December 2021

Texarkana Magazine

DECEMBER • 2021

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE December | 2021 | Volume 2 | Issue 12

56. S T Y L E Attention to Detail 68. L I F E Light It Up! 70. S T Y L E Have Yourself a Merry Little Mantle

46.

10. P O L I T I C S Life of the Party 14. c o v e r/ C OMMUN I T Y Living His Best Life

46. S P O R T S Calling the Shots 52. E N T E R TA I NME N T Good Evening TXK

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74.

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24. C U L T U R E Sing a Song of Christmas 30. Y E A R I N R E V I E W 2021 in the Rearview

72. S H A R E T H E L O V E Milestone Celebrations 74. T X K R O O T S Nancy Hinshaw Curtis

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

CASSY MEISENHEIMER Any of the Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel

TERRI SANDEFUR The Year Without A Santa Claus and Rise of the Guardians

KARA HUMPHREY A Christmas Story and Arthur Christmas

LEAH ORR Love Actually

MATT CORNELIUS Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

BRITT EARNEST Four Christmases

BAILEY GRAVITT The Family Stone

TERRI GRAVITT Almost Christmas

MEGAN GRIFFIN National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

JOSEPH GUERNSEY Dr. Seuss the Grinch (2018)

TIFFANY HORTON Home Alone

SONJA HUBBARD It’s a Wonderful Life It’s not just my favorite Christmas movie, but absolutely my favorite movie, ever.

BRIAN JONES Die Hard

PATSY MORRISS White Christmas

EMILY SARINE Elf

LIBBY WHITE The Holiday

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txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903.949.1460 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

Like a general going into battle, we are laser focused as we march toward the holiday season. We have decorating goals that would make Joanna Gaines dizzy, and the range of holiday dishes we have waiting in our Pinterest would make Betty Crocker curl up in defeat and eat straight from the jar. Reconsidering my over-zealous ideas, I shake my head when I concede that my holiday dishes will probably be prepared and purchased from some of our local restaurant favorites that thankfully do the hard work

keep the season centered on the true meaning of Christmas. As a Christian, I believe Jesus is not only the real reason for the season, but his birth, life, death and resurrection are the only avenue for the world’s introduction to the hope, faith, joy and peace traditionally represented by the four candles of the Advent tradition. The birth of our beautiful Savior, now THAT really is an event worthy of a “hoopla,” and thankfully, Lorie’s family recognized that. After the last couple of years that have looked unlike anything else we have seen in my lifetime, the idea of getting back to the simple things sounds exactly like what we all need a little more of. It is the perfect time to focus a little more on family, friends, and community. That’s the example James

Publisher C A R D I N A L P U B L I S H I N G Staff C A S S Y M E I S E N H E I M E R cassy@txkmag.com T E R R I S A N D E F U R terri@txkmag.com K A R A H U M P H R E Y kara@txkmag.com L E A H O R R leah@txkmag.com M AT T C O R N E L I U S matt@txkmag.com B R I T T E A R N E S T britt@txkmag.com Local Sources C L A R E A N G I E R J O H N L U K E A N G I E R M A R Y C A R O L I N E A N G I E R P H I L I P A N G I E R K A R M E N C O R N E L I U S

to make holiday dinner s eas ier. My Ch r i s tmas decorations will consist of a single s u b - p a r t r e e decorated by my kids and a dancing Santa. It is easy to get swept up in the holiday “hoopla” of a wes ter n Christmas. From the days when kids were excited to wake up to a simple stocking s t u f f e d w i t h oranges , candy canes and a Slinky, how did we get here? These days

Bramlett has been setting in our city for years. Growing u p h e r e , h e developed a love for Texarkana and our citizens and has been giving b a c k t h r ou g h leader ship and service every time he has had the opportunity. From his time as mayor, to serving beans and cornbread for a good cause, his actions show that he shares the values of advent with the people o f Te x a r k a n a

T I M C O R N E L I U S A N G E L A E V A N S TA M M Y L U M M U S V I C K I M C M A H O N J O E R E G A N

C R A F T E D I N T E X A R K A N A . E M P L OY E E OWN E D A N D L O C A L LY S O U R C E D .

16-month old John Henry Meisenheimer and Santa

there is pressure to provide the postcard- perfect-looking, cinnamon-stick-smelling, overindulgent and over-stuffed Christmas experiences that have somehow cheapened this budget breaking holiday. One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is Advent. My friend Lorie Son started this tradition for my family. When my kids were little, she and her family handmade us an Advent countdown calendar with small gifts to unwrap each day that correlated with scripture. It was extremely meaningful then, and each year since, the tradition has helped my family

year after year. As the holiday season is kicking into high gear, take some time to read about his invaluable contributions in this month’s issue of Texarkana Magazine , and remind yourself to slow down and take notice of your family, friends and neighbors. They are the reason Jesus came and His coming changed everything. Let’s celebrate it together.

#txkmag

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 .

