asked to give.
Kelli Ashbrook 3410 Moores Ln. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-223-8100 www.kelliashbrook.com
Greg Cockerell 4807 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-793-7502 www.gregcockerell.com
State Farm ® was even behind the implementation of seat belts and car seats.
Dustin Cooley 2239 Trinity Blvd. Texarkana, AR 71854 870-772-1100 www.keepitcooley.com
Jake Hambleton 302 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR 71854 870-773-1382 www.jakehambleton.com
Becky Lipham 5506 Cowhorn Creek Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-223-7000 www.beckylipham.com
Brandon Lloyd 318 First Dr. New Boston, TX 75570 903-628-3411 www.insurenewboston.com
Justin Magness 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-831-5505 www.magnessinsurance.com
Derrick McGary 590 N. Kings Hwy., Ste. 6 Wake Village, TX 75501 903-831-2000 www.derrickismyagent.com
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STATE FARM ® INSURANCE Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®
AUTO INSURANCE Car Motorcycle Boat Off-Road Vehicles Motorhome Travel Trailers Roadside Assistance HOME & PROPERTY INSURANCE Home Condominium Renters
HEALTH INSURANCE Supplemental Health Medicare Supplement Individual Medical SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE Business Owners Policy Workers’ Compensation Surety & Fidelity Bonds PET MEDICAL INSURANCE DISABILITY INSURANCE Commercial Auto Contractors Policy Liability Umbrella
LIABILITY INSURANCE Personal Business & Professional INVESTMENT SERVICES Brokerage Education Savings RETIREMENT Individual Retirement Business Retirement ESTATE PLANNING Trusts Joint Accounts ANNUITIES Guaranteed Income Now Guaranteed Income Later Future Income Plus
Rental Property Personal Articles Manufactured Home Farm and Ranch LIFE INSURANCE Term Life Whole Life Universal Life
Long-Term Short-Term
Neither State Farm nor its agents provide tax or legal advice.
David McGonagill 5499 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503
Wayne Poe 4617 Summerhill Rd., Ste. A Texarkana, TX 75503 903-794-4144 www.waynepoe.com
Kristy Smith 418 Walton Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903-223-3276 www.kristysthere.com
Jared Witten 4076 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-794-4151 www.iwenttojared.com
903-223-3737 www.txksf.com
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CAPITAL INSURANCE AGENCY OF TEXARKANA Your local team protecting Texarkana area families and businesses. OUR COMMITMENT At Capital Insurance Agency of
PRODUCTS Auto Insurance Home Insurance Commercial Insurance Medical & Professional Liability and more
5502 Christus Drive Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-223-8560 | 855-553-5910 www.texarkanacapital.com
Texarkana, protecting our neighbors is more than a job—it’s what we’ve proudly done for over 15 years. As a locally owned independent agency, we take the time to understand what matters most to you and help you protect it. Whether it’s your home, vehicles, business, or professional practice, our team works to provide thoughtful guidance and coverage options designed to fit your life today and adapt as it changes tomorrow. Local help when it matters most! WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT Anyone can give you a quote. We help you understand your risk. Price is only part of the equation. Our team takes the time to explain your
coverage, identify potential gaps, and recommend solutions that truly protect your home, vehicles, business, and future. PARTNERS YOU CAN TRUST We work with many respected national and regional carriers which include Safeco, Progressive, The Hartford, Travelers, Germania, GEICO, and many more. We proudly serve clients across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and surrounding states. Call our local office, stop by to see us, or visit our website at www.quotetexarkana.com.
KACIE KIRKLAND INSURANCE AGENCY
We are Farmers.
OUR QUALIFICATIONS For 13 years, the Kacie Kirkland Agency has proudly served the Texarkana community. The agency has earned the Farmers Toppers Club Achievement Award multiple times, ranking among the top 7% of Farmers agents nationwide. This recognition reflects their commitment to exceptional client service. Their team of licensed professionals in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana specializes in personal and business insurance, life insurance, and financial services. WHAT SETS US APART We make it a priority to keep every client informed through our annual Farmers Friendly Review. This review helps ensure you stay up to date on policy renewals and industry changes while providing the opportunity to ask questions and explore coverage options that best fit your needs.
4015 N. State Line Avenue Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-306-0963 www.farmersagent.com/kkirkland1
PRODUCTS Personal Lines Insurance Business Insurance Life Insurance Financial Solutions CREDENTIALS Licensed in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana
OUR MISSION Kacie and her team are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Their goal is to build meaningful, long-term relationships by providing thoughtful solutions and trusted guidance rooted in respect and integrity.
