ITHE WAY I SEE IT ...
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Robin Rogers, Ed.D.
can’t tell you how many hours I have spent at the ballparks in Texarkana. As a kid, I played many serious softball games at the Swanger Complex in Spring Lake Park. As a mom, I toted ice chests, video cameras, bats, and gear to watch my son play T-ball there. The soccer fields at Grady T. Wallace Park also hold countless memories for me; for many years, I yelled from the sidelines as my eldest daughter played ball there, always in a shiny magenta “Pink Panthers” jersey. Now, I enjoy showing up to soccer games in a completely different role—as “RoRo” to my favorite little one, who chases other four-year-olds between goals for exactly one hour to be rewarded with a Capri Sun and a bag of fruit snacks. These days, I am way less stressed about the competition and much more excited by the kids who mistakenly score in their own teams’ goals.
Both the Swanger and Grady T. Wallace Complexes were established 40-plus years ago. Relatably to those of us who are also middle-aged and beyond, they are tired. But, fortunately, those old ball fields have had life breathed into them again. Civic and private entities have partnered to create new and better ball fields for our kids and grandkids to play on and enjoy. You might recognize some of those partners on the cover this month, standing on the turf that will soon be home for a new generation of teams. They have planned and executed well for a better tomorrow.
Excitingly, many people and companies are investing in Texarkana right now. Interesting and intelligent people are working together and individually behind-the-scenes to make Texarkana a strong educational and economic hub, while preserving the charms and amenities of a small town. We all want to know our neighbors and watch them grow their families, but we also want the big-city conveniences of state-of-the-art healthcare, well-paying jobs, higher education, and nice shopping.
When I graduated from Pleasant Grove High School, most of my friends bailed as quickly as they could. “I’m getting out of the armpit of America,” I remember one kid saying. I’m pretty sure all kids at 18 think their hometowns are uncool. But, never one to pursue what’s “cool,” I opted to stay home for college: Texarkana College, East Texas State University–Texarkana, Texas A&M–Texarkana. My roots are deep in this Texarkana soil. For almost 55 years, I’ve watched the landscapes change, ever-anticipating the time when outsiders would finally figure out how special our area truly is and flock to this unique place in the heart of the four states.
INSPIRE THE PESSIMIST
ELEVATE THE OPTIMIST
STIR THE MIND
ENTERTAIN THE SOUL
WWW.FOURSTATESLIVING.COM
FOUR STATES LIVING MAGAZINE
FOURSTATESLIVING
PUBLISHER Dr. Robin Rogers
EDITOR
Ellen Orr
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
Shane Darby
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Victoria Herman
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Phoebe Warren
And y’all, it’s happening. Like it or not, positive growth and rebirth are sprouting up in all corners of the city. I choose to like it.
Knowing that the only thing certain is that things are gonna change, we must proactively choose to progress. That’s key. While most people dislike change, in truth, nothing ever stays the same. Do you remember when the only chains here were Burger King and McDonald’s? I do. Restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, medical offices, and banks are everywhere you look now. Are you hungry for sushi, tamales, chicken fried steak, catfish, or a gourmet pizza? Texarkana can accommodate you. Do you need a pulmonologist, oncologist, dermatologist, or a plastic surgeon? Texarkana has got that covered, too. Texarkana is an incredible place to raise a family, send your kids to school, work, live, and finally retire.
Twenty-five years ago, I was determined to have my business in downtown Texarkana. I was excited by the idea of a hip and cool downtown and being among the rebuilding of an area that had declined. But 25 years ago was the wrong time. Time: that word has plagued me repeatedly throughout my life. Wiser people would say, “Timing is everything,” and it always felt like hearing a door slam in my face. Maybe maturity is finally catching me, because now I see that timing truly is everything. When our office was on Broad Street, the sidewalks were plastered in pigeon droppings, and the busiest business on the block was the bail bonds dealer. But now, downtown Texarkana is hopping, whether you are there on a weekday or a Saturday night. The Grim is revitalized and open for renters. Top-tier restaurants and coffee shops line the streets, along with retailers and arts destinations. In 2025, downtown is actually cool again.
For all parts of the larger Texarkana area—from Nash to Hope, from Ashdown to Liberty-Eylau—the time is now. If you want to be part of sparking the engine of tomorrow’s Texarkana, it’s time to get out of your stretchy pants and dust off your running shoes. We have a beautiful new terminal at the airport, sparkling educational facilities with more being built, strong medical facilities, infrastructure ready to accept manufacturing plants and jobs, record growth, and regrowth in areas of the city that were once left to rot. Renovations are happening everywhere you look. This is the right place at the right time. For that, I am so thankful that Texarkana is my home and where I chose to stay, live, love, and play.
I do miss the cows that once dotted the landscape on Richmond Road, before they were replaced by a gas station and a cinema (now a chicken restaurant, a Target, and a Starbucks). I miss being able to get anywhere in town in ten minutes. Now, like many people, I just hope to get over the I-30 bridge and through the lights on Richmond in ten minutes. But, with all progress comes compromise. The only options in life are to progress, digress, or be acted upon. I am grateful that this community has chosen to take the bull by the horns and progress, the results of which are so much greater than the compromises.
As I head back to the ball parks this year to watch my favorite little boy play, I know I will run into many of my old friends from high school, who, after a four-year stint away for college, happily returned to their hometown and put down roots in Texarkana. These days, kids come here to go to college. That, too, says so much about the growth of this quirky town straddling two states in Middle America. We are uniquely TXK USA.
I hope you enjoy all of the exciting news we have to share in this issue, and as always, thanks for reading Four States Living Magazine
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Symmetry Sports Construction
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Gammon
Baylor McLelland
Ellen Orr
Brandon Shoemaker
Brooke Stone
Phoebe Warren
Ruth Ellen Whitt
Four States Living Magazine is published the first business day of every month. © Copyright 2025 by Four States Living Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Four States Living Magazine is distributed free of charge. Direct mail subscriptions are $40.00 per year. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material contributed.
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ON THE COVER APRIL 2025
Over the last four decades, thousands of young athletes have enjoyed the ballparks and soccer fields at the Swanger Complex and Grady T. Wallace Park. Now, those beloved public amenities are being revitalized for generations of athletes to come.
Read about the updates of two of Texarkana’s beloved sports complexes on page 44.
Rob Sitterley, the president and CEO of AR-TX REDI, is at the helm as Texarkana grows as a hub for industry, education, and entrepreneurship.
Read about Texarkana’s big projects on page 16.
EARTHLY GOOD
Dr. James Anthony Morris
uplifts communities with financial expertise and spiritual guidance
by ELLEN ORR
When Dr. James Morris was just a small child, both of his grandmothers insisted that he was going to grow up to be a bishop.
“My paternal grandmother said I was going to be a Methodist bishop, and my maternal grandmother said I was going to be a Baptist bishop. And I said, ‘No, I’m going into business,’” James laughed. “I carried a leather briefcase that my paternal grandma’s white boss had discarded. They teased me in my old neighborhood because I had my leather briefcase and a trenchcoat.”
The “old neighborhood” was the South Side of Memphis, Tennessee, where James was born, raised, and educated from grade school through a bachelor’s in political science and anthropology from the University of Memphis (then Memphis State). By early adulthood, he had traded his businessman aspirations for law-school goals, but a family tragedy upended his plans: James’ father died by suicide and left his mother and brother without the resources to keep their home.
In order to provide for his family, James took a sales job at IBM and began climbing the ranks in what turned out to be a lucrative 20-plus–year career with the company. He managed over 100 employees spread throughout the United States, traveled domestically and internationally with the company, concurrently earned an MBA, and made a name for himself as he learned every aspect of the business. But, eventually, the high-pressure, fast-paced job caught up to him: his blood pressure was high, colleagues were dying of heart attacks, and his doctor advised him that something had to change. James had reached the highest age his father ever saw, and he was not ready to die.
“I decided to do something I wanted to do,” he said. Proving his grandmothers right, he enrolled in seminary at SMU Perkins School of Theology. Here, he found the words for the theological perspective he’d held his whole life:
“I’m a Christian realist,” James said. “I don’t see things as they should be, or high-pie-in-the-sky. I see things as they are now, and I’m going to deal with whatever comes, whether it’s poverty, homelessness,
Top to bottom: Dr. Morris with his mother, Essie Morris Jackson. Texarkana NAACP 35th Freedom Fund Awards Banquet with Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President of Jarvis Christian University. Dr. Morris with his fraternity brother, Hakeem Jeffries, who is Minority Speaker of the House, at the Jubilee Celebration on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
“ ”
I get offers from other churches wanting me to be their pastor and asking my bishop if they can transfer me. I choose to stay here. I’m integrated into the community.