Merry Christmas!

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LIFE OF THE PARTY BY SONJA HUBBARD

I n 1980, election officials came to Ashdown High School and registered students to vote, those of us who had attained legal age. I was excited to be all grown up, ready to make my own decisions and do my part as a proud American citizen. But as I stood there awaiting my voter registration card, the volunteer, without an utterance requesting party affiliation, took a rubber stamp and slammed a big red “Democrat” on my card. She then handed it back to me and abruptly turned to the next kid. I walked away wondering, “What just happened? Why wasn’t I given a choice?” Being a naïve young voter, I was also unsure if it even mattered. In 1985, after graduating from college and moving to Texarkana, I was more self-assured and now truly ready to make my mark and do my part. I’d even studied the issues and candidates for the local, county and state seats. I was an informed voter. My husband and I arrived at our polling place for the primary elections. He chose the Democratic ballot and I the Republican. When we met back in the parking lot, he seemed satisfied, and I again dismayed. Most of the elections weren’t even on my ballot. I didn’t have anyone to vote for. I clearly wasn’t as informed as I thought and again, proved to be a naïve voter. I learned, the hard way, that Texas has open primaries, as opposed to closed primaries, but not nonpartisan primaries. That’s when I researched and learned the difference. An open primary is a primary election that does not require voters to be affiliated with a political party. Any registered voter may participate in the primaries, regardless of political affiliation. However, voters must choose one party’s ballot. In a closed primary, only party affiliated voters may vote in their party’s primary. Generally, voters must have been registered with that party before Primary Day (or another specified deadline). No unaffiliated voter may participate.

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Many candidates in a nonpartisan primary may share similar political philosophies and end up splitting that vote, allowing a less popular, extremist candidate to fare better.

A nonpartisan primary is a primary election in which all candidates for the same elected office, regardless of political party, run against each other at once instead of being segregated by political party. A nonpartisan primary eliminates partisan primaries in favor of a single nonpartisan primary that is open to all voters, including independents, with the top vote getters, regardless of party, moving on to the general election. There are pros and cons to each of the above styled primary formats and hybrid styles in addition to these. There is also no clear consensus as to what style best serves public interest. PROPONENTS OF NONPARTISAN BALLOTS SUGGEST: • Voters should be able to choose from all qualified candidates without a commitment to party affiliation. • The current system blocks candidates who are more diverse, moderate, independent, or third-party by restricting access to the ballot through funding, support, and litigation.

Only four states have some version of nonpartisan primaries. It can certainly be argued based upon this statistic that our current system of partisan primaries is the right position and works, but based upon a Time article from March 31, 2021, “Two-thirds of adults in the U.S. and France believe the political system needs overhauled, if not overthrown.” That statistic doesn’t seem to support that our current system works. Both George Washington and John Adams expressed dread that the evolution of two great political parties competing for power and influence would create a strong and divisive partisanship damaging the effectiveness of our government. Nonpartisan elections, or especially nonpartisan politicians, could reduce the gamesmanship that goes on in party politics. Today, both parties seem more concerned about making the other party look bad than they are about finding compromises and taking actions, creating policies that benefit this country and the citizens that elected them. I challenge that most of us actually aren’t even that far apart, whether Democrat, Republican, Independent or other, at least not on the important issues. Regardless of party affiliation, most Americans align on the policies of significance. Data reflects that we judge the opposing party almost completely by the most far right or left positions of that party. We more strongly oppose extreme issues of the ‘other’ party than we support of the most extreme issues that represent our own party affiliation. That’s a head scratcher for me. By focusing on what we disagree on rather than what we agree on, we have become more polarized and less willing to talk, debate and certainly not compromise. Exacerbating that polarization and increasing the impact of our party system, statistics show primary voters tend to hold much stronger far right or left leaning opinions than the mainstream voters who cast ballots in general elections. This means that by the time the moderate majority shows up at the polls, the dye is already cast, and many moderates never even made it through the primaries, if they ever even got on the ballot. People are fed up with the partisanship of our elected leaders. How refreshing would it be if politicians were beholden to their constituents and not the party that got them elected? But that is one drawback of our system. Politics is big business, and the parties need their competition to drive revenue and support, which benefits them both. Frankly, support for partisan primaries is probably one of the only issues that both the Democratic and Republican parties totally support. In the end, it’s still politics. The two-party system has served the country well for centuries and will well into the future, but only with us, the voters, as the enforcers and gatekeepers. Even without a nonpartisan system, we can make nonpartisan decisions. We need to look objectively at our politicians, demand more, hold them accountable for their actions, and vote for the candidates that represent us, not the party. It’s time to be an American first.

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It would reduce the influence of both the Democratic and Republican parties, the media, lobbyists, and consultants that benefit from the two party’s strength and wealth. Cooperation between elected officials belonging to different parties is more likely if elections were less partisan.