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DREW MIMS AGENCY Life is better when you have a plan.
WHAT SETS US APART For more than 26 years, Mims Agency has proudly served the Texarkana community from the same location, helping families and businesses protect what matters most. As a family-owned agency, we believe insurance should be personal. Our clients are not just policy numbers; they are neighbors, friends, and families we see around town. Insurance is a product, but what we truly provide is service. We help our clients understand their coverage, avoid gaps, and make informed decisions about their protection. With daily experience reviewing policies, managing risk, and assisting with claims, we work to ensure coverage performs the way it should when it matters most.
5502 Cowhorn Creek Road | Suite C Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-223-6533
agents.farmers.com/tx/ texarkana/drew-mims/
PRODUCTS Auto, Homeowners, Business, Life, ATV’s, Boats, Motorcycles CREDENTIALS Licensed in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri
RRCU FINANCIAL SERVICES Prepare for your future and ease your mind today.
4405 Summerhill Road Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-735-3016 www.rrcu.com/financial-services
PRODUCTS Life Insurance, Medicare Plans, Annuities, Social Security Retirement Advising OUR MISSION At RRCU Financial Services, our mission is to support both our customers and our community by providing valuable financial services and products that promote long-term financial well-being and security. Through expert guidance in life insurance, Medicare plans,
MARK LINGLE, RSSA ®
SHAY STRAWN, ChFC ® , NSSA ®
our community. We offer a full range of financial solutions all tailored to meet individual needs. Our focus on education empowers clients to make informed decisions while our integrity and transparency build lasting trust unlike large impersonal institutions, we provide hometown expertise with the customer first approach ensuring financial security and peace of mind for the future.
annuities, and Social Security retirement planning, we empower individuals and families to make informed decisions for a stable and prosperous future. WHAT SETS US APART RRCU Financial Services stands out by combining personalized financial guidance with a deep commitment to
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SOUTHERN INSURANCE GROUP We want you in our group.
OUR MISSION Southern Insurance Group specializes in personal, business, and health insurance. It is our mission to provide the best customer service to our clients for the ultimate peace of mind. We take pride in the ability to provide competitive quotes, while tailoring the best coverages for our clients. WHAT SETS US APART We are independent agents in Texarkana, Arkansas, free to choose the best carrier for your insurance needs. We do not work for an insurance company, we work for you. We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment
PRODUCTS Personal Insurance Business Insurance Life Insurance Health Insurance
123 East Broad Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 870-330-0349 8140 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75231 469-766-4079 www.sigtxk.com
Group Benefits CREDENTIALS Arkansas #3000259659 Texas #2292660 Louisiana #776661 Oklahoma #3000500222 Plus 9 Other States
and service. Southern Insurance Group represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies. Therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price.
JON SHEPPARD, OWNER/AGENT
TEXARKANA FUNERAL HOMES Our Families Serving Yours
WHAT SETS US APART At Texarkana Funeral Homes, we know that pre-planning your funeral can feel overwhelming. Yet when you pause and imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is arranged exactly as you wish, many people realize it’s one of the most thoughtful gifts they can leave their loved ones. Pre-planning allows you to document your wishes, choose the type of service you want, and reduce both emotional and financial burdens on your family. We are also pleased to welcome Monte Lee as our new Sales Manager, leading our preneed counselors and cemetery sales team with compassion and clarity.
903-794-1300 www.texarkanafuneralhome.com
PREPLANNING AGENTS—(L-R) CHRIS MCGEE, REAVIS REYNOLDS, MONTE LEE, AND JIMMY EDDY
PRODUCTS Prepaid Funerals Whole Life Insurance CREDENTIALS Licensed in Texas and Arkansas
professionalism. Take a moment today to speak with one of our preneed counselors and start putting your wishes in place. You’ll discover how reassuring it feels to know everything is taken care of—your way, for the people you love most.
Since 1939, Texarkana Funeral Homes has served our community with care and
More information can be found at www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov.