– Dr. James Morris
illiteracy, racial inequality, or anything else. A phrase that I use a lot, which I got from somebody else, is, ‘Don’t be so heavenly-bound that you’re no earthly good.’”
Social justice is a foundational tenet of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) faith tradition. Notable activists affiliated with the church include Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Rev. Oliver L. Brown of Brown vs. Board of Education, and Underground Railroad leader John M. Brown. The Christian denomination emphasizes civic action, higher education, and service. James saw these values firsthand growing up, as his paternal family belonged to an AME congregation in Memphis. As an adult, he was certain that this was the denomination for him.
After completing a master’s degree at SMU, James began the process of becoming ordained in the AME church. He also worked at New York Life Insurance Company, serving primarily small church communities in DFW.
“I would do presentations at churches before or after their Bible studies on Wednesdays, and I would say, ‘For this much money, you don’t have to be stressed about how you’re going to put somebody in the ground,’” he recalled. “I saw it as a ministry.”
Simultaneously, James was pursuing a doctorate of ministry from the United Theology Seminary, which he completed in 2016. This momentous achievement, however, was not the most life-changing event of the year for James. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District (and the first woman to be elected bishop within the denomination), asked James for a favor.
The bishop asked James if he would take a temporary assignment in Texarkana—to serve as pastor of Hamilton Memorial AME Church until a permanent replacement could be found. Additionally, she hoped that James, with his extensive background in both finance and insurance, could help restore the church, which had fallen into disrepair. James, who had only lived in major metropolitan areas, agreed to bridge the gap. He moved to Texarkana for a one-year position.
A decade later, James is still the pastor at Hamilton Memorial AME Church.
Under his leadership, the church has obtained new roofing, HVAC units, LED energy-saving lights, signage, tables, chairs, landscaping, paint, and street paving around the church. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has added a livestream of their services. They have twice been awarded Church of the Year at the AME North Texas Annual Conference.
At the conference each year, James finds himself approached by members of other congregations in need of a pastor.
“In all honesty, every time we go to our annual conference, I get offers from other churches wanting me to be their pastor and asking
Dr. Morris participated in a readers theatre hosted by the Texarkana Arkansas Parks & Recreation for their Black History Month celebration. He played the role of Dr. Percy Julian, a pioneer research chemist.
my bishop if they can transfer me,” he said. “I choose to stay here. I’m integrated into the community.”
That may be an understatement: James is the president of the NAACP Greater Texarkana Chapter, president-elect of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, and past-president of the Texarkana Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He serves in the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. He has taught ethics at both Texarkana College and Texas A&M–Texarkana. And, four years ago, James moved his mother, Essie Morris Jackson, to Texarkana—a testament to his commitment to this community.
“I got into things,” he said, “and now—well, I wouldn’t trade my yoga class at Hardy Memorial [with Lynnel Westerman] for anything.”
James admitted that he does miss the features of big-city life—global cuisines and the arts in particular. “I love museums, concerts, the ballet, the theater,” he said. “I miss restaurants, and I miss the arts.”
James channels this passion into his work with the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC); he is on the board of directors and is also a member of the TRAHC African American Committee (TAAC). TAAC is responsible for an annual exhibit during Black History Month; this year, they sponsored the Good Trouble Quilts exhibition, featuring 35 quilted pieces honoring the late Congressman John Lewis. And, for nearly 20 years, TAAC has presented the annual Dr. Teretha F. Harper Readers Theater, wherein, through dramatic portrayals, audiences learn about key figures and events in Black American history. Recently, smaller readers-theater events have “spun off,” James said; in fact, in late February, he performed at the Arkansas Southwest Center, portraying Dr. Percy Lavon Julian.
As James approaches the 10th anniversary of his move to Texarkana, he is not slowing down. In fact, only a few months into his term as NAACP chapter president, he is excited to leverage his new role to effect even more community change. He is primarily concerned with education—of children and adults, both formal and informal. He works directly with schools and local literacy programs to provide not only academic enrichment but also practical knowledge—things like how to pursue higher education, open and operate a small business, interview for jobs, and become more civically involved.
Dr. James Morris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his work in Texarkana, and his financial expertise serves him and the community well. However, James said that his foundational ethic does not require an MBA to understand.
“I live by what I call ‘the anti-poverty program,’” he said. “‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was naked, and you gave me some clothes.’”
Dr. Morris volunteering at Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter.
ABOUT TOWN
CHRISTUS ST. MICHAEL HELD ITS ANNUAL FOUNDATION GALA AT THE TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH.
Rachael and Josh Potter
Leon and Beth Pesek Lilia and Dr. Ross Alexander Ron and Vee Collins
Stephanie Campbell-Bolt and Madeline Robbins
Kim and Bruce Hornbuckle
Lauren and Chris Richards
Jeanna and Mike Rogers
Sylvia and Mike Ingram
James Bramlett and Mignon Alexander with Will and Anna Humphrey
Tom and Debra Moore
Judge Sherry Hawkins, Dr. Jo Kahler, Dr. Susan Keeney, and Dr. Gregory Montoya
Robert and Suzy Irwin
Cindy and Charles Pankey
Jacob Hill and Haley Rushing-Hill
Amber Adams and David Karchut Jason and Kerry Eppinette
Francine Francis and Suki O’Neal
Jerry and Yulin Brewer
Rae Parks and Dr. Loren Robinson
Greg Francis and Lauren Callaway-Francis Dean and LaCrecia Barry Emily and Gabe Tarr
AR-TX REDI guides the region’s rise
Texarkana USA is on the move, and it’s a sight to behold. A gleaming new airport terminal welcomes newcomers, a fiber optic network will soon pulse underground, and three megasites stand ready to redefine the future. In 2024, the Arkansas Manufacturing Center earned a rare Silver Grade from the Site Selectors Guild, the East Texas Logistics Center landed a $1.5 billion data center prospect, and the TexAmericas Center was ranked third nationally by Business Facilities Magazine. This isn’t just progress—it’s transformation, and Texarkana’s people are driving it. Since 2019, Rob Sitterly, ARTX REDI’s president and CEO, has been the guide, steering the region with a multipronged plan that’s turning potential into prosperity, one bold step at a time.
When Rob arrived in 2019, he saw a region brimming with promise.
“I could sense the spirit and legacy of this wonderful place created through generations of hardworking individuals,” he said. The challenge? To unlock that potential with unity. In a community where business and government once stood at odds, Texarkana USA now thrives on collaboration—loyal, dedicated folks coming together with one
voice. That spirit shone through in the 2019 Texarkana Aluminum expansion, shepherded by the Nash city manager, which sparked hundreds of millions in investment and hundreds of jobs. It proved the region could win through partnership, a spark that ignited a renaissance blending grassroots grit with big ambition.
Texarkana’s megasites are the backbone of this rise, and Rob’s guiding hand keeps them humming. The REDI Arkansas Manufacturing Center (which occupies 1,350 acres along I-30 and Highway 67) hit a milestone in 2024 with its Silver Grade certification—elite status for industry readiness. Just 300 miles from eight major cities such as Dallas and Houston, it’s drawn heavy hitters, including a near-miss electric vehicle plant.
“This isn’t just land—it’s a launchpad in an incredibly aggressive state,” Rob said. Municipal partners like the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Miller County bolstered it with infrastructure, crafting a blueprint for growth.
Across the border, the REDI East Texas Logistics Center and TexAmericas Center match that promise. Spanning 847
REDI Arkansas Manufacturing Center site
East Texas Logistics Data Center site
TexAmericas Center site
Rob Sitterley saw great potential in the Texarkana area, and that potential is now becoming reality. submitted photo
acres and 12,000 acres respectively, with I-30 frontage and I-49 nearby, both are primed for action, thanks to Texas Department of Transportation and EDA upgrades. A $1.5 billion artificial intelligence data center campus (350 jobs) is being planned on the REDI site, while TexAmericas chases multiple impressive projects. “We’re talking advanced manufacturing, logistics, and tech that put us on the map,” Rob beamed.
