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HOMELESS COUNT & ANNUAL BRIDGE CITY SET FOR JANUARY 28 & 29

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TEXARKANA, Texas – The Texarkana Homeless Coalition (TXKHC) will conduct its annual Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless population observational count on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 902 W. 12th Street, Texarkana, Texas. On January 29, 2021 TXKHC’s Bridge City Project Chili Cookoff will be held starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. at 316 Hazel Street in Texarkana, AR 71854, in front of the Salvation Army shelter. The annual Bridge city Chili Cookoff challenges members of the community or organizations to enter their best chili in a chili cook-off competition. To register for the annual Bridge City Chili Cook-Off 2021 visit at www.txkhc.org or https://www.facebook.com/events/122176533081933

Every year the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires all homeless coalitions to count the number of homeless individuals by the last week in January. The PIT count offers insight into understanding our local homeless population, their current needs, and provide data to secure future funding for programs that combat homelessness. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Events, Texarkana

Texarkana Water Utilities Continues to Adjust after Cyber Incident

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TEXARKANA, USA– Texarkana Water Utilities is still recovering from the cyber incident suffered on Sunday, December 6th, 2020. We know this is inconvenient and we apologize. We have experienced a disruption to our normal processes and are working diligently to find solutions for the network issues we continue to experience. While the rebuild and restore mission is in progress, we feel fortunate that none of our customers have suffered an interruption to service delivery. Please remain patient as we work to get everything back online.

Currently the process for billing has been altered, and this has created some confusion among customers. In an effort to streamline billing and payment while we deal with ongoing issues, please consider how you can stay up-to-date on your TWU account.  

Customers did not receive a physical or electronic bill for December, and many auto draft payments were not processed.   Customer service agents are unable to view account records and process certain types of payment currently. Customers WILL need the name on the account, the service address and if possible the customer account number to make a payment.  TWU strongly encourages their customers to continue making an estimated monthly payment until the billing process is restored. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Disaster Response, Press Release, Texarkana

CHAMBER SELECTS NEW LEADERS

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The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce has selected Jennifer Harland, as the 2021 Chairman of the Board. Jennifer has been active in the local Chamber in projects and committees including Government Affairs, Economic Development, membership programs, as well as serving on the Board of Directors. She is active in the community, including the Workforce Investment Board and ARTEX-REDI board. Additional new officers for 2021 are Stephen Mayo, Mayo Furniture, as Chairman-Elect; James Bramlett, Farmers Bank & Trust, as Treasurer; Tom Gilbert, Wadley Regional Medical Center, First Vice Chairman; Joey Martin, Professional Staffing Services as immediate past chairman; and Michael Malone, Chamber President, as Secretary. The Board of Directors of the Chamber are: Glen Boles, CHRISTUS ST. Michael Health System; Debbie Broussard, Flowers Baking Company, Texarkana; James Carlow, Texarkana Tractor; Ron Copeland, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company; Brian Daugherty, Flying Burger & Seafood; Uri Gevu, Texarkana Twins, LTD; Dr. Becky Kesler, Texarkana Arkansas School District; Michael Malone CCE, Chamber President; LaTonya McElroy, BCSFM Solutions; Robert Nelsen, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (retired) & Past Chairman’s Council; Fred Norton, Norton, Wood, Floyd Attorneys and Counselors at Law; Scott Norton, TexAmericas Center; Chad Pirtle, Pleasant Grove Independent School District; Robert Sanderson, Commercial National Bank; Russel Sparks, Hightech Signs & Greater Texarkana Young Professionals; James Tidwell, Red River Army Depot; Tina Veal-Gooch, Texarkana Independent School District; Tammy Waters, Domtar – Ashdown Mill; and Justin White, Guaranty Bank & Trust. Ex-Officio members include Mayor Allen Brown of Texarkana, Arkansas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman of Texarkana, Texas, and Mayor Robert Bunch of the City of Nash.  The Chamber presently has a professional staff of Michael Malone, CCE, President; Robbin Bass, Director of Business Retention & Expansion; Natalie Haywood, Director of Events & Communications; Laura Lile, Director of Finance; Lindsey Woodson, Partner Information Coordinator; and Hannah Wren, Director of Partner Development. The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce represents over 800 businesses, organizations, and professionals in the greater Texarkana area.  The Chamber has been active in community development, government relations, business development, membership services, and tourism for over 101 years.  For additional information on the community, economic development, and membership, contact the chamber at 819 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, Texas; 903-792-7191, or www.texarkana.org. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Cities, Texarkana

Perot Holiday Traditions has entertainment for all ages

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TEXARKANA, TEX- The Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, City of Texarkana, TX, and Texarkana Arts & Historic District are partnering with the Perot Theatre to present the 3rd annual Perot Holiday Traditions on December 19, 2020. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure and Frozen will play on the largest indoor movie screen in Texarkana at 10:00 a.m. with a repeat of the short film Olaf’s Frozen Adventure along with Frozen II at 2:00 p.m. Festivities on Main Street, including Santa Claus, food trucks, and vendors, will be available from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in front of the theatre. There is a 100% chance of snow all day on Main Street!