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THE BUSINESS OF THE BUDGET BY ARKANSAS REPRESENTATIVE CAROL DALBY
E very year, Arkansans expect their state government to handle taxpayer dollars the same way families handle their household budgets: thoughtfully, carefully, and with clear priorities. Think about how you manage your own finances. You do not just spend without a plan. You look at what is coming in, your fixed expenses, and what needs attention in the months ahead. You may even set aside time each year to review everything, adjust for changes in income, rising costs, or new priorities. That is exactly what Arkansas does through its Fiscal Session. Established by Amendment 86 to the Arkansas Constitution, the Fiscal Session requires the Arkansas General Assembly to meet in even-numbered years with one primary focus: the budget. Unlike regular sessions, when lawmakers debate a wide range of policy issues, Fiscal Sessions concentrate almost exclusively on appropriations and the financial operations of state government. Amendment 86 makes that focus clear. During a Fiscal Session, legislation outside of appropriations requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers even to be considered. That high threshold keeps the session centered on its core purpose, evaluating and approving the state’s spending plan, while still allowing flexibility if something urgent arises. It’s similar to sitting down at your kitchen table to review your finances and telling yourself, “Tonight we are focusing on bills and savings, not planning vacations.” The structure protects the priority. The Fiscal Session also operates with firm time limits. It cannot extend beyond 30 days without a three-fourths vote of both chambers, and any extension is capped at 15 additional days. Those boundaries encourage discipline, efficiency, and careful preparation. When time is limited, focus sharpens. And the numbers matter. According to the most recent revenue report, gross general revenue collections year-to-date total approximately $4.78 billion, an increase of $80.8 million, or 1.7 percent, over the same point in the prior fiscal year. Net general revenue available for distribution
stands at $4.11 billion, which is $111.8 million, or 2.8 percent, above the amount available for distribution at this point last year. Just as you would adjust your household budget based on your current income, lawmakers must evaluate revenue projections and spending requests based on these updated figures. Annual reviews allow the state to respond to economic shifts, manage growth responsibly, and maintain a balanced budget. That review process begins well before the session gavel comes down. In the weeks leading up to the Fiscal Session, lawmakers hold budget hearings to review agency requests. These hearings allow legislators to closely examine agency proposals, ask detailed questions, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. It’s much like reviewing each line of your own expenses and asking, “Do we really need this? Is this working? Can we do it better?” Following those hearings, appropriation bills are prepared and filed in advance of the session, reinforcing the singular focus on the state’s financial plan. When the General Assembly convenes for the Fiscal Session this spring, legislators will consider budget legislation shaped by months of preparation, agency testimony, and careful review. Both the budget hearings and the Fiscal Session are made available to the public through live streaming and archived video, ensuring transparency for every Arkansan who wants to follow the process. Most importantly, the Fiscal Session guarantees that Arkansas’s budget is reviewed every single year. Agencies must regularly justify their spending. Lawmakers examine performance and outcomes. Taxpayers benefit from a transparent process built on scrutiny and stewardship. In your own home, budgeting is about aligning your spending with your values and priorities. For Arkansas, the Fiscal Session serves that same purpose. At its core, it is about focus, accountability, and making sure Arkansas’ priorities are funded responsibly, year after year.
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LIGHTS UP, LETS GO! 81 ST ANNUAL FOUR STATES FAIR & RODEO For more than eight decades, the Four States Fair & Rodeo has been a Texarkana tradition, bringing the community together for exciting rodeo action, carnival rides, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. The 81st annual fair continues the tradition with ten days of fun, food, and unforgettable moments. APRIL 3-12, 2026 Carnival by North America Midway Entertainment FAIR ADMISSION $ 10 Adults | $ 5 Children (6-12 years) | Children 5 & Under FREE FAIR HOURS Monday-Friday 5:00-10:30 pm | Saturday 12:00-11:00 pm | Sunday 1:00-9:00 pm APRIL 9-11, 2026 Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram presents the Four States Rodeo featuring Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson RODEO HOURS Doors open at 6:30 pm | Show starts at 7:30 pm RODEO GENERAL ADMISSION $ 20 Adults | $ 15 Children (6–12 years) | Children 5 & Under FREE Reserved Box Seats $ 25
IMPORTANT NOTES Minors Policy
No one under 15 years old is allowed inside the fair without a parent. If minors are found without a parent, they will be required to contact them and will be removed from the fair.
Gate Closure Gates will close 1.5 hours prior to closing time.
Dress Code This is a family-friendly environment—please dress accordingly. Full-coverage shirts and pants are required (no visible underwear).