Together, these sites—manufacturing muscle in Arkansas, shipping and tech savvy in Texas—showcase Texarkana USA’s dualthreat prowess, guided by a leader who sees the whole board.
Rob’s plan doesn’t stop at megasites; it’s a full-spectrum push. In late 2024, a 131-mile fiber optic network deal with Bowie County, Texarkana College, and Four States Fiber was inked, with construction days away. “It’s a necessary utility for survival in the digital age,” Rob insisted.
TerraVolta Resources’ $1.2 billion lithium project, spanning Miller and Bowie Counties, landed a $225 million Department of Energy grant with REDI’s partnership, promising 125 jobs.
The Texarkana Regional Airport’s transformation is a crown jewel; its new terminal opened in July 2024, boosting first-class amenities and connectivity. But it didn’t stop there. REDI’s vision to lengthen and strengthen the runway, taxiways, and aprons has secured $31.2 million from federal sources, $16.8 million from Arkansas leadership, and $22 million in the works from Texas—nearly $70 million total, unattached to a single project yet poised to create over 300 aerospace jobs in phase one.
Texarkana College, Texas A&M–Texarkana, and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana keep talent flowing—like reviving the airport’s airframe and powerplant school—while both Cities of Texarkana ensure the infrastructure holds strong.
The Texarkana Regional Airport
photo by NICHOLE HOLZE
Then there’s The Assembly Line, Texarkana’s answer to entrepreneurial dreams, modeled after South Florida’s thriving 1909 creator space. Set to open in late 2025, this hub—backed by $2 million from the City of Texarkana, Texas, and $300,000 from Texas A&M–Texarkana for staff—will offer coworking spaces, business accelerator programs, and mentorship to spark homegrown innovation. “We’re nurturing the next big idea right here,” Rob said. Partnering with the 1909 Foundation, REDI is building an ecosystem where startups thrive, proving Texarkana can innovate from within.
The REDI-Set-Move program, powered by MakeMyMove, turbocharges that momentum. In 2024, it racked up over 5,400 applications to move to Texarkana USA, relocated seven families by December, and notched over 860,000 impressions—making Texarkana a top performer on the platform. Targeting remote workers and entrepreneurs with incentives, it’s diversifying the talent pool while showcasing the region’s appeal.
eyeing a $225 million investment for 150 jobs, with a final visit slated within the next 30 days. An IT company has purchased 600 acres in Bowie County, focusing on artificial intelligence tech growth. And after years of courtship with REDI, Amazon’s $20 million last-mile facility (100 jobs) is rising at the Robert Maxwell Industrial Park.
“ ”
Rob’s leadership has sparked significant investment—hundreds of jobs across tech, manufacturing, logistics, and energy—lifting the region skyward.
– Jerry Kenney
“We’re building tomorrow’s Texarkana today,” Rob declared in REDI’s latest year-end report. It’s a multi-faceted play—enterprise infrastructure meets grassroots spirit—guided by a vision that balances big wins with local roots.
Even more is on the horizon. Project HT USA is exploring a $700 million textile plant that could bring 3,000 jobs across 4.5 million square feet—talks are simmering, not sealed. A wood products firm is
“Rob’s leadership has sparked significant investment—hundreds of jobs across tech, manufacturing, logistics, and energy—lifting the region skyward,” said Jerry Kenney of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation.
As 2024 fades, Texarkana’s ascent is undeniable, powered by a unified community effort. From the Arkansas Manufacturing Center’s industrial might to the East Texas Logistics Center and TexAmericas Center’s high-tech hustle to a reimagined airport, this region’s firing on all cylinders. The Assembly Line and REDI-Set-Move add the human spark— talent, innovation, community—while Rob guides it with a steady hand. He’s quick to share credit: “I’m just a cog in a powerful machine, fueled by leaders like Sonja Hubbard, Cary Patterson, Dean Barry, James Henry Russell, and Steve Ledwell, alongside our academic and municipal partners,” he said.
Texarkana’s not just on the map—it’s rewriting it, and the future is unmistakably bright.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE TEMPLE MEMORIAL PEDIATRIC CENTER HELD ITS ANNUAL DANCING WITH OUR STARS AT THE NORTHRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ON SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST.
Cody Adams, Amber Adams, Donnie Spriggs, and Ashley Allday
Jasmine and Austin Cree
Erin Radford and Erin Blackburn
Lisa Sitterley, Judge Sherry Hawkins, and Tanya Dunlap
Kyle and Eden White
Pete and Micheal Mankins
Queenie Miller and Chip Chipman
Morgan Pritchett and Billie Pritchett
Eden White, Madeline Robbins, Victoria Herman, and Jasmine Cree
Tyler and Megan Griffin
Sandy Varner and Gina Parish Kory and Kelsey Crews Will Norton and Madeline Haak Brett and Kristen Hutson
Cameron and Amanda Flores Madison Goodman and Billy Lavender
Carli and Garrett Durmon with “Kid of the Year” Owen Durmon and Hallie Durmon Michael and Morgan Ward Collins and Dr. Nick Cockerell
THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROTECTION
Malachi Smith learns the insurance ropes from his mother, veteran broker Teresa Smith
by BRANDON SHOEMAKER
In a cozy office in Texarkana, a unique insurance agency thrives— not just on policies and premiums but on trust, loyalty, and a deeprooted sense of family. For Teresa Smith and her son, Malachi, partners at Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services (formerly known as Barry Insurance Agency), running a business together has been more than a professional journey. It’s been a personal one, strengthening their bond while serving their community.
The agency began in 1961 when Dean Barry first opened its doors. Teresa joined the team in 1987, and over the years, she climbed the ranks, balancing sales with management. When Dean retired, Teresa and a partner seized the opportunity to buy the agency in 2004. Around a decade later, she became the sole owner.
“I rocked and rolled, pulled my hair out, and scrambled,” Teresa said with a chuckle, reflecting on those early years. But with hard work and faith, she grew the business, eventually partnering with Higginbotham in 2019. That move provided the agency with broader resources and opened the door for her son to join the team.
For Teresa and Malachi, being local business owners is about more than running a profitable agency. It’s also about maintaining solid relationships with their clients and contributing to the community that’s supported them for decades. Teresa noted that she prides herself on “having a hometown feel [where clients] know they can drop by this office and talk to us or the wonderful ladies in this office,” she said. “We’re a team.”
It wasn’t the path Malachi originally envisioned for himself. But, after 16 years as a welder at Red River Army Depot, the intense physical demands of the job began taking their toll. He recalled his mother hinting at the idea of joining the agency, but never pushing. When welding began to feel unsustainable, he saw an opportunity.
“I just didn’t want to be a welder for the rest of my life. It’s hard on your body. I thought, ‘Let me try the insurance thing.’ Six years later, here I am. I’m stuck now,” Malachi joked. Despite his sense of humor, his dedication is clear. “I love meeting new people and getting involved,” he said.
The agency’s community service and contributions do not end with providing insurance. They sponsor local nonprofits like Hospice of Texarkana, Harvest Regional Food Bank, and Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, supporting causes whether the organizations are clients or not.
Working with family isn’t always easy, but Teresa and Malachi have found their rhythm. They maintain clear boundaries, leave personal disagreements at the door, and take a sort of church-and-state approach, separating work from family life as much as possible.
“We have an understanding,” Teresa explained, describing how even phone calls have a clear delineation. When Malachi calls Teresa for personal matters, he starts with, “Hey, Mom.” “If it’s work, it’s, ‘Hey, Boss,’” Teresa laughed.
The balance isn’t always perfect, but they both agree the time they’ve spent together—time they might not have had otherwise—has been invaluable.
“It’s great spending more time with her at this stage of my life, learning from her,” Malachi said.
Teresa nodded in agreement. “It’s the same for me,” she said. “Being able to spend time with my son, to teach him what I can, but also knowing when to let go of that and let him do it his own way.”
submitted photo
Members of the Smith family at Thanksgiving dinner.
photo
He taught me to work hard, be honest, and earn what I wanted. I went to work for him when I was 12 loading bread trucks.
– Teresa Smith on learning from her father
”
Now that Malachi has come on board, Teresa, who’s been in the insurance industry since she was 18, is eyeing retirement. She hopes to implement her exit strategy in the near future—though she admits she will stick around longer if needed.
