Texarkana Water Utilities (TWU) will resume late fees and disconnections on August 1, 2021, according to Pamela White, the Administrative Coordinator for TWU. Questions or concerns may be directed to (903) 798 3800. TWU also wishes to remind customers that online services may be used. Payment Options and Pay Online are available on our website athttps://twu.txkusa.org. Continue Reading →
Texas
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July 4, Fireworks, Shows, Parades, and God
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It started with a suggestion in June, followed by a meeting on July 2, and finally a formal signing on July 4, 1776. From that moment on, the cry would go up around the world that the colonies of the North American Continent, all thirteen of them, had declared independence from Great Britain. Like any country, Britain would not take kindly to losing the colonies. In fact, no country in the history of the world has ever simply said, “Sure, go ahead and leave us and take all the investments we made into your area with you.” No, instead the greatest empire in the world set out to reclaim the colonies and force them back into the British realm. The rest of the story, you know as the United States won independence in the war that followed. To this day, we still hear our friends across the pond in England wish us a “Happy Traitor’s Day.” Naturally, this is done more in good humor now that we are friends so many years after the revolution. The founding fathers were by no means blind to the fact that they were setting in motion something that would be celebrated for years, and perhaps forever. John Adams wrote to his wife of the importance of the entire event that officially started on July 2 and ended on July 4. He sent his letter on July 3, 1776 that included the following statement:
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” Continue Reading →
Filed under: Arkansas, Essays/Opinion, Faith, Family, History, Lifestyle, Louisiana, Oklahoma
Chairmen Agree on SB 7, The Texas Election Integrity Bill by Senator Hughes and Representative Cain
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AUSTIN – Senator Bryan Hughes (R-Tyler) and Representative Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) announced that they have reached an agreement on SB 7, The Texas Election Integrity Bill. The bill protects the Texas ballot box by making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Senator Hughes and Representative Cain issued the following joint statement regarding this significant agreement:
“SB 7 is one of the most comprehensive and sensible election reform bills in Texas history. There is nothing more foundational to this democracy and our state than the integrity of our elections. This bill is the product of years of hard work and deliberation by past and current legislators. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Politics, Texas
Bulk Waste can be disposed of curbside in Texarkana, Texas
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TEXARKANA, TX- The City of Texarkana, Texas reminds residents that one cubic yard of bulk waste can be placed curbside free of charge with waste and recycling carts with normal waste collection weekly. “City-wide clean-up efforts are underway this Spring,” David Orr, Assistant City Manager said. “The City is encouraging participating in a trash-off this weekend, there’s a community-wide yard sale and electronics recycling event scheduled for early May, and the Chamber of Commerce has a new anti-litter campaign in the works. We just hope to provide residents with a timely reminder that they can always put bulk waste at the curb, and it will be picked up with their trash.”
One cubic yard of bulk waste is the equivalent of the addition of two of the 96-gallon waste carts or an item the size of a sofa, large chair, or washing machine. Those needing to remove an amount of bulk waste exceeding the one cubic yard allotment can make arrangements for the removal of such items by contacting Waste Management at (903) 794-4111 to schedule a pick-up and make payment arrangements. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Texarkana, Texas
Senator Hughes’s Freedom From Censorship Act Passes Texas Senate
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AUSTIN- The Freedom From Censorship Act (Senate Bill 12), filed by Senator Bryan Hughes (R-Tyler) was passed by the Texas Senate today. The bill will make sure that Texans have the right to free speech and the ability to exercise that right in the modern public square. Senator Hughes issued the following statement on passage of the legislation:
“In Texas, we will defend our right to free speech against West Coast social media oligarchs. Senate Bill 12 holds these Big Tech companies accountable, protects Texans against social or political viewpoint discrimination, and empowers those who are wrongly silenced to get back online.
We invited these companies to testify on the bill, but they decided not to show up. Instead, they have engaged in a dishonest and coordinated media campaign to confuse the issues and derail this bill. But the Texas Senate didn’t fall for it, and neither will the people of Texas. I am thankful for the strong support of Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, my House counterparts, and so many Texans who recognize the unprecedented power these companies have over public discourse. Their power has not been subject to constitutional safeguards, and free speech has suffered. Senate Bill 12 will serve as a safeguard for Texans and as a model for other states as they fight to safeguard free speech in America.”
Senate Bill 12 will now head to the Texas House of Representatives, where Representative Scott Sanford is sponsoring the legislation.