Security & Bag Policy • No large purses or bags. All bags will be searched. • No weapons, knives, or pepper spray. Please leave these items in your vehicle. • All guests must be scanned upon entry. • The Four States Fair & Rodeo is working closely with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department to increase security and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone. ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY If you are caught causing an issue, you will be removed. The Four States Fair is private property and reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital Weekend Unlimited Ride Bands $35 per day (free with your fair admission) Team Roping inside the Arena SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital Weekend Unlimited Ride Bands $35 per day Texarkana Emergency Center presents KPGG 103.9 THE PIG Day at the Fair. First 103 guests receive 7:30 pm REWIND on the Outdoor Stage Hype & Glory Wrestling near the Oasis free admission courtesy of KPGG Radio Anthony Price on the Outdoor Stage Texarkana Mack Truck & Volvo presents the Demolition Derby in the Entertainment Center Doors open at 4 pm | Event Begins at 5 pm SUNDAY, APRIL 5 Texarkana Emergency Center Weekend Unlimited Ride Bands $35 per day DJ Hollygrove on the Outdoor Stage MONDAY, APRIL 6 Manic Monday Pay your gate admission and enjoy rides for just $2 each.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 Back the Badge Night at the Fair presented by Texarkana Emergency Center, Farmers Bank & Trust, and HOT FM 101.9 Police, Fire, Military, and First Responders receive free fair admission with ID/Badge (plus three guests). 6:30 pm Moss Brothers on the Outdoor Stage Cavender’s Night at the Rodeo All children 12 & under enter free with a paying adult (must have a ticket). 7:30 pm Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram presents the Four States Rodeo, brought to you by Farmers Bank & Trust in the Entertainment Center FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Kids Day at the Fair | 9:30 am-1:30 pm Register online to attend. Enjoy a Mini Rodeo at 9 am, games, activities, and free ice cream at the Ag Learning Center. Rides will not be open.
Farmers Bank & Trust Weekend Unlimited Ride Bands $35 per day Trophy Husband on the Outdoor Stage Ledwell Night at the Rodeo
7:30 pm Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram presents the Four States Rodeo, brought to you by Farmers Bank & Trust in the Entertainment Center SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Farmers Bank & Trust Weekend Unlimited Ride Bands $35 per day Nighthawk on the Outdoor Stage Secured Assist Night at the Rodeo
Michael Rhodes & The Jive Band on the Outdoor Stage
7:30 pm Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram presents the Four States Rodeo, brought to you by Farmers Bank & Trust in the Entertainment Center SUNDAY, APRIL 12
TUESDAY, APRIL 7 CHRISTUS Day at the Fair
The Hot Snakes on the Outdoor Stage
Farmers Bank & Trust Weekend Unlimited Ride Bands $35 per day
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Kicker 102.5 Ladies Night First 102 ladies receive free admission courtesy of Kicker 102.5
DJ Hollygrove on the Outdoor Stage Dierksen Hospice Senior Citizens Day
Free admission for Seniors from 1:00-6:00 pm, Games and Activities in Fine Arts Building
DJ Hollygrove on the Outdoor Stage
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BE COWBOY BY AMANDA GAINEY
W hen people hear the word cowboy, some picture rough men and honky-tonks. But the truth is, a cowboy hat, boots, and spurs do not make a cowboy. It goes much deeper than that. It is rooted in generations of history, heritage, and character. To the outside world, cowboy life may mean caring for the land and livestock God has blessed you with. But what the outside world never sees is that the weather does not care whether the work gets done. Rain, heat, or freezing cold, you still feed the cattle, check the fences, bust ice in the water troughs, and make sure everything on the ranch is taken care of. Sometimes it means checking heifers twice a day during calving season. Sometimes it means making the hard decision to put an animal down. Ranch life is not always easy, but responsibility does not wait for comfort. While those things are certainly a part of being a cowboy, to our family, that is only a piece of it. There is something sacred about the feeling that comes from a long, hard day of honest work. It’s biblical. God calls us to work with our hands and to prosper. Being a cowboy is about character. It is about standing up straight and looking a man in the eye when you shake his hand. It is about removing your hat when greeting a lady. It is about a handshake sealing a deal with honesty and integrity. It is about testing comfort zones and achieving goals. Most importantly, it is about being a God-fearing man who leads his family toward something greater than himself. Over the years, working on the farm has taught our boys more about life than any classroom could. While many kids their age can work a game controller better than anything else, our boys learned to operate tractors and heavy equipment. They have learned the value of hard work, early mornings, and long days. They study the bucking bulls that travel the rodeo road as if their futures depend on it. But beyond the skills and the long hours, they have learned what it means to be dependable, disciplined young men. Around our house, you will often hear the words “Be Cowboy.” To us, it has nothing to do with boots, jeans, or a hat. It is about integrity. It is a way of life. It is the quiet pride that comes from taking care of your family, your land, and your livestock.