•

• Competitive elections with more candidates would increase voter turnout. • Candidates are freer to state true beliefs

rather than pandering to their party and framing their stance on issues to appeal to the more extreme voters.

PROPONENTS FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS ARGUE: • Closed primaries promote party unity. • The absence of party labels confuses voters; a voter who must choose from among a group of candidates whom she knows nothing about will have no meaningful basis in casting a ballot. • In the absence of a party ballot, voters will turn to whatever cue is available, which often turns out to be the social prominence, name recognition or ethnicity. • Non-partisanship tends to produce elected officials more representative of the upper socioeconomic strata than of the general populace and aggravates the class bias in voting turnout, because in true non-partisan systems there are no organizations of local party workers to bring lower-class citizens to the polls on election day. • They depress voter participation by offering too many choices, creating run-offs, and voters feel their impact is minimized.

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BY L IBBY WHITE

I f you have lived in Texarkana for a while, you have probably heard the name James Bramlett. You might remember the decade he served as the Mayor of Texarkana, Texas, or have done business with him at Farmers Bank and Trust, or maybe you have attended the Bramlett Beans and Cornbread Community Fundraiser in the last 23 years and shaken his hand as he handed you a bowl of beans. His love for Texarkana runs as deep as his roots in our community. “My family has been in Texarkana since 1884. My great- grandfather came here in July of that year to work for the Texas and Pacific Railroad. We’ve been here a long time, almost since the inception of the community. I’ve lived here most of my life, and I love this community,” Bramlett stated. One of his favorite memories of his childhood is the 20-mile paper route he delivered for the Texarkana Gazette at 14 years old. “When I went to the Gazette to get the paper route, I met Bobbie Eaves, who became one of my first mentors,” Bramlett

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recalled. “She was the District Manager for all of us young boys, and I was given 35 papers (houses per month for daily delivery). But they also needed someone to take an additional route in the Spring Lake Park area because this other young kid didn’t want it anymore. I took that job on, giving me 70 papers, and eventually worked it up to 90 papers. My route was from Texas Boulevard to Summerhill Road to College Drive to I-30. I threw the Sunday morning paper and the afternoon daily route. As a paper boy, you’re a self-contractor. I would buy the papers from the Gazette each month. Every day, they dropped the papers off at my front porch. When I got home from school, I would roll them up, put them in bags, get on my bicycle and then I’d have a 20-mile route to ride.” “At the end of each month, I’d have to collect the money they owed for the paper that month. So instead of going to every house and knocking on the door, I decided to make a little invoice and put it in an envelope and wrap it in the paper. Then they would just mail me a check. It taught me a lot about business, inventory management , accounts payable and accounts receivable. I was in the eighth grade, making $90 a month, which was a lot of money back then. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It taught me so much about business that I still apply today at Farmers Bank taking care of customers. It taught me about life and people and interacting with

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adults as a businessperson at 14 years old. I still remember all the individuals on that route and all they did for me. There were so many special people, like Mrs. Pavey, over on Meadow Lane. She always made sure I got a Christmas gift every year.” “A great thing about living in Texarkana is that many of the individuals who were my customers back then are still my customers today. That is over 50 years. There are several individuals who were influential in my life, and I met many of them while being their paper boy.” Bramlett graduated from Texas High School in 1975, and met his wife, Kathy, a few years later. “There are so many individuals who have made such a difference in my life, and one is my wife, Kathy,” Bramlett said with a grin. “We’ve been married for 44 years. I have to give her credit; I would not be where I am today without her. I asked her to marry me at Spring Lake Park, just another thing I love about this community.” “After I got married at 20, I decided it was time to go to college. I went to Texarkana College for four years and then took seven years off. When I was 32, I decided to go back to school and went to Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Dr. Lila Walker, who is another of the individuals I credit with who I am today, encouraged me to go back to school. I graduated in December 2000 with a BAAS (Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences) degree. It was a long road of working and raising our son, J.W. I had to make sure I graduated college before he started going to college!” While Bramlett pursued an education and was raising a family, he got involved helping one of his best friends, John Jarvis, run for mayor. Previously, Bramlett had never had a desire to hold a public office. After years of being friends with Jarvis, it sparked an interest in serving the community, and he ran for city council. “In 1998, John (Jarvis) decided it was time for him to go home, and he told someone I was going to run for mayor. He told the Texarkana Gazette that before he even told me!” Bramlett chuckled. “I served as Mayor of Texarkana, Texas, for ten years (1998-2008).” During his decade of service, Bramlett is most proud of helping bring the new

James Bramlett in 1998 seeking his first term as Mayor of Texarkana, Texas.

2013 City of Texarkana, Texas Council Meeting celebrating previous mayors’ service to the community. (L-R) (Back) Josh Davis, Judge Bill Miller, Dr. Brian Matthews, Tina Veal Gooch, Willie Ray and Bradford Casteel. (Front) Mayor Bob Bruggeman (2012-current), Steve Mayo (2008-2012), James Bramlett (1998-2008), John Jarvis (1990-1998), Joe Frost (1986-1990), the late Neal Courtney (1964-1968), the late A.P. Miller (1954-1960).

