Community & Culture

The Wiley 220

photos by Matt Cornelius
In 2009, with no set plan, George Dodson bought an empty city lot in downtown Texarkana. For years, it remained untouched. Then, a vision took shape in Dodson’s mind, what if he built a home there? “I just decided, ‘I think I’m going to live downtown,’” Dodson said, recounting how the project evolved. “So, I put my house on the market and decided if it sold, this is what I’d do.

Housing Texarkana

Texarkana is poised for future growth. Looking ahead, community leaders are working to ensure that growth happens with intention and planning. As new businesses move in, university enrollment climbs, and infrastructure improves, the pressure is building to provide more housing, particularly affordable homes, for working families and young professionals. … The national housing market has faced considerable challenges over the past few years, and Texarkana has not been immune. Rising interest rates have sidelined potential homebuyers.

Pro Perspectives

Following “Housing Texarkana” by Mike Sandefur, which explores housing challenges and opportunities in the region, we asked local builders to share their perspectives. These professionals understand the realities on the ground, from navigating rising costs to meeting the needs of today’s buyers. Their insights provide valuable context to the conversation and highlight the important role builders play in shaping Texarkana’s future.


Julie Roberts Goudie

photos courtesy of Julie Roberts Goudie
Julie Roberts Goudie is the owner of Julie Goudie Design LLC and lived in the Texarkana area for a total of 24 years. She spent her early years in Texarkana, growing up in a close-knit neighborhood where she formed lasting friendships.

The Anxious Generation Book Review

photo by Matt Cornelius
In March 2024, Johnathan Haidt published The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Since its release, it has become a viral sensation among parents navigating the boundaries of cell phones as their children come of age. … "My central claim in this book is that these two trends—overprotection in the real world and under protection in the virtual world—are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation.” —Jonathan Haidt.

Driven by Dedication

photo courtesy of TISD
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” —William Arthur Ward … Teachers shape minds. They mold hearts. They guide generations. Yet, way too often, their work and sacrifices go unseen and unrecognized. Many sadly withhold their loudest applause and highest compensation for celebrities and athletes.

School Profiles

The 2025–2026 school year is here, and finding the right school is key to a successful educational experience. Whether your student is starting elementary, middle school, high school, community college, pursuing a trade, or working toward a four-year degree, you can feel confident knowing the Texarkana region offers excellent options. Support local teachers and students by giving to their education foundation—or scan the QR codes to learn more and help make a local impact!


Lessons Beyond the Classroom

For the first time in decades, research is highlighting a surprising trend. Young people are asking big questions and looking for answers in religion. Newsweek recently posed the question, “Are Gen Zers Becoming More Religious?” and shared that nearly half of young adults in England and Wales now say they believe in God or a higher power. This marks a striking shift from years of declining belief across Western societies. Data from the U.S. shows a similar pattern, with more young adults engaging with the Bible and committing to Christianity.

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June 2026
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