“I love to fish. I love to camp. I love to go to my cabin on the river. I like to travel. I want to be able to do that while I’m still fairly young,” she said with a smile. “I’m ready . . . but I’m always just a phone call [away].”
While looking toward the transition process, the agency is also focused on growth. Teresa and Malachi are searching for new team members, as well as new clients, to ensure the agency continues thriving. With Higginbotham’s extensive training resources and their close-knit team, they’re confident the business will keep expanding while staying true to their local, personal touch.
“We’re here to grow; it’s not going to get stagnant,” Malachi said. From the agency’s days as Barry Insurance, “it’s a staple,” he said. “We’re going to keep it that way.”
As Teresa spoke of her experience, one theme emerged repeatedly: faith. She credited God for guiding her through tough times, including the decision to partner with Higginbotham, a company she described as familyoriented and values-driven. All during her career, “God has always had my back,” she shared.
Teresa also credited her father for shaping her work ethic. “He taught me to work hard, be honest, and earn what I wanted. I went to work for him when I was 12 loading bread trucks.”
That same grit and determination now fuel Malachi.
For this mother-and-son team, success isn’t measured in numbers but in the relationships they’ve built with their clients, community, and each other. Their partnership has proven that business and family can mix, with the right balance of respect, patience, and love.
“I can’t think of any negative,” Teresa said. “It’s been fun.”
photo by SHANE DARBY
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION LOCAL TEXARKANA CHAPTER AWARDED THE WINNERS OF THEIR ANNUAL ESSAY AND VIDEO CONTEST ON FEBRUARY 28TH.
7th Grade Essay Winner: JoJo McDaniel
5th Grade Essay Winner: Tracy Altenbaumer
6th Grade Essay Winner: Amelia Taylor
Video Winner: Anna Schroeder
8th Grade Essay Winner: Colt Jerry
THE VOYAGE HOME
Jasmine Cree and Madeline Haak combine their talents to create a social media profile that showcases Texarkana
by PHOEBE WARREN
Friends Jasmine Cree and Madeline Haak are both proud to call Texarkana their hometown. Their bond blossomed on the volleyball court at Pleasant Grove High School, where they quickly became inseparable. Over the years, their connection has only deepened.
Jasmine and Madeline, who both hold master’s degrees in communication, now work together at a local business. When Jasmine had the idea for a proTexarkana social media page, she asked Madeline to help.
“When I had the idea to start Texarkana Odyssey, there was no doubt in my mind that I would need a partner—and I knew exactly who to ask,” she said. “Since Madeline and I already worked so well together and sat just a few feet apart at work, she was the first person I turned to.”
Madeline immediately agreed. “I said, ‘I’m in. Just tell me how we can get this thing started,’” she recalled. “I thought it was such a fantastic idea. The rest is history.”
On February 2nd, 2024, The Texarkana Odyssey officially launched. The Texarkana Odyssey (@thetxkodyssey on Instagram) is a multiplatform social media presence aimed at showcasing the best of Texarkana for both locals and visitors. Its goal is to celebrate the area’s “fun, food, entertainment, and adventures.” By helping to bolster the status of local businesses here in Texarkana, Jasmine and Madeline hope to increase community spirit and attract people who might be weighing their options of where to settle down and invest their abilities and resources.
Jasmine and Madeline’s desire to see growth in Texarkana stems from their own plans to plant their roots here and raise their families in the area.
“Madeline and I are both born and raised right here in Texarkana— we are local, homegrown girls who genuinely care about this community,” Jasmine said. “Because of that, everything we do comes from a place of authentic love and pride for our city. We’re invested in how our town is seen and celebrated.”
Madeline admitted that the journey back home was not what she or Jasmine had in mind when they were in college but that it has changed their lives for the better. “Jasmine and I were both reluctant to come back home after college, but this reluctance was the result of ignorance on both of our parts,” she said. “We were young ladies assuming the grass was greener elsewhere. I will be the first to report on the accuracy of the age-old adage, ‘The grass is greener where you water it.’ If you get involved and invest your time in Texarkana, [you’ll discover] there are so many good people here doing great things for the betterment of this community.”
Creating relationships between consumers and businesses is very rewarding because you know that both are benefiting from the exchange in some way. “
– Madeline Haak ”
Recently, they have embarked on a new venture to monetize their passion by offering marketing services. Their aim is to collaborate with local businesses and organizations, helping them to build their brand and highlight what makes their business unique.
Jasmine and Madeline possess a unique edge as business partners: a profound understanding of one another, along with a genuine appreciation for both their similarities and differences. Both women are ambitious, which Madeline attributes to their status as the elder sibling in their families.
“We often discuss how being big sisters basically made us CEOs since our playground days,” Madeline said. “I’m convinced our brains came with no ‘off’ switches, and we would go crazy if we didn’t have a creative outlet like The Texarkana Odyssey to pour into.”
Their ambition manifests in different ways.
“Jasmine brings a sense of calm to our business partnership and our friendship,” Madeline explained. “She is a visionary who prioritizes quality over quantity and has such a keen eye for aesthetics. She dreams something up, and then she breathes life into it. Me, I’m the wordsmith, the productivity pusher, making sure we keep things moving. I think we are the perfect mix of style and strategy.”
Teamwork is especially critical for the two friends, as they each have packed schedules outside of The Texarkana Odyssey.
“The most challenging aspect of [running] The Texarkana Odyssey
is staying up-to-date with current happenings, as we’re both busy women with full-time jobs,” Jasmine said. “We can’t allow ourselves to be late in posting about events or trending products and services because that means we’ve missed a major opportunity to reach people and impact their behaviors and choices.”
Luckily, this dream team stays knowledgeable about events through their active involvement in the community. Both Jasmine and Madeline are active in LNK TXK, Junior League, and Leadership Texarkana. The pair also has to make time to capture content for local businesses. “Thankfully, supporting local is something we already do on a weekly basis, so it isn’t too much of a struggle to snap a few pictures of dinner or capture some video footage to make into a reel,” Jasmine said.
The Texarkana Odyssey is an online passion project fueled by the real-world results that Jasmine and Madeline see.
“The most rewarding part about our work with The Texarkana Odyssey is seeing how small businesses benefit from our promotion online,” Madeline said. “Creating relationships between consumers and businesses is very rewarding because you know that both are benefiting from the exchange in some way.”
Jasmine agreed that the reward from this line of work is the betterment of Texarkana. “Our goal is to uplift our community and show people— whether they’re locals or visitors—that Texarkana has so much to offer,” she said.
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SCENE ABOUT TOWN
THE SECOND ANNUAL WE ARE WASHINGTON GALA WAS HELD AT THE TEXARKANA CONVENTION CENTER ON THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH.
Austin and Jasmine Cree
Grace McGuire and Darrah McGuire
Amy Tankersley, Brooke Marshall, and Kyndel Griffith
Cody Deal, Chris Baca, Brett Hutson, Braxton Langdon, and Trey Dickens
Zhane Fort and Stephanie Fort
Back: Barbara Freeman and Emily Hamilton
Front: Sonya Freeze and Mindy Williams
Terry Knighton and Kaitlin Fannin
Pamela Beck with Michala and Jon Robert Beck
James Syler and Heather James Krysti and Ryan Wall
Corey and Tara McElroy
Lacey and David Ramsey
EXQUISITE INTERIORS
WESTERN LUXURY
by PHOEBE WARREN photography by SHANE DARBY
Cindy and Tom Simmons lived on a large property in Red Lick for over 20 years before deciding to move to a one-acre lot in the Northridge Country Club neighborhood. Though the couple loved the area and their neighbors, they just couldn’t adjust to living on a much smaller lot, and Cindy missed having her horses at home. (A proud member of the National Reining Horse Association, Cindy has always embraced her inner cowgirl and boasts several awards from the NRHA.) In 2023, when the couple saw a listing for an old hunting lodge built for weekend getaways, they jumped on the opportunity to purchase it—along with a parcel of land.
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The couple set out to turn this four-bedroom, five-bath retreat into their dream home. They began by clearing shotgun shells from the yard, sprucing up the landscaping, and constructing a barn on the property to provide a cozy home for Cindy’s beloved horses, Titan and Stassi.