Texas A&M University-Texarkana campus to its current Bringle Lake location, and for helping allocate millions of dollars to the redevelopment of the Rose Hill Community, the area where he grew up with his parents and grandparents. “To be able to redevelop Rose Hill was really neat, especially to do something south of the Interstate. Most of the development has been to the north, so we were most proud of the fact that we were investing millions and millions of dollars south of the interstate for the first time since the mid- 1960s,” beamed Bramlett. “I miss being mayor because of the people. We have such a giving community, and everyone gives back to make sure

Texarkana is the greatest place in the country. There is nowhere else I’d rather live. That’s why I continue to help however I can to make this community a great place to live, work and raise a family. Kids go off to college, but it is those individuals we want to move back here because they are going to take our place one day. I appreciate everyone who has ever given me and the community the support they have because we continue to grow and develop and get better each and every day.” Bramlett has done his fair share of giving back, both professionally and as a volunteer. One of his passions is helping those in need through the annual Bramlett Beans and Cornbread Community Fundraiser.

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Christmas 2020 with Martha, J.W., Kathy holding B.B. and James Bramlett at the Bramlett home.

Bramlett Field was dedicated in 2018 by Texarkana A&M University-Texarkana in honor of James Bramlett for his service and committment to the community. Pictured is James Bramlett, Michael Galvan, Dr. Emily Cutrer and the 2018 softball team.

“ I toldmy son, J.W., that I’m living the best life, and it’s right here in Texarkana. ” —James W. Bramlett

“The idea actually started in 1991 with Paula Jeans,” Bramlett explained. “She was the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) for Texarkana Water Utilities (TWU) at that time, and it came about through her dad passing away the previous year. The staff anonymously collected five baskets of food for five families who were employees at TWU. It started there and has just grown and grown through the years.” “Then in 1998, a city employee (Laurie Williams) came to me and said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if you, as

we can hit 200 baskets. I really think we’re going to hit 150 this year.” For the past 16 years , Bramlett has also served in the banking industry, drawing on the relationships he has built through the years and the business skills he developed starting as a paperboy. In March 2012, Bramlett, serving as Senior Vice President, helped Farmers Bank and Trust open a location in Texarkana on Summerhill Road. He now serves as the Texarkana Market President. “There were only five of us

the mayor, did this as the Bramlett Beans and Cornbread Fundraiser and we invited the community?’ I always wanted to do something to give back. When we officially started the community fundraiser, it was just our staff baking the beans, baking the cornbread and baking the desserts for about four years. Then it grew so much that we had to figure out another way. So, we started getting sponsors.” “Our event on December 2, 2021, will mark our twenty-third year. We missed last year because of COVID. It would not be possible without the sponsorship from Big Jake’s BBQ, Texas High donating the cornbread and Starbucks doing the coffee, desserts and drinks. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate their sponsorship all these years. And then we have the staff of volunteers who help each year, and without them coming together, it wouldn’t happen.” “This year is the first time we will have it at the Texarkana Convention Center, and we really appreciate them for allowing us to bring Bramlett Beans and Cornbread right here near I-30, because the traffic count is going to be so much higher here than at the Southwest Center.” “We now serve over 100 families from the community each year with food baskets that include a month’s worth of food and Christmas gifts. The agencies give us a list of families who meet the criteria of eligibility for the baskets. I’m hoping before long that

originally when we started, and now we have over 85 employees. It is a fifth-generation, family-owned bank. It’s just a great place to be and a really great fit for me.” While he was at work on a normal day in 2018, his good friend and TAMU-T Athletic Director, Michael Galvin, asked Bramlett if he could ride with him by the Spring Lake Park ball fields to show him some things they were working on. When Bramlett and Galvan arrived at the same field where Bramlett played Little League, he was surprised by his family and dozens of colleagues and community members who had gathered to surprise him with the dedication of Bramlett Field at Spring Lake Park. The field had been updated for the TAMU-T Women’s Softball team with state-of-the-art lighting and a new scoreboard with James Bramlett’s name. “Spring Lake Park really means a lot to me

SCAN HERE TO VIEW THIS MONTH’S COVER STORY VIDEO

because that’s where I asked Kathy to marry me, my paper route was through that area, I grew up on Park Circle and I attended Spring Lake Park Elementary school,” Bramlett shared. “I wouldn’t have ever expected that.”