“Be Cowboy” means carrying traditions forward for generations to come, building a family legacy that brings honor to your name, rooted in God and country, and built on values that do not bend. It is a mindset. It is a calling. It is the life God intended honorable men to live. My husband, Lance, has said since our boys were tiny babies, “I’m raising men,” and he has done exactly that. Time and again, someone stops me at the store or the bank and says, “You are the twins’ mom. They are the most respectful boys. You just do not see that anymore.” Those moments are the ones that stay with a mama the longest. Our community and our society need strong, honorable men, and we are proud to say we have raised two outstanding ones. And then there is bull riding, the most dangerous sport on dirt. As a mom, I feel the nerves creep in when I watch my boys climb down into the chute. I look around and hear the crowd talking about their favorite bulls—powerful animals and athletes who are bred and trained to give the best show possible. The crowd comes for the excitement. But for a parent, it is different. Yes, it is thrilling. Yes, it is incredible to watch. But what I see is every late night at the practice pen, every early morning, every sacrifice that carried them to this moment. I see my cowboys climbing on an animal that weighs nearly a ton, risking everything for eight seconds. It takes a different breed of person to willingly climb into that chute and nod their head. And that is exactly what a cowboy is. “Being Cowboy” is so much more than eight seconds. It is a life built on purpose, shaped by hard work, and anchored in faith. It is the land beneath your boots and the legacy you leave behind. It is teaching your sons that a man’s word matters, that his hands should never be idle, and that the measure of his life is found not in what he accumulates but in who he becomes. What a privilege it is to raise strong men in a world that needs them so desperately. We did not stumble into this life. We chose it, we built it, and we would choose it again every single time. So, “Be Cowboy.”
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with the rest of us.” Looking back with laughter, that might be the most “Granny” moment of all time. If you asked her a random question about… let’s say… pancakes, the answer somehow always led back to Jesus. If you asked her about life, the answer led back to Jesus. If you asked her about relationships, the answer—you guessed it—led back to Jesus. That used to frustrate me a little because my young brain just wanted practical answers. But the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized something Granny understood long before I ever did. Life and circumstances change. Jesus doesn’t. Her entire life has been dedicated to extending the ministry of Jesus Christ to everyone she encounters. What makes that so remarkable is that it did not come from an easy start in life. Granny grew up in a home where she was not loved well. She experienced things as a child that could have easily hardened her heart. Instead, as a high school teenager, she got saved and chose the exact opposite direction. She chose love, grace, and forgiveness. And she has spent the rest of her life living out that choice. In June 2024, our family walked through one of the hardest seasons we have ever experienced when my Pop passed away. Just one month before, he and my Granny had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Sixty years! Granny spent the final years of his life caring for him as his health declined, honoring the words “in sickness and in health” in the most literal way possible. Standing over his bed after he had passed, through tears, she simply uttered, “How blessed are we?” That sentence tells you everything you need to know about her. Even in the middle of unimaginable grief, her first instinct was gratitude. Even now, at 80 years old, she still has the same big, beautiful hair she has always had, the same warm smile, and the same heart that quietly serves people without ever expecting recognition. In a world where people often do good things so others will notice, Granny has always lived the opposite way. She never wants her right hand to know what her left hand is doing. She simply serves because she believes that’s what Jesus called her to do. And if you want proof of how loved she is, for her 80th birthday, her friends secretly planned a huge surprise party for her. Her closest family and friends filled the room. When Granny walked in, she was crowned properly for the queen she is, laughing and hugging people tight, completely overwhelmed by how many people had shown up to celebrate her life. It reminded me that a person’s impact isn’t measured by accomplishments or titles, but by the relationships we cultivate with others. There is no one on Earth I want to be prouder of me than her. She is the reason I love Jesus. She is the one who showed me, through the way she lived, that faith is not just something you talk about in Sunday school. It’s something you live every single day. She taught me about the free gift of salvation. Granny has spent her entire life praying the same prayer Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Not what I will, but what You will.” She truly believes that His ways are higher, and her life is proof that when someone lives that way, the ripple effects can last for generations. Eighty years later, our entire family is still standing in the light of the choice she made all those years ago. And if you ask me, that is what a truly incredible life looks like.