To see this bill in its entirety, please access the following link [LINK HERE]
Continue Reading →
Filed under: Politics, Texas
Senator Bryan Hughes’s Election Integrity Omnibus Bill Passes Texas Senate
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AUSTIN- The Omnibus Election Integrity Bill (Senate Bill 7), filed by Senator Bryan Hughes (R-Tyler) was passed by the Texas Senate today. This is the first major legislation tackling election integrity, a priority to Lt. Governor Patrick, and an emergency item for Governor Abbott. Senator Hughes issued the following statement regarding the passage of SB 7:
“The goal of Senate Bill 7 is simple: make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. We want to make sure that Texans can cast their votes with confidence that they’ll be counted and that the results will be reported accurately. It provides common sense integrity provisions for the election process, from voter registration through the counting of ballots. Senate Bill 7 will give Poll Watchers the access they need to meaningfully observe the election process, make mail ballots more secure, and verify the accuracy of voting machines.
The bill also makes it clear that partisan county officials cannot artificially create a home field advantage when they designate polling places.”
Senate Bill 7 will now head to the Texas House of Representatives, where Chairman Briscoe Cain is sponsoring the legislation.
To see this bill in its entirety, please access the following link [LINK HERE].
Continue Reading →
Filed under: Politics, Texas
Senator Bryan Hughes Passes SB 8, The Heartbeat Act Out of Texas Senate
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AUSTIN – Senator Bryan Hughes (R-Tyler) passed SB 8, the Heartbeat Bill, with bipartisan support. The bill protects unborn children by prohibiting an abortion once a heartbeat is detected. Senator Hughes issued the following statement:
“As we approach the resurrection and celebration of Jesus Christ, we recognize that the greatest gifts God can give begin small and unexpected, yet so important.
Nothing is more indicative of life than the sound of a baby’s heartbeat. From being held on your mother’s chest as an infant, to the sound of a heart monitor of a loved one in a hospital bed, Senate Bill 8 recognizes the beauty and significance of the heartbeat.
With strong support from Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, and Speaker Phelan, I am excited to send this legislation to the bill’s House sponsor, Representative Shelby Slawson. We will work together to make it clear that if a Texan’s heartbeat is detected, his or her life will be protected.”
Senate Bill 8 supports a physician’s oath to do no harm. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Politics, Texas
Texas Teachers Now Eligible for COVID Vaccine
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TEXARKANA, TX—The Texas Department of State Health Services announced today that teachers in Texas are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a memo released by DSHS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services directed states yesterday to expand vaccine eligibility to include people who work in school and child care operations. As stated in the federal directive, this includes:
“those who work in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff, and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers.”
In light of this federal directive, all vaccine providers in Texas are directed to immediately include these personnel in vaccination administration. This action does not change the other groups prioritized for vaccination in Texas, and facilities are encouraged to continue your efforts to vaccinate older adults since the burden of COVID-19 falls so severely on people ages 65 and older. Locally, Texas DSHS has reported 23 new Bowie County cases since yesterday for a total of 4,578 positive COVID-19 cases, and 2,004 probable cases with 183 deaths. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Disaster Response, Texarkana, Texas
Governor Abbot’s Executive Order and Texarkana, Texas
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TEXARKANA, TX—Governor Greg Abbott announced today that the statewide mask mandate will be lifted, and Texas businesses will be allowed to operate at 100% of capacity after COVID-19 cases appear to be trending downward. His new executive order, EO GA-34, will go into effect next Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Local health authorities and the Bowie County/Texarkana Emergency Operations Center urges you to continue practicing healthy habits to protect our community against COVID-19. These practices include frequent hand washing, social distancing, sanitizing of heavily touched surfaces, and wearing face coverings when needed. Locally, Texas DSHS has reported 180 new Bowie County cases in the past three weeks for a total of 4,555 positive COVID-19 cases, and 1,990 probable cases with 181 deaths. Continue Reading →
Filed under: Texarkana, Texas
Four States Retirement Group offers Solid Reasons to Consider a Fixed Index Annuity
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Texarkana, USA: Carl Standridge of Four States Retirement Group considers fixed index annuity options a number one choice for people planning retirements. A fixed index annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company in which you make a lump-sum payment or series of payments and in return, receive regular income distributions at some point in the future. This type of annuity provides protection of principal in a down market, an opportunity for growth and the interest rate is guaranteed to never be less than zero. These annuities also offer a guaranteed minimum rate no matter if the markets suffer a loss. There are several benefits of a fixed annuity in addition to receiving a steady stream of income in retirement. Many fixed index annuities offer something called a nursing home waiver to help you offset these costs and avoid any surrender penalties when withdrawing funds in these types of emergencies. Continue Reading →