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MY DRIFT COLUMN BY PATSY MORRI SS

M y friend Randy has an app on his phone that counts down the days until Christmas. All year long, starting the day after Christmas, he keeps track. If you go to a baseball game with him in July, he’s likely to mention during the seventh inning stretch that Christmas will arrive in 157 days. He just loves Christmas. I have to admit to not sharing his enthusiasm. I remember as a child feeling giddy delight as the holiday season loomed seductively around the corner. These days I think of Christmas as a mean little kid hiding behind the door, waiting to jump out and say “gotcha” when I haven’t finished my shopping by the 24th. The headline of a recent story about holiday stress prods me to WRAP that present, BAKE that cookie, MAKE those lists and CHECK ‘em twice! It seems endless, and just the thought of a tall stack of envelopes waiting to be addressed makes me want to go take a nap. As a Chr is t ian, I know that Christmas isn’t about the trappings. It’s a celebration of the birth of our Savior. The joy that knowledge evokes, however, sometimes gets lost in the secular hubbub. Sing a Song of Christmas

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Consequently, my inner Grinch is ready to emerge at any point during the month of December. Bright spot alert! I have a secret weapon that helps me keep that Grinch at bay, at least most of the time. The one aspect of the Christmas season that brings me good cheer is music. I adore it all, from traditional carols to contemporary pop numbers. Rod Stewart can soothe my holiday- crazed soul just as easily as George Frideric Handel. Christmas music is integral to the season for me, and my affinity for it goes way back. In my earliest memories there are three records playing on the hi-fi. Yes, the hi-fi; it was the 50s and stereo wasn’t really a thing yet. The records were called LPs, which stood for long play. They spun at 33 and a third rpms after dropping one at a time onto the turntable. We no doubt wore out the grooves in Percy Faith’s Music

Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio will always be there, since it just isn’t Christmas without Christmas Time is Here from Merry Christmas Charlie Brown . A mix- CD made by my son for me one long-ago Christmas when he was broke is a sure thing. It includes Barbara Mandrell’s It Must Have Been the Mistletoe , a number he knew to be a favorite of mine. It always touches me that he thought to include it. Technology has taken us, however, beyond CDs to a place where even we, techno- losers that we are, have a music streaming platform. Amazing, when you think about the LPs on the turntable sixty years ago. I spent some time last Christmas putting together a playlist, which I named Patsy’s Christmas Picks, and it has become the backdrop for the Christmas season around our house. (We could also play it in the car if we knew how, but we haven’t yet figured that out.) What’s great about it is we don’t

The Secret of Christmas It’s not the glow you feel when snow appears. It’s not the Christmas card you’ve sent for years. Not the joyful sound when sleigh bells ring, Nor the merry song children sing. The little gift you send on Christmas day Will not bring back the friend you’ve turned away. So may I suggest the secret of Christmas Is not the things you do at Christmas time, But the Christmas things you do all year through?

Songwriters: Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Concord Music Publishing LLC

of Christmas and Mantovani’s Christmas Carols , but my favorite was Bing Crosby’s White Christmas . In addition to the title blockbuster, it included a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells featuring the Andrews Sisters, as well as quirkier numbers like Mele Kalikimaka and Christmas in Killarney . Christmas around the world, you might say. I can still remember every word of every song, having danced around the living room to each one a million—make that a jillion—times. So much was it a part of Christmas for me that

have to listen to the boring songs amid the favorites like we would on a CD. My Picks list only includes songs that make me light up with joy. You’ll find every genre there. Yes, I love that Mariah Carey song, despite its level of overexposure. And the Beachboys’ Little Saint Nick ? It just doesn’t get any better. The Hallelujah Chorus is there, too, because … it’s The Hallelujah Chorus .

I obtained my own copy as an adult, replacing it later with a cassette tape and still later with a compact disc. Speaking of compact discs, I have

I’m going to leave you, though, with my absolute favorite Christmas song. You might not be familiar with it, as the only recording of it I’m aware of was made by The Vocal Majority, a Dallas men’s chorus. It has a lovely tune, decidedly enhanced by the velvety blend of 150 male voices, but its real magic lies in its lyrics. The Secret of Christmas

an obscenely hefty collection of Christmas CDs and (even more embarrassingly) two six-disc CD players in my home. One of my annual day-after-Thanksgiving tasks is to load both of them with my favorites. A Charlie Brown

by the Vocal Majority. I’ll be listening to it this season. May your holidays be joyous.

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Trials and turmoil across the globe, including a worldwide pandemic, have not been enough to dampen the spirits of our local community this year. We have continued to thrive, made improvements, broken down barriers and made big plans for our future. Here is a list we put together of some of the exciting, and in some cases, historic events that happened this year to set us apart.

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Arkansas Middle School opens as the first new school construction project for Texarkana Arkansas School District since 1983. MARCH 2021

Dr. Doug Brubaker begins his new role as the superintendent for Texarkana Independent School District. JANUARY 2021

CHRISTUS

Former Texarkana

St. Michael

Health System served

resident Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces

as the core of COVID-19 treatment

her candidacy for Governor of Arkansas. JANUARY 2021

and prevention FEBRUARY 2021

Two winter

storms in the same week resulted in 18-20 inches of snow for the region.

FEBRUARY 2021

Kristi Bennett was named

Texarkana, Arkansas, Police Department Chief of Police—the first female

to hold this position.