For Cindy, the essence of home is captured through antlers, leather, and horses. As guests arrive, they are welcomed by two iron deer statues nestled in an alcove near the entrance. Above the foyer and dining room, two grand chandeliers made from deer antlers cast a warm glow over the open space. The inviting leather sofas, majestic stone fireplace, and collection of horse-reining awards displayed on the mantle create a perfect backdrop for this western-themed sanctuary. Among the standout pieces in this area are a beautifully adorned cow skull (a gift from friend Anna Tinnon) and a vintage tricycle from the 1800s designed to resemble a racing horse. Adjacent to the living area, a cheerful sunroom features distressed white-painted floors and an array of antique decor.
Cindy Simmons and Titan
EXQUISITE INTERIORS
To the left, the kitchen offers a more modern appeal, showcasing cabinets in neutral hues, sleek stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. A striking painting of wild stallions adorns the adjacent wall.
Beyond the living area, the dining room features a wooden dining table enhanced with iron details. The aesthetic is further enriched by leather placemats and chairs, elegant silver vases, and weathered turquoise candle holders. A prominent taxidermy display is positioned near the entrance to the screened-in porch.
In the primary suite, a beautifully carved bedroom set, paired with a floral-patterned chaise lounge, introduces a touch of classic elegance to the space. Two saddles showcased in the room continue the western theme. The adjoining bathroom strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary styles, featuring patterned tile flooring, a dark wood–encased soaking tub, and a walk-in shower complete with a floorto-ceiling glass door.
Tom’s study is located in a loft that provides a view of the living area below. The back wall is adorned with a floorto-ceiling mahogany bookcase. Close by, a glass curio cabinet showcases pewter figurines of classic airplanes and cars. Other antique treasures, such as a wooden cuckoo clock and a Tiffany stained-glass lamp, enhance the warm ambiance of his inviting office.
Although the interior now truly feels like home, Cindy still prefers to be outdoors as much as she can. The exterior of the home is a gorgeous nod to the structure’s origin as a hunting lodge. Stone and wood are the predominant materials used in the structure, and shrubbery and agave plants around the house create that ranchstyle atmosphere. A shaded patio area at the base of the house provides great views, and the pond and pastures provide plenty of outdoor space for various activities.
The Simmonses jumped on the opportunity to create their ranch dream home and couldn’t be happier with the result. On any given day, visitors are likely to find Tom in his study while Cindy and Titan charge through the fields, wild and free.
Fields of Dreams
by BROOKE STONE
The Swanger Baseball and Grady T. Wallace Soccer Complexes undergo revitalization
photo by SHANE DARBY
Left to right: David Orr (City of Texarkana, Texas, City Manager), Dusty Henslee (City of Texarkana, Texas, Public Works Director), Kayla Wood (Design Engineer, MTG Engineers), Ross Cowling (City of Texarkana, Texas, Parks and Recreation Sports & League Manager), Robby Robertson (City of Texarkana, Texas, Director of Parks and Recreation), Blair Pifer (Design Build Coordinator, Symmetry Sports Construction), Nathan Rowland (Project Manager, Symmetry Sports Construction)
For decades, the sports complexes of Texarkana, Texas, have been more than just ball fields—they’ve been beloved spaces where friendships are forged, rivalries take shape, and generations of athletes create lifelong memories. From the excitement of youth league games to the roar of regional tournaments, these facilities have shaped generations of athletes and fans alike. Now, after years of dreaming, planning, and securing the necessary funding, the City of Texarkana, Texas, is in the final stages of a long-anticipated transformation of two of its well-loved sports facilities: the Swanger Baseball and Grady T. Wallace Soccer Complexes.
Each of these venues carries a rich legacy. Within Spring Lake Park, the Swanger Complex stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to youth athletics. Named after Mayor Durwood Swanger, the complex was originally built in the 1980s as a modern facility for baseball and softball, hosting countless games and tournaments over the years for the Texarkana, TX Dixie Youth Baseball league and regional visitors. Similarly, the Grady T. Wallace Soccer Complex, named in honor of a dedicated civic leader and advocate for youth sports, became a cornerstone of the Texarkana Soccer Association. Built in the same era, it helped establish the city as a regional hub for competitive soccer.
Director of Parks and Recreation Robby Robertson has looked forward to these renovations for over 20 years. “We are thrilled to see the hard work of so many pay off and see these upgrades come to completion,” he said. “It has been many years in the making, and we look forward to having these complexes carry on memories for generations to come.”
Throughout the years, these complexes have hosted countless soccer matches, Little League games, high school showdowns, and competitive tournaments. But, with such heavy use, even the best-maintained facilities inevitably show signs of wear. Despite the dedication of
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municipal maintenance crews, time and constant play took their toll, leaving fields, structures, and amenities in need of a major refresh.
For over a decade, there has been a vision of transforming these complexes into premier destinations for sports tournaments across the region. That vision began taking shape in the summer of 2023 when the City partnered with design engineer Kayla Wood of MTG Engineering, a respected local firm. Through strategic meetings and collaborations, the team brought in project manager Nathan Rowland, design build director Nick Robertson, and design build coordinator Blair Pifer, all with Symmetry Sports Construction, a renowned statewide sports construction company that has built toptier athletic facilities, from high school stadiums to university complexes at Texas Tech and Texas A&M University.
The Symmetry Sports Construction team is known for designing and building high-quality athletic fields, but their Texarkana projects go beyond their usual scope by incorporating concession stands and restroom facilities.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to design and construct the building structures in addition to the sports fields,” Nathan said. “It was a challenge we were more than willing to accept, and the collaboration with everyone involved has been truly incredible.”
This longstanding vision for improved sports facilities took copious dedication to ensure that the dream of revitalization didn’t
fall by the wayside. Long before the first shovel hit the ground, municipal leaders and staff put in countless hours assessing needs and bringing together the right partners to make this dream a reality.
For City Manager David Orr, having watched his own children compete on these very fields, the project is more than just a city initiative—it is an investment in the future of Texarkana’s sports community.
“These fields have meant so much to my family, and I’ve seen how important they are for so many others,” he said. “Now, with these improvements, we look forward to watching more kids develop their skills and create memories playing the game they love—whether they’re local youth athletes or visiting for a tournament.”
Like any major revitalization project, the first step was securing the necessary funding. For a project of this scale, the city turned to its CFO, Kristin Peeples, who began the bond process April 2023 as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget planning.
To determine how much funding was available, the team relied on estimated property values to calculate anticipated property tax revenue and assess whether there was enough to support new debt. From there, the Budget Advisory Committee, a citizen-led group, worked alongside the city council in May and June 2023 to identify and prioritize key capital projects.
In July 2023, the City moved forward with the formal issuance of Certificates of Obligation (COs)—a type of municipal bond used to fund public projects. In September 2023, the city council approved the issuance of the COs, securing $14.7 million in funding, which was received in October 2023.
The total cost for the Grady T. Wallace Park project is $3,322,174.09, with $2 million funded through bond proceeds and the remaining amount from other sources. The Spring Lake Park project, which includes Swanger Complex, totals $9,420,829.70, with $8.1 million coming from bond funds and the rest from additional funding sources.
Once funding was secured, the City, MTG Engineers & Surveyors, and Symmetry began planning, with the first soil samples taken in December 2023. While awaiting the results, MTG conducted land surveys, and construction plans were finalized and approved. In July 2024, dirt work commenced at both complexes, officially marking the start of construction.
Grady T. Wallace Soccer Complex now boasts a fully turfed field, marked to accommodate games for teams of all sizes, from youth to adult matches. Additionally, new grass has been installed on other soccer fields, along with newly paved sidewalks, an upgraded entrance, and renovated restrooms and concession stands.
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Swanger Ballpark has received significant upgrades across all five fields, including new turf, state-of-the-art concession stands, modernized restrooms, and a covered, turfed common area designed for families and visitors. Each field now features covered seating for spectators and sheltered bullpens for players, enhancing both comfort and functionality.
The decision to turf the fields was driven by the experience of Public Works Director Dusty Henslee and the Parks and Recreation’s Sports and League Manager Ross Cowling, the latter of whom has spent years managing the fields. Frequent heavy rains often led to game delays or outright cancellations, and Ross and his team often resorted to raking off excess water manually to preserve playability without damaging the grass.