GOOD EVENING TXK COLUMN BY BAILEY GRAVITT
C ertain people in life quietly become the center of everything without ever trying to be. These very special people do not demand attention, they do not chase recognition, yet somehow the entire room feels warmer, more joyful the moment they walk in. For my family, that person has always been my Granny. This January, she turned 80, which still feels impossible to anyone who knows her. Not that she hides her age, because Granny has never been one to pretend to be anything other than exactly who she is. But it’s because her spirit feels so timeless. She is what many call an “angel in a scarf,” and if you know her, you know that description is not an exaggeration. My Granny is the queen of our family, the matriarch, the pillar, the glue that holds everyone together, but not in the flashy, crown- wearing sense of the word. She is the quiet kind of queen. She is the kind who prays for you before you even realize you need it, the kind who remembers birthdays, prayer requests, doctor appointments, and every tiny detail about the lives of the people she loves. It’s almost alarming how quickly you fall in love with her when you meet her. I grew up directly across the street from my grandparents’ house, which meant Granny and Pop weren’t the grandparents we only saw on holidays. They were woven into everyday life. Their house was always open, the door always unlocked. Living across the street also meant that whenever I got into trouble as a kid, my mom had a very convenient solution. She would send me straight across the street to Granny’s house. Some kids get grounded. Some kids lose their video games. I got sentenced to extended spiritual retreats at my grandmother’s house. During one of these rather lengthy “visits,” Granny handed me the entire Left Behind book series and said, very sincerely, “I just don’t want you to get left behind. I want you in Heaven
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TXK Book Club APRIL RECOMMENDATION
Faces & Places APRIL & MAY
April 3-12 81st Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo Four States Fairgrounds April 10 Downtown Live! Downtown Texarkana 6-9 pm April 11
April 18 CASA Over the Edge Fundraiser 300 Olive Street 12-5 pm April 19 Tough Kookie Cancer Support Group Meeting Premier High School 4 pm April 24 & 25 Fouke Monster Festival Fouke Community Center April 25 Masterworks III: Spring Forward Perot Theatre 7 pm April 30 Pitch It Texarkana Crossties Event Venue 6 pm May 2 Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival Spring Lake Park 11 am-6 pm May 7 Haven Homes May Celebration
BOOK The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
GENRE Memoir RATING
Autism Awareness Community Event Southwest Center 1-3 pm April 11 Waggin’ Wiener Run Hopkins Icehouse 11 am April 11 The Ultimate Elvis Concert Perot Theatre 7:30 pm April 11 & 12 Artist INC Express Workshop Texarkana Regional Arts Center April 17 7:30 pm April 18 Habitat for Humanity Diamonds for Doorways Silvermoon on Broad 6-9 pm April 18 Pork on a Fork Fundraiser Ramage Farms 5-8 pm Diamond Rio Perot Theatre
Since memoirs are true stories of real people’s lives, it does not feel right to rate them. But we think you will love this book. SUMMARY The Many Lives of Mama Love tells the true story of Lara Love Hardin, a seemingly perfect
suburban soccer mom whose secret heroin addiction leads her to steal neighbors’ credit cards and commit identity theft. After being arrested and convicted of dozens of felonies, she spends time in prison, where she earns the nickname “Mama Love” and learns to navigate prison life. Following her release, she rebuilds her life through writing and eventually becomes a successful ghostwriter and literary agent. The memoir explores addiction, motherhood, incarceration, and the difficult path toward recovery and forgiveness. READER’S TAKE “I don’t think I could have loved this book more. It’s an honest, heartfelt story about mistakes and second chances. It gives you a different perspective on people who struggle with addiction. This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it.”
Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center 6 pm
—Samantha Stokes
Faces & Places showcases community events. View photos from local happenings on our website, txkmag.com . “Everyone is famous in their hometown.”
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LIFE ON THE SPECTRUM BY TERRI COX
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TEXARKANA MAGAZINE T he first signs were quiet. In fact, only a mother’s intuition could hear them. Long before there was a diagnosis, before therapy sessions and evaluations and unfamiliar medical terms, Jasmine Wilson simply noticed that her daughter experienced the world differently. While other babies reached for cuddles or rocked peacefully to sleep, Kylee pulled away from touch. When her tiny hands should have been grasping Cheerios from a tray, hers struggled to coordinate the movement. Balance seemed uncertain, and sounds and textures overwhelmed her. At the time, Jasmine and her husband, Lee, did not yet know they were at the beginning of a journey that would stretch and teach them patience, deepen their compassion, and ultimately reshape the way they saw the world. The Wilsons are a tight-knit family of five. Jasmine and Lee, high school sweethearts who have grown up side by side since their teenage years, have built a life rooted in commitment. Kylee, who is their youngest, has two older siblings, Sean and Alayna. They each bring their own personalities and energy into the home. “Watching them grow into who they are becoming,” Jasmine shares, “has been one of our greatest joys.” By the time Kylee was around six months old, Jasmine and Lee noticed patterns that felt different from what they had experienced with their older children. “She would slowly tip over when she tried to sit up, and she struggled to grasp small objects,” Jasmine recalls. “If she saw even the tiniest piece of lint or dirt on her clothing, she would scream until it was removed.” Visitors could also be overwhelming. The presence of people outside their immediate household could trigger intense meltdowns. Certain textures bothered her deeply, and she strongly disliked being messy. “It was clear something was different,” Jasmine says. “Even if we couldn’t yet name it.” When Kylee went for her 12-month checkup, Jasmine and Lee shared their concerns with their pediatrician, Krista Niemeyer, NP. For many parents, raising children with developmental concerns can feel intimidating. Some fear their worries might be dismissed as overthinking or unnecessary anxiety. That wasn’t the case.