MARCH 2021

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The National Professional Fishing League hosted by the City of

Texarkana, Texas and the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce held a three-day fishing tournament at Wright Patman Lake. APRIL 2021

The Pleasant Grove High School Baseball Team wins 4A UIL State Championship. JUNE 2021

The City of Texarkana, Arkansas hires a new city manager, Jay Ellington. JUNE 2021

Pleasant Grove High School wins 4A UIL

Team Theatre State Championship. MAY 2021

The

76th

Four

States

Fair and Rodeo takes place in the spring

for the first time.

APRIL 2021

Goodyear

completes acquisition of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.

JUNE 2021

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Dr. Christine Holt became the eighth chancellor of University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. SEPTEMBER 2021

Texarkana Regional Airport celebrated its 90th Anniversary and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new airport passenger terminal. JUNE 2021

Red River Army Depot celebrated 80 years of supporting the

Armed Forces. AUGUST 2021

The Union Pacific Big

Boy Steam Engine No. 4014 rolled through Texarkana, Arkansas. AUGUST 2021

Steward Health Care and

Wadley Regional Medical Center broke ground for the building of a new 254,000-square-foot hospital and 143,000-square- foot medical office building as part of a $227 million dollar project. SEPTEMBER 2021

Liberty-Eylau High School pays

for all students to

take the ACT their junior year of high school.

JULY 2021

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Texarkana Symphony Orchestra took over management of the Perot Theatre. SEPTEMBER 2021

For the first time in more than 12 years, the Texarkana Regional Airport announces it will offer flights on United Airlines to Houston, Texas. OCTOBER 2021

The completion of the dual city effort to improve Courthouse Square in

Downtown Texarkana was celebrated. NOVEMBER 2021

The City of Texarkana, Texas hires a new city manager, David Orr. OCTOBER 2021

Texas A&M University- Texarkana received a $45 million capital project

appropriation from the 87th Texas Legislature that will be used to house the university’s business, engineering, and technology programs. OCTOBER 2021

The City of Texarkana, Texas re-elects

Bob Bruggeman

as mayor. NOVEMBER 2021

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TexAmericas Center announced it has acquired all contracts and assets from Lone Star Railcar Storage Company, which increases the size of TexAmericas Center’s existing rail yard. NOVEMBER 2021

Texarkana College broke ground on the McCulloch Industrial Technology Center, a $1 million facility that will provide new training facilities for Electrical Technology and HVAC programs along with expansion of existing workforce programs. NOVEMBER 2021

AR-TX REDI receives

certfication for the REDI Arkansas

Manufacturing Center and REDI East Texas Logistics Center.

NOVEMBER 2021

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2021TALKTUE Talk Tuesday, Texarkana Magazine’s weekly digital publication, draws thousands of readers online. Writers from across the community give us a first-person look into their lives and tell the stories that define our great twin cities. This year’s top-ten most read stories reveal the diverse topics and people who truly make Texarkana Twice as Nice.

PROTECT AND SERVE March 2, 2021

FROM PAGEANTS TO PERSEVERANCE July 6, 2021 Izzy Baughn, Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers 2019, shared her journey through the Miss America Organization. “I could not help but thank God for the opportunity to share my heart and my dreams, and to relentlessly pursue my deepest passions in my home state.”

FROM GERMANY WITH LOVE May 18, 2021 Ashley McClain, wife and mom to four young children, shared her family’s experience as hosts of a German exchange student, Paula, who became a cherished part of their extended family. “Hosting an exchange student was by far the best experience our family has had… We gained family, experienced great adventures and had the chance to fulfill a dream in a child’s life.”

THE RESTORATION OF CHILDHOOD January 26, 2021 Talk Tuesday monthly columnist, Tammy Lummus shared what the Atlanta Miller Grade School Restoration Project means to her hometown, Atlanta, Texas. “Take a second out of your day and think back on your time in grade school. It definitely brings a smile to my face when I remember that time in my own life… Grade school is where I got

IN MY LIFE February 2, 2021

Lauren Davis Turner shared the joys and struggles of planning and executing a wedding through the crazy days of COVID-19. “If anyone told me on a Saturday afternoon in September, I would walk through Central Park wearing a mask, bouquet in hand, while a couple of friends held the train of my wedding gown, with my parents on a FaceTime call from Texas to watch my wedding… I would not have believed them.”

Zierre Spencer from the Texarkana, Texas Police Department, shared “A Day in the Life” of a local officer. “We are human, just like everyone else, but we do our best to serve and protect. Sometimes we can make mistakes. We all have rough days, we all make mistakes and I think if we could recognize we are all human, we could get along much better. All it takes is a willingness to see things from the other person’s point of view.”

passed my first do- you-like-me-check-

yes-or-no-box note. It’s where I found my love for reading and writing and where I learned to use my own brain to figure things out.”