“It was certainly a challenge to maintain the fields during the rainy season,” he said. “These updated facilities are going to be a game changer for our youth and visitors, and we are excited to provide such remarkable upgrades for our players and their families.”
As a final cherry on top, the City is partnering with the Texas Runs on Water Foundation and the Texas Lyceum to bring in acclaimed artist and Texarkana native Will Bryant to leave his creative mark on the project. Will, a talented artist and designer based in Austin, Texas, has worked on successful campaigns for organizations such as Nike and Mississippi State, blending bold colors and playful energy into his designs. His work will add a vibrant, unique touch to the complex and create an inviting and dynamic atmosphere that enhances the experience for players and spectators alike.
As both complexes near completion, the future of youth sports in Texarkana has never looked brighter. These newly revitalized complexes will not only provide local athletes with top-tier facilities to hone their skills but will also position Texarkana as a premier destination for tournaments and sporting events, bringing new visitors and economic opportunities to the community.
Seeing this transformation come to life has been a rewarding journey for everyone involved. As young athletes take the field and families fill the stands, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that this project will serve as a foundation for growth, competition, and community connection for years to come. Texarkana’s investment in youth sports is more than just an upgrade—it’s a game changer for the entire region.
EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN
by PHOEBE WARREN
“I don’t know if I’ve gotten over the fact that each one of us needs to be responsible for making our country the country it needs to be. We can’t leave it to the government and to other people to do it. Make ourselves a committee of one to address the things that are happening that we know can be erased.”
-Opal Lee
Opal Lee is commonly known as the grandmother of Juneteenth. In 2016, at 89 years old, she launched a walking campaign from her home in Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to emphasize the importance of this significant day. On June 17th, 2021, President Joe Biden officially signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Her extraordinary contributions to social justice continue to inspire many, including Texarkana’s own Jo Ann Rice.
Jo Ann, who was born in the same Tarrant County hospital as Opal Lee, is motivated by the activist’s remarkable life, which demonstrates to her that age does not hinder one’s capacity to create change. “I am inspired by individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and influence to uplift others,” Jo Ann said. “My motivation stems from those who lead with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to affecting positive change.”
Jo Ann Rice’s family moved to Texarkana when she was just 2 years old. She graduated from Dunbar High School, earned her associate’s degree from Texarkana College, and later obtained both a bachelor of science and a master of science from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Jo Ann has been lending her strength and energy to the Texarkana community her entire adult life.
photo by SHANE DARBY
“Anyone who claims there is nothing to do here isn’t engaged in the community,” she said. “With over 100 nonprofit organizations, there is always a way to give back, get involved, and meet incredible people.”
Jo Ann actively participates in numerous local organizations in order to “support education, civic engagement, and community development,” she said. She is a dedicated member of the Bowie County Appraisal District Board, Las Amigas Club, the Greater Texarkana Chapter of the NAACP, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the Northeast Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, the Texarkana Civil Service Commission, the Texarkana ISD Education Foundation, the Texarkana Pan Hellenic Council, the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, the Zeta National Education Foundation, and the Gamma Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta. Despite her busy schedule, Jo Ann also makes time to sing in the church choir and serve on the board at Hamilton Memorial AME Church.
Recently, Jo Ann received recognition from Jarvis Christian University. For seven years, the Jarvis Christian University Texarkana Alumni Association has organized an annual Community Award Celebration to acknowledge individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community. “I was honored to be one of the recipients of the award at the 2025 celebration, which was held on
April 19th at the Liberty-Eylau High School Media Center,” Jo Ann said. “The event’s theme, A Celebration of Legacy, highlighted the impact of service, leadership, and commitment to education and community advancement.”
Jo Ann stands as a cornerstone of her community, actively engaging in various organizations that enable her to contribute to the place where she grew up. “My faith, family, and love for education fuel my commitment to service and advocacy for impactful change,” she expressed. Jo Ann Rice upholds a tradition of leadership and dedication to progress in Texarkana, undoubtedly motivating a new wave of empowered women, much like Opal Lee inspires Jo Ann herself.
Jo Ann with Opal Lee, who was a guest speaker at this year’s annual Tribute to African American Women in Texarkana.
Jo Ann and her daughter, Josette Rice, watching the solar eclipse downtown
Emily in
LIFE’S A PARTY
by EMILY GAMMON
Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I was the annoying kid who wanted to stay in from recess and file papers. It was never meant as a way to “suck up” but rather was just something I really enjoyed. I could play for hours at home, grading pretend papers and teaching lessons to my imaginary students.
As I got older, there were so many other things I became interested in: watching my mom run a successful small business, I learned to interact with customers, take and fulfill orders, count change back (using my brain and not a calculator!). These things were all second-nature to me. When it came time to make a decision for college, I felt the weight of choosing one career for life. It seemed like teaching was a natural move and offered stability, even though my heart wasn’t exactly sure of it.
As time passed and I earned my early-childhood education degree, I remembered the parts of the classroom I had loved: it was mostly the administrative side, coupled with the creative side of executing bulletin boards and themed units. However, I quickly learned that those tasks become overwhelming, back-burner to-dos and not focal points in the everyday shuffle of educating our youth. I also knew that, when I became a mom, I would itch for the flexibility to be with my babies while still working and contributing to our household financially, though I truly had no idea what that might look like.
But, we all know the cliche: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Well, when I set my mind to something, I have plenty of will, so I find a way. And that is exactly what I did.
It took several years of being home to decide what I truly loved and what type of business was sustainable while raising a family. I took what I had learned from growing up under the counter of my mom’s business and coupled it with my love for planning and creativity to launch Texarkana Party People in 2023. Even then, I couldn’t have anticipated the ways my business would grow or how welcoming the people of Texarkana would be.
Planning a celebration, no matter the occasion, can be a vulnerable experience for clients, as planners try to learn every relevant detail about the business or honoree. It requires an incredible amount of communication and collaboration.
In the last two years, I have been invited into people’s homes to decorate for parties and install balloons. I have made friends I likely would have never met otherwise and forged friendships that go far beyond whatever event we were executing. I’ve been able to partner with local caterers, venues, florists, decorators, and other small businesses. I have been invited to sit in planning meetings with groups of people whose names I had only heard and who had felt to me like “hometown heroes”—but I now consider them my friends.
I’ve coordinated leadership meetings for various companies and have gotten a front-row view to the incredible impact of our local businesses on Texarkana.
At Christmas, I sat on the sidelines and watched as a local family-run roofing company honored its employees. I was blown away at the generosity in this company as they recognized at least a dozen employees with personalized gifts— like Dallas Mavericks tickets for a lifetime fan and a PGA golf experience for an employee who spends weekends on the course. On any normal day, I would never have a reason to step foot inside a roofing company, much less see the intentionality and care with which these employees were treated as family.
At another party, I listened as executives shared their statistics on growth and development; I learned that they had doubled their number of employees from
the year before, providing work for 250 local residents. They went on to announce that, even though they were a relatively new company, they were going to begin offering paid time-off. The previous year, they had announced offering insurance benefits. You could see the excitement of the employees as they saw that the executives were listening and pushing for programs to help them.
These moments are more common than many of us know—and this is the thread that weaves the backbone of Texarkana together.
When I look at my career journey of trying to find my place among so many interests, I realize that the common denominator is people. Increasingly so, I’m learning that Texarkana has the best people. The love for this city and the energy that our local business owners put back into investing into our community blows away other cities. There is a small-town feel and network even as our city continues to boom and grow.
I’ll never take for granted each opportunity to partner alongside the families and businesses who truly have become my “Texarkana party people.”
Emily Gammon is a fourth-generation Texarkana native and the owner of Texarkana Party People, a local business dedicated to celebrating life’s big moments. She’s married to Joey, and together they’re raising three energetic boys—John Carter, Jack, and Jace—with a baby girl, Jane Kate, on the way. With a life that’s always fun, busy, and unpredictable, Emily is excited to share her experiences of motherhood, smalltown life, and everything in between in her column.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
FOUR STATES LIVING MAGAZINE’S 2025 BEST OF TEXARKANA™ WINNERS
Four States Living Magazine recently presented plaques to the winners of the Best of Texarkana™ Readers’ Choice Awards. Nomination ballots were submitted at fourstatesliving.com, and the top five finalists in each of the 52 categories were listed online. Participants voted for their choices, and the winners were named. Congratulations to all finalists and winners!