Because of the sensory challenges of autism, Kylee was once unable to enjoy the fair, and now it is one of her favorite things to do.
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Kylee shows off her new bearded dragon, Mango. The tiny reptile has quickly become a special companion.
Kylee with Kacey Jenkins, Texarkana ISD’s Coordinator for Special Education, who has taught and supported her throughout her school journey.
Each year, the Wilson family designs and sells autism awareness T-shirts, with proceeds supporting special education classrooms.
“She didn’t dismiss our concerns,” Jasmine says. “Instead, she asked thoughtful questions and provided detailed questionnaires.” Most children do not receive an autism diagnosis until around age three. Although Kylee was still too young for a formal diagnosis, the pediatrician recognized clear developmental delays and immediately recommended early intervention services. Soon, referrals were made for speech, occupational, and physical therapy. That moment marked the true beginning of the Wilson family’s journey through the world of autism support and therapy. “The journey has been hard, long, emotional, educational, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding,” Jasmine shares. Being on the autism spectrum presents differently in every child, but early indicators can often appear during infancy or toddlerhood. Some children may struggle with communication, eye contact, or social interaction. Others experience sensory sensitivities to sound, touch, textures, or light. Developmental delays in speech, motor skills, and coordination can also show up. “Looking back, the clues were there,” Jasmine says. “They just don’t look the same for every child.” For the Wilsons, those early therapies began when Kylee was barely a year old. Speech therapy and occupational therapy became part of daily life, helping her improve communication, coordination, and sensory regulation skills. Physical therapy was evaluated, but ultimately it was determined to be unnecessary at that time. Still, the questions remained. When Kylee turned two, the family traveled to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas to meet with a neurologist for further evaluation. After months of uncertainty, Jasmine and Lee found themselves in an unexpected place emotionally. “We didn’t fear a diagnosis anymore,” Jasmine recalls. “We just wanted clarity. We
wanted to understand how to help her live the fullest and best quality of life possible.” That clarity came shortly after Kylee’s third birthday when she underwent a full individual evaluation through Texarkana Independent School District (TISD). Kylee was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder along with mixed receptive and expressive language disorder, global developmental delay, speech impairment, fine motor impairment, and sensory integration dysfunction. She was also considered a high risk for elopement, meaning a tendency to wander away from safe environments. She later also received a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the list of diagnoses might seem overwhelming, Jasmine remembers feeling something surprising at that moment. “Receiving Kylee’s diagnosis brought an unexpected sense of relief,” she says. “Now we knew what we were facing, and we could focus on helping her.” When Kylee turned three, she began attending the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) through TISD. Early intervention programs like PPCD provide specialized instruction and therapies for young children with developmental delays. It was a great place for Kylee to get her start. Kylee spent most of her elementary years at Pleasant Grove ISD before returning to Texarkana ISD in fourth grade. Additionally, she attended speech and occupational therapy sessions twice a week outside of school. Those therapists and teachers became lifelines. “We would not have survived this journey without the incredible professionals who guided us, cried with us, struggled alongside us and prayed with us,” Jasmine says. One of those educators was Kacey Jenkins, M.S., M.Ed., BCBA, LBA-TX, Coordinator for Special Education for TISD, who taught Kylee during her early school years. “I’m always honored to say I was
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Kylee’s first teacher at school, since Jasmine and Lee were her first teachers at home,” Jenkins says. “From the very beginning, Kylee showed me there are many different ways to learn, communicate, and shine. Her journey is a powerful reminder of why embracing neurodiversity matters so much. She has grown in ways that are inspiring, not because she became someone different, but because she was supported and loved as the person she is.” For several years, Jasmine’s greatest fear centered on communication. “When you have a nonverbal child, one of the biggest fears is that if something bad happens, they won’t be able to tell you,” Jasmine explains. “That thought is terrifying as a parent.” But progress came, albeit slowly at first. Kylee began gaining language around age four, and by six years old she was forming sentences. Then came a moment Jasmine says she will never forget. Although Kylee often appeared distracted during learning activities, Jasmine continued working with flashcards and word apps daily. One afternoon while Jasmine was decorating a cake in the kitchen, one of her favorite hobbies, she began cutting fondant letters. As she picked up each letter, Kylee attempted to mimic its sound. “I was completely shocked,” Jasmine remembers. “Here I was working with her every day, believing she might