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ESDAYTOP10

Get Talk Tuesday delivered to your inbox every week to read more stories like these. Sign up on our website, www.txkmag.com.

THE SERVICE OF PEACE April 6, 2021

I’M DIGGIN’ IT January 5, 2021

FINDING A GOOD THING November 2, 2021

FINDING THEIR WAY TO YOU May 4, 2021

STOP, DROP AND ROLL March 16, 2021

Jonathan Crain, metal detecting enthusiast, shared his passion for seeking buried treasures across the four states area. “You wouldn’t believe how many relics of our town’s past we walk right over every day. Just beneath our feet there could lie a 150-year-old quarter that meant a great deal to someone who regrettably dropped it years ago. Every old coin and object dropped has a story to go with it.”

Elizabeth Howe shared her struggles with intractable seizures and how Shiloh, her Labradoodle service dog, changed her life by bringing peace and assurance to an otherwise stressful situation. “The next thing I knew, I was on the ground! I had a seizure and was lying down on the edge of a neighbor’s yard. When I became conscious and realized the leash was no longer in my hand, my first thought was ‘where is my puppy?’ I turned my head to the right and there he was, calmly lying down between me and the road.”

Hope Aubrey shared the beauty of a heart of gratitude even through life’s biggest trials. “We cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our lives when we train our hearts and minds daily to see the good things around us. And I would be willing to bet that if you begin to count in your own life, you will find more than one good thing, too.”

Linsey Francis shared how her family of seven added a new addition through the wonderful world of adoption. “He fits in so perfectly with our family… I hear all the time that he is one blessed little boy to have us, but we are the blessed ones! When you begin the adoption process, you will be told that you will have the baby that is meant for your family. You may or may not believe this, but I do. I say it is 100% true.”

Brad Thompson from the Texarkana, Texas Fire Department shared “A Day in the Life” of a firefighter. “Since I have been a fireman, I’ve seen the best and the worst of what mankind offers. We get fussed at frequently, sometimes praised and often, all on the same call. Whenever we are called out, it’s usually on someone’s worst day, so we always try to keep that in mind.”

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Ronita Miller and her sister grew up in foster care, where they were moved fromhome to home for a few years before finally settling with a foster family in 1993. She livedwith themuntil after she finished high school in 2004. She then attended Southern Arkansas University Tech in East Camden, Arkansas, working toward a degree in early childhood education. However, after she received a call from Child Protective Services (CPS), when they declared her an adult and officially graduated her from their care, she “felt alone and slowly drifted away from schooling.” She began working in daycare settings and substitute teaching positions. In 2009, she had her firstborn son, Ra’Maurye. Soon after, in 2010, she received an unexpected call from CPS. Her oldest brother’s children needed placement with a family member, or they would be placed into the foster system. “I wasn’t sure if I could do it, living in public housing already, but I wasn’t going to allow my nieces to go through what my sister and I did.” Ronita added Rhianna, who was two and Shaniya, who was one, along with another son Rashaad who was born a year later, to her growing family. For the next seven years, she was a single mom to four children until 2017, when her youngest niece, Mattie, also joined her crew. “I’m not going to say it’s been easy, because we’ve had hard times. I’ve cried many nights,” Ronita said. “I love each and every one of my children. I give my all to them. I know I wanted more for them. When all you have is faith and strength, you have to push yourself daily. Caring is just in me.” It is that caring spirit that encouraged Ronita to pursue classes

toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) through The Texarkana Missions. “The classes lasted four weeks,” she said, “and on graduation day, I received a call and an interview, and I was hired (at Cornerstone Retirement Community).” She was very excited but “scared at the same time. I love helping others and I wanted to be the best at my job.” According to the leadership at Cornerstone, that is exactly what Ronita has become—one of the best. For the residents of Cornerstone, Ronita is committed to making sure that each of their individual needs, whatever those may be, are met to the best of her ability. “I make sure I bring a listening ear, helping hands and love, and all the laughter they can handle. Some residents and their families have said, ‘You are family.’ They know they are loved and safely cared for. That’s how I know I’m doing something correctly. I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the best feeling in the world. I will continue my education to ensure they have the best care possible. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given. I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of such a great facility… I love my job, Cornerstone, and most of all, my precious residents.”

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INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING?

CONTACT BRITT EARNEST 903-293-4764 britt@txkmag.com

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CALLING THE SHOTS BY TERRI GRAVITT

S worn officers play a vital role in maintaining safety and face many things every day that put them at great risk. The role they have stepped into is often a hard one and they do the dirty work to shield the rest of us from having to think about it. Often, we focus on the “good guys versus the bad guys” aspect of their role, but their job is more than that. It is equally about helping to maintain community quality of life. So much of what they do is really more about the “good guys helping the rest of us good guys” build a community we can be proud of. It is at its core a job of service. We see this service brought to life every day through the example of our very own celebrated Detective Alan Bailey of the Texarkana, Texas Police Department. His job requires him to deal with the hardest of the hard during the day, and at night he continues giving of himself working with the city’s most innocent, our children. A native of Atlanta, Texas, Bailey was born fourth in a family of five children. His dad was a firefighter and the first black fire chief in the state of Texas. His mom was a nurse. “My family is very special to me,” Bailey shared. “I am close to my siblings and love them more than words can describe. We were not rich or well off growing up, but family was always the most important thing,” he continued. Bailey’s best memories were made spending time with

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On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the office I serve.

The Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

his grandma and grandpa. “My grandpa was just a funny guy to me, and I loved the time I got to spend with him,” he said. Bailey played basketball and ran track for the Atlanta Rabbits, but basketball was where his heart really was. He attributes his love for the game to a couple of his coaches. One was his elementary school PE Coach, Clifton Dickerson, better known as “Mr. D” and Coach Jared Boston. “Those two men were monumental in my knowledge and passion for the game.” As he got older and it was time to make a career choice, Bailey followed in his father’s footsteps, choosing a career of service. “I guess it is just in my blood,” he said. “I feel like it’s just a noble career. Being from a small community, I knew I wanted to be involved in giving back to it. If all I can be is a positive role model or influence on anyone, or change any situation for the better, then it’s all worth it.” Bailey has been in law enforcement 15 years, now serving as a detective in the Texarkana, Texas Criminal Investigation Division. “The hardest thing about being in law enforcement is seeing someone in a crisis. When instructing academy cadets, I tell them that no matter how small a person’s situation may seem to us, it’s a real crisis to them, so treat it as such. If it weren’t, they wouldn’t have summoned our help,” he said.

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Bailey has had many memorable situations while serving, both good and bad, but it is the little ways he can help that stand out to him the most. “One instance that really stands out to me is just being a set of ears for a young lady who was going through a lot. I remember she was pregnant and just having a hard time. I think in the conversation she even mentioned that she was contemplating suicide. After putting everything else in my day aside, I just allowed her to get it all out. I just simply sat and listened to her. I offered any knowledge and experience that I could. Sometimes that is all someone may need–just to be heard.” Because of the care and attention he gives to every call, Bailey has been recognized in big ways. He was awarded Officer of the Year in 2008 with the Atlanta Police Department. He was also awarded the Meritorious Conduct Award after being involved in a fight with an armed subject and suffering various injuries. Bailey’s passion to serve does not stop when he clocks out of his day job. At night, he continues in that mission to the community by saying “yes” when both Pleasant Grove Youth Association (PGYA) and Redwater Youth Sports Association (RYSA) reached out to him to be a referee for basketball games. They were looking for someone with both knowledge of the game and the ability to exercise patience with the kids. They definitely found their man in Bailey! Lacey Shirley, mom of fourth grader, Griffyn Shirley, who attends Pleasant Grove and plays basketball, has been lucky enough to experience having Bailey as a referee of her child’s games. “Mr. Bailey just stood out to me,” Shirley shared. “When a child fouls, Bailey pulls them to the side and explains to them why they are being fouled. He seems to go over and above to really help all the children truly understand the game of basketball. I feel so grateful to have him on the court.” David Brooks, President of RYSA also had great things to say. “Alan is an amazing part of our basketball program, and we couldn’t do it without him. He always makes time to talk with the players and will give them advice on different plays and shots. You can always find him playing around with the kids in between games and at halftime as well. We are truly thankful for him!” This

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is his second year to serve with PGYA and his third year to serve with RYSA. Just like with policing, it is the little things in youth sports that solidify Bailey’s love for it. “There is a baby whose older brother plays with RYSA,” he recalls. “This kid is two years old and always running around the court looking for any chance he can to shoot the ball. I will pick him up and hold him to the goal and let him slam dunk the ball and the crowd goes crazy for him! This kid is by far the happiest baby I have ever seen, especially when he has a ball in his hands!” As it is commonly known, it is not always the easiest job to be a referee. Unhappy parents can sometimes be more of a challenge than the players themselves. Bailey has had his fair share of issues. However, he has a strict policy he stands by in those instances. “I try not to get too involved with the parents or the crowd,” he shared. “If I allow them to distract me, then it is pulling attention away from why we are all there and that is the kids!”

Bailey loves his time on the court with the kids. He values the opportunity to take the extra time with them to teach them so they do not make the same mistakes again. Bailey shared, “I want the kid to become a better player. A lot of these kids are still in the development stage of their life. Some are growing at a faster pace than others and may not be able to control themselves in certain aspects or maneuvers. I just try to give them pointers and what coaching I can to make that development process easier. I remember my coaches taking extra time with me or giving me pointers as to what to work on in my free time. That’s what will get a kid to the next level. It’s not what you do in practice or in a game. It is what you do on your own time that makes a difference. It is work you put in off the court.” What an amazing role model our youth have in Alan Bailey! He displays for all what it means to truly serve both on the court and off.

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