Thanks to the support of daytime movie sponsors, Snow Developments and Kinetic by Windstream, and returning event sponsor, Farmers Bank & Trust, ticket prices are $6 for the daytime movie package. The City of Texarkana, TX will offer hot chocolate and hot apple cider to festival attendees, served from the back of an antique fire truck.  Vendors will line the street for last-minute holiday gift shopping and food trucks will be on-site to grab a bite to eat between movies.  

In consideration of COVID-19 safety protocols, changes have been made to ensure attendees feel comfortable and safe.  In lieu of the craft table, prepackaged craft bags will be distributed to children. Santa Claus will be on-hand to offer a safe photo opportunity, and the event space has been expanded and modified to allow more room for social distancing. Staff will sanitize surfaces in and out of the theatre regularly throughout the day. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Events, Texarkana, Texas

Perot Theatre is Going Frozen!

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The Perot Theatre is going frozen for the 3rd annual Perot Holiday Traditions on December 19, 2020.  Olaf’s Frozen Adventure and Frozen will play on the largest indoor movie screen in Texarkana at 10AM with a repeat of the short film Olaf’s Frozen Adventure along with Frozen II at 2PM.  Festivities on Main Street, including Santa Claus, food trucks, and vendors, are from 12PM-2PM in front of the theatre.  There is a 100% chance of snow all day on Main Street! Thanks to the support of daytime movie sponsors, Snow Developments and Kinetic by Windstream, and returning event sponsor, Farmers Bank & Trust, ticket prices are $6 for the daytime movie package. The City of Texarkana, TX will offer hot chocolate and hot apple cider to festival attendees, served from the back of an antique fire truck.  Vendors will line the street for last-minute holiday gift shopping and food trucks will be on-site to grab a bite to eat between movies. 

In consideration of Covid-19 concerns, changes have been made to ensure attendees feel comfortable and safe.  In lieu of the craft table, prepackaged craft bags will be distributed to the younger ticket holders.  This modification will allow children to still create a memorable craft but without the risk of sharing supplies with others.  The Santa Claus experience will also be different than years past but will allow a safe interaction with Santa and offer a great photo opportunity.  The event space has been expanded and modified to allow more room for social distancing and staff will sanitize surfaces in and out of the theatre regularly. 

The nostalgic atmosphere begins at sunset with a horse-drawn carriage at the theatre from 5PM-7PM.  It’s a Wonderful Life ticket holders receive a complimentary ride in the gorgeous carriage.  The movie starts at 7PM, so arrive early to experience your carriage ride without being late to the movie.  Tickets for the evening movie, including the carriage ride, are $6 per person thanks to our event sponsor Farmers Bank & Trust. 

All of these holiday festivities will take place in or around the historic Perot Theatre at 221 Main Street in Downtown Texarkana with the support of Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council, Perot Theatre, City of Texarkana, TX, and Texarkana Arts & Historic District. 

Call the Box Office at 903-792-4992 to purchase your tickets.  Seating is reserved due to distance seating guidelines. 
Continue Reading →

Filed under:Events, Texarkana

Update on Ransomware Computer Attack in Texarkana

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TEXARKANA, USA—On Sunday, December 6, 2020, the Texarkana Water Utility’s Information Technology Department noticed suspicious activity on the network that serves Bowie County, and the Cities of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas. While this is still a developing situation, there are a few facts that can be confirmed:

The network serving these entities was attacked by ransomware. It is unknown how long the ransomware was on the network before it was detected, but it has been confirmed that it existed prior to Thursday, November 26, 2020. There was a data incident, but at this time there is no evidence that personal information has been compromised. There will not be an interruption to water services as a result of this event. There is an ongoing investigation into this matter, and to protect the integrity of that process, some information will not be released at this time. The process of repairing PCs and systems is ongoing. The scope of this event is not yet understood.

Additional Information: Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails or by a victim unknowingly visiting an infected website. Often ransomware will show instructions for how to pay a fee and obtain a decryption or access key. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Arkansas, Texarkana, Texas

Package Theft Suspects

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Texarkana, AR – On December 8th, 2020, the Texarkana Arkansas and Texas Police Departments received several 911 calls in reference to package thefts in local neighborhoods. The Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department developed information that a black male in a White Nissan Titan truck was traveling through neighborhoods removing delivered packages from residences.