Sydney Wicks
Farmers Bank & Trust
Leha Green, Lauren Lathrop, and Sam Ward - Julie’s Deli & Market
Joshua Potter
Cerria Wimpey - Texas Roadhouse
Megan Freeman-Lewis and Jason Freeman - Freeman Landscape
Eagle Dental Center
Darlene Taylor Craig McDuffie - Ironwood Grill
Dr. Dean Bowman, Rhonda Ivy, Kami Clayton, LaTronya Andrews, and Dustin Young - Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital
Jayme Culberson, Tosha Jackson, Reala Jo Ward, Amber Anthony, Jenna Brown, Shelby Patterson, Laura Hutchings, Elizabeth McClure, Haylee Mudford, and Miranda Haywood - Fringe Hair & Beauty House
Jason Eppinette - Eppinette Construction
Deborah Wright and Sofia Sanchez - Zapata Grill Mexican Cantina
Olivia Eady and Reagan McDaniel - The Rancher’s Wife Boutique
Francisco Perez - Loca Luna Mexican Grill
Holly Young, Judy McGuire, Carmen Shoup, Kelli Ashbrook-Cummings, Madeline Mote, and Alejandra Bass - Kelli Ashbrook State Farm
Elizabeth Jacobsen - Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics & Day Spa
Back to front: Amanda Humphrey, Cindy Pankey, Melissa Douglass, Shane Woodruff, Rebekah Smith, Danny Carroll, Shelby Lloyd, Lexie Daniel, Marion Criddle, and Amanda Henderson - Crocker’s Jewelers
Metler Rafael, Sara Thompson, Makayla Rodriquez, Jake Gerber, Shalena Price, William Rice, and Bryant Allen - Bubba’s 33
Caleb and Shelby Stephens - Four Fifteen Estates Jeff Loving - Chef on the Run
Jason and Rebecca Williams with Jessica Bradley - Café Lucille
Cassidy Lavender - Dreidel Home + Sundry
Dr. Shawn Stussy - Family Medical Group
Vicki McClanahand, Tiffany O’Neal, and Amber Satterfield - The Design Center at Red River Lumber
Gina Dante, Garrett Trim, Brandy Swift, Wes Dyer, Rebecca Dunn, and Sarah Ruff - Four States Furniture
Terrie Arnold and Haley Roeser - Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival
Naaman Neaves - Naaman’s Championship BBQ
James Green, Jaimie Robinson, Sabrina Boyd, Dustin Keener, Bailey Black, and Tracey Sanders - Hilton Garden Inn
Tina Patterson - Redbone Magic Brewing
Billy Lee - Pop’s Place
Samantha Harris - Lonestar Health & Wellness
Charles Nash, Erickah Mathis, James Aiken, Tracy Latham, James Standridge, Camille Coker Wrinkle, Chris York, Callie Buckley, Doug Dietz, James Riley, and James Grant - Harvest Regional Food Bank
Rolando Yanes, Claudia Yanes, Tavo Cruz, Marta Pérez, Adriana Medrano, and Coco Morales (seated) - Paw Paw Patch
Cara Cook - Family Medical Group
George Gawrieh - TLC Burgers & Fries
Makayla Jones - Makayla Jones Photography
Carla Ward and Lauree Tyson - Twin City Title
Colton Langford and Brent Langdon - Langdon Davis Law Firm
Jennifer King, Holly Tucker, Kelly Bixler, Shawn Edmonds, and Sherri Penix - Texarkana Independent School District
Jennifer Telzrow and Markie Cavallaro - Ruth’s Flowers
Glen Bingham - GJump Trampoline Park & Adventure Sports
Back row: Michelle Madrid, Laurie Booker, Lori Rochelle, Christa Murray, Brenda Thomas, Tammy Harvey, Madi Williams, and Teresa Scrivner Front row: Blair Bowden, Mendy Crumpton, Lorie Son, Kayla King, Sarah Hall, Hilary Stovall, and Christina Seidenschwarz - Williams School
Wes Sehon, Adam Spencer, Tony Rains, and Dalton Rains - Wright’s Auto Body & Glass
Leesa Holden, Tamber Moles-Garcia, Porcha Hawkins, Heather Thompson, Sydney Wicks, Whitney Henderson, Manju Pokhrel, Cynthia Cottrill, Laura Long, Janet Willis, Mark Mittelman, Christen Durham, Creamalia Hopkins, Amanda Ables, Allison Wright-Yates, Natasha Crabbe, and Teresa Liepman (seated in front) - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Infinity
Bryan Callaway
Haley Hardin and Donnie Spriggs - Lost Pizza Company
Dr. Rachel King - King Medical Clinic
Patricia Cunningham - Red River Credit Union
Tony Langford - Tony Langford Roofing
To Leadership Texarkana, With Love
by RUTH ELLEN WHITT
After 15 years as the executive director of Leadership Texarkana (LT), I will be stepping away from that position on June 1st. It’s time, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my life. At the same time, I’m extremely proud of the tenfold transformational growth Leadership Texarkana has experienced since 2010.
The original impetus for Leadership Texarkana was, “There aren’t enough people stepping up to lead the way in Texarkana USA.” Since LT’s inception 45 years ago, this statement has been flipped on its head. I am so proud of the growing numbers of citizens who are connecting with Leadership Texarkana, interested in understanding more about their opportunity and responsibility to be a leader in the community. We are a community filled with individuals who are motivated and equipped to step up and lead the way toward community excellence, pride, and progress.
Our M.O. has been to imagine and pursue every creative means toward those ends, not just for participants in the LT flagship program but for every citizen in the community at-large—because every single citizen will benefit from our best outcomes. One successful initiative is the goTXK web presence, which is powered by the reality that people invest themselves in what they love. goTXK’s mission has been to engage with locals regarding who we are, what we value, and what we have going on. An unintended positive consequence has been that the goTXK assets are powerful for recruiting students and visitors to Texarkana USA.
Our community is in competition every day with every community in the nation and the world, for every higher-ed
by SHANE DARBY
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student, patient, gas customer, tourist, cool creative, professional, retail giant, restaurant, grocery, accountant, etc. Industry may require water and power, but every native or newcomer we want to attract as a resident chooses for themselves communities of excellence, however each defines it.
Texarkana can be whatever we choose to make it, as long as we work with intention, take responsibility, and seize opportunity. As my friend Brian Goesl always taught: this is a community where you can make a difference. We all want community excellence; it makes our lives better and attracts others to what we enjoy. To pursue this, we must cultivate what I believe is the most important skill for community leadership: the ability to work together. Knowing how to gather a group and get them to doing—if a person can’t do this, he can’t lead.
A huge part of leadership is inspiring others to join and stick with you and your cause. People like to work with Leadership Texarkana because everyone who shows up is there to serve, to make things better. I believe LT’s voice of positivity has community-wide impact.
The past 15 years of LT progress and impact on Texarkana USA are a testament to the power and potential of what thousands of community leaders can accomplish when they say yes to working together with common vision, pooled investment, and unflagging commitment to community excellence, pride, and progress. I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of LT grads who have generously
supported and advanced LT’s initiatives, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to share leadership wisdom with thousands more business and community leaders of all ages. What a privilege it has been to serve this truly unique organization—in partnership with so many amazing leaders. Leadership Texarkana’s story is definitely not a one-man show!
LT is on a roll, and I believe that Leadership Texarkana’s best future and biggest positive impact on TXK USA is yet to come. Leadership Texarkana has untapped potential for adding excellence to life in Texarkana and is worth the generous support of business and community leaders. There are ever more reasons to keep saying yes, especially given that LT will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2030, only five short years from now.
I can’t think of any community leader better suited to lead Leadership Texarkana into the future than Dr. Jenny Walker. She is a proven-visionary community leader who knows leadership, Texarkana, and Leadership Texarkana. She understands LT’s power and potential—and its mission.
No matter what your work or position in our community, this work yields benefits for you—so say yes to connecting with this amazing organization and yes to investing in this exciting new chapter of Leadership Texarkana.
photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY
Leadership Texarkana celebrated 40 years in 2020.
TOWN
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TEXARKANA HELD THE BATTLE OF THE PADDLE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT AT THE SOUTHWEST CENTER ON SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH.