not be retaining much of what I was teaching, and suddenly she was showing me she knew her alphabet. Someone who didn’t know Kylee might not have understood what she was trying to say, but with each letter she tried her hardest to verbalize the sound.” Soon, Jasmine realized something even more remarkable. Not only did Kylee know her alphabet, but she could also read the words she had been practicing through an educational app called Endless Reader. “She had been absorbing everything all along,” Jasmine said. Moments like that reshaped the way Jasmine viewed learning and communication. “Never assume a child isn’t capable simply because they communicate differently,” she stressed. “Sometimes their brilliance is just waiting for the right opportunity to be understood.” When Kylee was younger, frustration often came in the form of meltdowns. Overwhelming sensory input or an inability to communicate could lead to head banging, screaming, or collapsing on the floor. The solution was something simple and comforting. “We would hold her in a tight squeeze, rock her gently, and sing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,’” she said. “The routine helped her feel safe and regulated again.” As Kylee’s language grew, many of those meltdowns faded. Today, if she becomes overwhelmed, she simply steps away from the situation to avoid frustration. Her enthusiasm, however, remains unmistakable. “If something captures her interest,” Jasmine jokes, “you can expect to hear about it at least 25 times in a single day. That enthusiasm is just one of the many ways she shows the world exactly how big her heart really is!” One of the most common misconceptions about autism is that individuals on the spectrum lack empathy. Jasmine says nothing could be further from the truth for Kylee. “If someone gets even a minor scratch, Kylee becomes deeply concerned,” she says. “She will cry herself and do everything she can to help.” Still, social challenges remain. As Kylee has grown older and become more aware of her differences, and as other children have pointed them out, specifically her speech delay, she sometimes withdraws socially. At school, she often does not speak unless
necessary. There have been heartbreaking moments when she has asked her mother questions no parent wants to hear. “Is there something wrong with my voice?” or “Is there something wrong with the way I talk?” Another time, she came home from school and said, “I don’t trust people anymore. People can’t be trusted.” “Those moments,” Jasmine said, “remind me just how important kindness, understanding, and inclusion truly are. My greatest hope is that the world Kylee grows up in becomes a place where children like her are not asked to shrink themselves to make others comfortable, but are celebrated for exactly who they are. Words carry weight. Children can be painfully cruel without realizing the impact.” Over the past 13 years, Jasmine says Kylee has changed her in ways she never expected. “She has taught me to see the value in people’s uniqueness,” she says. “The things that make us different are not something to overlook. They are something to celebrate.” She has also taught Jasmine patience. “Patience is essential when raising a child on the spectrum, and it is something I had to learn intentionally,” she admits. Perhaps the most surprising part of Kylee’s story is just how far she has come. Today, she is preparing to take algebra in the eighth grade and is enrolled in honors math. “If someone told me years ago that Kylee would reach this point, I probably would have thought they were being hopeful but unrealistic,” she said. Wanting to educate others and help families feel less alone, Jasmine created a Facebook page called Keeping Up with Kylee. Over time, it has become a place where she can share their story and point other families towards the resources they may need. Another page, Kylee’s Konversations, highlights the humorous and honest things Kylee says. “I quickly realized how little information many people still have about autism,” Jasmine said. “Parents were messaging me about where to start.” Each year, the family also designs and sells autism awareness T-shirts, and their purchase supports special education classrooms. It is a way for the Wilsons to give back for all the ways those classrooms have helped Kylee. Proceeds have also gone to support autism-related needs in the community, from providing communication devices like iPads to purchasing weighted blankets for sensory support. Looking back, Jasmine knows that the early days of diagnosis can feel overwhelming and uncertain. And for parents beginning that journey, she offers encouragement. “I know how heavy your heart feels right now. I know the weight that sits on your shoulders in those early days of uncertainty. Every child’s journey is different, and no two outcomes will look exactly the same, but I want you to have something to hold on to. Early intervention can make an incredible difference, and it played a huge role in Kylee’s progress. Advocate for your child. Do not be afraid to push for support, ask questions, and seek every opportunity that may help them grow. Surround your child with people who believe in them. Most importantly, never let someone else’s limitations become the limit you place on your child.” Today, Kylee continues to write her story, one milestone and challenge at a time. And in doing so, she is teaching everyone around her something powerful. Sometimes the most extraordinary voices are simply waiting for the world to learn how to listen.
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