At 3:00pm, TAPD received a 911 call of a package theft in the 2800 Block of Union Road, with suspect information that matched earlier developed intelligence. TAPD Officer Jacob Montoya located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at the intersection of Union Road and Line Ferry Road.  After failing to stop for police, a vehicle pursuit ensued and ended safely in 4800 Block of Old Blackmon Ferry Road. 

TAPD located several stolen items inside the vehicle.  Two suspects, Damien Crooks, 40 yoa, and Joy Lantrip, 34 yoa, both of Texarkana, were arrested and charged with felony fleeing, theft by receiving, and criminal mischief. If you have not received your packages and believe you have been the victim of a theft, please call 911 to report the incident. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Arkansas, Law Enforcement, Texarkana

Local Man Honored with Prestigious Fourth District Republican Award

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Bill Poynter

Arkansas: Bill Poynter has been a Republican in Arkansas longer than any other member of the party. Poynter, an oil and gas consultant by trade, has served on several state committees, campaign committees, and the local committee for longer than most politicians in the state have been in office. Poynter started his journey as a Republican in 1952.

From his time at Arkansas High, through college at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Poynter worked tirelessly as a Young Republican, College Republican, and member of the state and local Miller County Republican Committee. Poynter played a key role in Reagan’s campaign visit to Texarkana. According to the book Heroes and Heroines of The Journey, The Builders of the Modern Republican Party in Arkansas, by Dr. Ken Coon, Poynter served as a key adviser to Governor Rockefeller, helped form the USA Young Republicans, and served as Miller County Committee Chairman from 1962-1982. He has served and continues to serve as State Committeeman for Miller County.

Bill Poynter, a name mentioned and immediately known by Presidents, Governors, and Congressional leaders was honored Saturday with one of the party’s top honors from the state for the Fourth Congressional District. Poynter received the prestigious “Jay Dickey Party Builder Award.” The award, named after former Congressman Jay Dickey, was made to recognize those who contribute to the party’s growth and promotion on a local and district level. Miller County and area residents will recognize Poynter as a daily worker at the county headquarters during the 2020 election season. Despite COVID concerns and the high traffic the headquarters received, Poynter insisted on being present, working, and helping in all aspects of the campaign.

The award was received by Miller County Republican Committee Chair Diana Lowe on behalf of Poynter who was unable to attend the state meeting this year. Lowe and the committee immediately recognized Poynter on the committee’s Facebook page and through social media.
Continue Reading →

Filed under:Arkansas, Miller County, Politics, Texarkana

Texarkana Chamber expands Team

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Texarkana, USA: Michael Malone, President of the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce announces Robbin Bass has joined the Chamber team as the new director of business retention and expansion (BR&E). “It is great to have Robbin as a new team member to provide leadership in retaining and growing our many businesses in the greater Texarkana region.”

Joey Martin, 2020 Chamber Board Chairman remarked, “We are excited beyond words to be introducing our business retention and expansion program that will be led by Robbin Bass. Our existing industries are the backbone of our community, and bring majority of the job growth.  The Chamber wants to be the ‘go-to-source’ for any issues our industries may face, and Robbin’s expertise will be a huge plus to this great program.”

Bob Bruggeman, Mayor of Texarkana shared his thoughts. “I would like to congratulate Robbin for being selected for this new position at the Chamber. I worked with Robbin previously when she was a staff member for Rep. Ratcliffe. I feel she will do a great job promoting business retention and expansion in our community, which is very important both now and in the future.”

Bass will be working with the Economic Development Council of the Chamber of Commerce.  Scott Norton, 2021 EDC Chairman & CEO of TexAmericas Center offered his comment. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Press Release, Texarkana

Small Business Challenge for Texarkana from November 20 to December 4 this year

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Texarkana, USA: The Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Texarkana Arkansas and Texas, Main Street Texarkana, and Greater Texarkana Young Professionals announced today that, as a member of the American Express Neighborhood Champion Program, it will be hosting a contest via social media as part of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov 28 and all holiday season long. Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates the impact small businesses have on communities across the country. The Small Business Saturday Challenge will begin November 20 and end December 4. The challenge encourages community members to post a photo on Facebook and Instagram showing a proof of purchase from a local small business, and using the hashtag #ShopSmallTXK during the contest time frame. For every #ShopSmallTXK post, the participant will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Continue Reading →

Filed under:Events, Texarkana