Jasmine Cree, Caroline Beebe, and Whitney Wiltshire
Carrie Hirmer and Elodia Witterstaetter
Khanh and Christie Bui
Morgan Pritchett and Alissa Flanagan
Maverick Burnside, Carlton Bailey, Nick Reed, and Robert Napier
Joshua New, Joseph Whitecotton, and Paxton Whitecotton
Alex Keilbach and Maycie Covington
Kelly Harvin and Alissa Flanagan
Abbey Fricks and Amari Johnson
Brian Gallion and Edward Hernandez
Haleigh Alexander and Caitlin Semple
Daniel Allen and Brian Briggs
Adison Wright and Taylor Jones
LaTonya Davis and Sonya Hawkins
by BAYLOR M c LELLAND
MEET A RYKER MEADOWS
merican poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” No matter what language you speak or where you come from, music can resonate with any soul. This concept has driven Texas High School senior Ryker Meadows to become a bassoonist and aspiring professional musician.
Ryker began playing instruments in the sixth grade, like many other band students in the Ark-La-Tex. He began with the flute but quickly transitioned to the bassoon. Now, he has been playing the woodwind for six years. Ryker is a member of the award-winning Texas High School marching band. He serves as section leader for the bassoons; although there is only one other bassoonist, the duo make quite an impression with their powerful and versatile instruments. In Ryker’s time in the marching band, he has learned much about teamwork, patience, and the power of music itself.
Ryker described his friends and marching bandmates as some of the biggest influences on him. Whether helping tune instruments, lending reeds, or critiquing sound, generous peers help a musician improve.
Ryker is also a member of the Texas High jazz band, which is a more individual experience. Instead of relying on others for tips and advice, he explained, you have to rely on yourself.
“In jazz band, most of the time, unless you have sections doubling a part, it’s usually one player to a part,” he explained. “So everybody in the jazz band is really important to the music as a whole. The feel is also a lot more free, and there’s improvisation in a lot of the songs. It’s just different music overall, really.”
“
I really didn’t expect to make [first chair] because I hadn’t prepared as much as I’d have liked, but I did, and I was really proud of that.
”
The ability to improve on your sound both by yourself and with others’ advice takes lots of patience and time, two elements Ryker does struggle with. However, he tries to leave enough space in his busy schedule to practice and improve.
As it so happens, his practice and hard work have paid off: Ryker was selected for the prestigious Texas All-State Band earlier this school year, making him the first Texas High band student to do so since 2009. Only the top 2.6% of students who auditioned were chosen. The performance was held this past February in San Antonio as part of the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.
“For bassoon, you have to be first chair in your area to make the allstate band,” Ryker said. “During my sophomore year, I was just one chair away, and I was like, ‘Oh, I can do this,’” he recalled. “But last year, I was actually two chairs away, so I was never selected. Then, this year, I really didn’t expect to make it because I hadn’t prepared as much as I’d have liked, but I did, and I was really proud of that.”
With such a big accomplishment, however, expectations were through the roof for his performance—although the pressure came mostly from himself.
“I was relieved because I finally made it, but there’s kind of an internal pressure,” he said. “‘I should be able to play this. I’m at this level.’ But everyone makes mistakes, even on simple stuff.”
After his performance, Ryker explained that there was a sense of conclusiveness to it all. Just three months before graduation, he had achieved a years-long goal. Now, he has realized, it is time to prepare for his future career as a musician.
Ryker plans to pursue a career in jazz performance, and he already has a handful of performances under his belt. Last June, he performed at the 1923 Banana Club in a jazz ensemble called The Gold Standard, made up of high school and college students. Also last June, he attended the Summer Band Camp Circuit at The University of Texas at Tyler.
This fall, Ryker will enroll at Baylor University’s School of Music in Waco. His future as a musician looks as bright as the field lights during marching season.
Baylor McLelland is a junior at Arkansas High School. He is a reporter for the RazorbackTV program and content creator on his YouTube channel, “BaylorWuzHere.” He plans to graduate in 2026 and pursue a college degree in film.
submitted photos
Ryker with his band director, Arnie Lawson.
Ryker out on the football field at THS.
APRIL 2025
APRIL 1
Networking with a Purpose
LNK TXK is hosting an evening of community and connection. Volunteers will pack food boxes for those in need at Harvest Regional Food Bank. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit the LNK TXK Facebook page.
APRIL 3
FSO Bingo Night
The fourth annual Bingo Night fundraiser benefiting For The Sake of One will be held at the Texarkana Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy bingo, a raffle, and prizes from local businesses. For more information, visit forthesakeofone.com.
CHRISTUS Career Night
Are you a registered nurse, respiratory therapist, or radiology technologist looking for a new career in the healthcare industry? Make plans to be at Lost Pizza Co. between 4 and 7 p.m. for an evening of networking and learning about career opportunities at CHRISTUS Health. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
April 4–13
Four States Fair & Rodeo
The 80th annual Four States Fair & Rodeo will be at the fairgrounds for 10 days. The three featured events this year will be a monster truck rally, a demolition derby, and the rodeo. For more information, visit fourstatesfair.com.
APRIL 10
Distinguished Speaker Series
The Farmers Bank Foundation is bringing former NFL quarterback and sports commentator Tim Tebow to Texarkana as a part of its Distinguished Speaker Series, which benefits scholarships for graduates of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana and Texarkana College who wish to transition to Texas A&M University–Texarkana to complete their bachelor’s degrees. For more information, visit tamut.edu/farmers.
APRIL 12
Pork on a Fork
Runnin’ WJ Ranch and Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc. have teamed up to host a barbecue fundraiser, featuring the musical stylings of the Rick Brown Band. The inaugural Pork on a Fork Fundraiser will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ramage Farms. For more information, visit runninwjranch.com.
Diamonds for Doorways
Habitat for Humanity is set to hold its seventh annual Diamond for Doorways event at Silvermoon on Broad. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit habitattexarkana.org.
APRIL 17
Pedal Punk by Cirque Mechanics
The Texarkana Arts & Humanities Council (TRAHC) presents a theater show that allows viewers to experience the excitement, artistry, and thrill that occurs when a wacky bike shop mechanic interacts with cyclists and bikes. The performance will be held at the Perot Theatre at 7 p.m. For more information, visit perotthreatre.com.
APRIL 19–20
Sushi Nami Easter Weekend Event
Sushi Nami Restaurant is celebrating Easter with egg hunts for kids, as well as a special menu and dessert. For more information, visit Sushi Nami during their business hours, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Sundays).
APRIL 25–26
James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival
The City of Washington, Arkansas, in partnership with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Foundation and Historic Washington
State Park, will host the fourth annual James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will be held throughout the city of Washington, and admission is free. For more information, visit bowieknifefest.com.
Twitty Nursery 100-Year Bash
Twitty Nursery invites the community to celebrate their 100 years of business with a blowout sale and celebration, complete with familyfriendly activities, a barbecue, a DIY pot-your-own-annual, and prize drawings. All are welcome.
APRIL 26
CASA & TCAC’s Colorful 5K
This 5K, benefiting CASA for Children and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center, will take place at Spring Lake Park. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., and online registration is available at runsignup.com/casacac5k. For details, contact Brittney at bhaynes@casacac.org.
Scrabble Tournament & Drawdown
Enjoy a fun Scrabble night organized by the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties. Proceeds directly support local adult learners. A drawdown ticket allows entry for two, includes dinner, and gives you a chance to win up to $5,000. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Lofts at the Grim. For more information, visit literacytxk.org.
TSO Masterworks IV: Laskarov and Saint-Saëns
The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will present this arrangement featuring acclaimed concert violinist Kiril Laskarov at the Perot Theatre at 7 p.m. For more information, visit perottheatre.org.
APRIL 29
East Texas Giving Day
East Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour day of giving that provides critical funding for, and celebrates the work of, our area nonprofits. This year’s East Texas Giving Day begins at 6 a.m. on the 29th, though Early Giving begins April 7th. For more information, visit easttexasgivingday.org.
MAY 3
Twice as Nice Texarkana Wine Festival
The Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival will be held at Spring Lake Park. Presented by Ledwell, the celebration features art, food, music, and wine. Proceeds from the event benefit the Alzheimer’s Alliance TriState Area. For more information, visit texarkanawinefestival.com.
CASA & TCAC’s Colorful 5k
