Texarkana Magazine

Twice as Nice

Texarkana is known for being “Twice as Nice” because of our location on the state line between Texas and Arkansas. From our ability to be in two places at once, to a healthy cross-town rivalry, Texarkana’s character, in large part, comes from straddling these two great states. Ask the locals, “What makes Texarkana ‘Twice as Nice?’” and you will often hear, “the people!” Businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals contribute to this mentality by maintaining an inclusive, energetic and welcoming environment.

Posted on January 3, 2021 in Business & Politics READ MORE

Collin Raye

Hometown country music star, Collin Raye, has had 24 top ten records, 16 number one hits and is a 10-time CMA and ACM nominee. Getting his start in Texarkana, he has enjoyed a successful career and continues to release incredible music. His newest album, SCARS, is now available. … What is your favorite Texarkana memory? … Probably our mom sitting in my brother’s room with us, with our guitars out singing harmony. Didn’t truly appreciate it at the time, but that’s how I learned to sing harmony. … Where was your favorite place to eat in Texarkana?

Posted on January 2, 2021 in TXK Roots READ MORE

An Architect’s Angle

As a self-described “Army brat,” prominent and nationally acclaimed Architect, John Grable, FAIA spent his childhood moving from city to city and no doubt gleaning a small piece of the landscape at each stop. California, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania and Vicenza, Italy, were all called home for portions of his life. “Upon my father’s retirement from the military,” Grable said, “he was transferred to Texarkana to serve at Red River Army Depot. My family and I were dazzled by the depth and beauty of the environment and culture of Texarkana.

Posted on January 2, 2021 in Life & Style READ MORE

Division Over Divisiveness

At a time when seemingly simple issues like face masks and election results create animosity between colleagues, friends, and even family members, it is hard to argue that we are not a country divided. But are we really divided or more divisive, or both? Division is a separation of opinion or feeling, while divisive is defined as creating dissention or discord. Call us divided if you will, but having attempted a few casual political debates recently, I would define the reactions as divisive and even a tad emotional. … Divisiveness seems to be a cyclical thing, but divided we’ve always been.

Posted on January 1, 2021 in Business & Politics READ MORE

Publisher's Letter

We made it… or we are making it, as we gladly welcome a new year! In March, I didn’t know if my kids would ever return to school, if I would ever get to watch sports again, or when we’d be able to give hugs! Thankfully, I survived, sports are back and I have hugged all the people that will let me. So welcome 2021! We are ready for a clean slate, a chance to do things differently and to carry on with our ever-growing mask collections and the fight against the “maskne” they cause.

Posted on January 1, 2021 in Life & Style READ MORE

The Gift of Gab

I grew up in a large family, and my favorite time was Sunday dinner after church, sitting around the table eating fried chicken and talking. Everyone discussed the previous week’s events and spoke about their plans for the following week. In those talks around the table, I learned so much about my family; the areas where they were struggling, where they were succeeding, what their hopes were for the future and their plans for making those dreams come true. It was precious time. … It is as true now as it was then; the table sets the stage for some of the most meaningful conversations.

Posted on January 1, 2021 in Community & Culture READ MORE

A Life Taylor-Made for Dancing

A famous philosopher once said, “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” This statement stirs something inside the heart of even the most dedicated wallflower. Whether for fun or romance, in worship or in performance, there’s just something about dancing that takes stress and worry and sets them aside for a brief moment and replaces them with joy.

Posted on January 1, 2021 in Community & Culture READ MORE

A Sarine Thought… or Two

Remembering to Move Forward … Ah, 2021! Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? While the spectacular shenanigans of your predecessor are, for the most part, best left to the recesses of our minds, some things are worth noting as we begin with you. Whether good, bad or ugly, many lessons were learned, and are necessary to remember, to move successfully into brighter days. … THE GOOD … While 2020 proved to be a very trying year, it was not unfruitful. Yes, there were shutdowns, reopenings, natural disasters, a public health crisis, social discourse and very scary circumstances in abundance.

Posted on December 31, 2020 in Life & Style READ MORE

My Drift

Ready or Not … A few weeks ago, one of those quizzes that pop up on Facebook came across my feed. … It was a word search with directions advising that the first three words you saw would define your 2021. If you looked closely, you could find words like “hope,” “friends,” “job” and “marriage.” More humorous prospects like “wine,” “sex” and “pot” were there too. My friend David’s comment resonated with me most. The first words he saw were “QAATH,” “VBTEQC” and “FEHLLP.” … Amen, brother!

Posted on December 31, 2020 in Community & Culture READ MORE

Ready? OK!

Dedication, athleticism, and poise... … Three words that come to mind when I think about cheerleading. The question is often asked, “Is cheerleading a sport?” If you have ever asked a cheerleader, you have no doubt gotten an earful. As a former cheerleader, former cheer coach and a current cheer mom, I have plenty to say and was really excited when Texarkana Monthly asked me to be a guest writer. … Did you know that cheerleading actually dates back to the late 1800s, and it was originally an all-male sport?

Posted on December 31, 2020 in Sports & Entertainment READ MORE

Latest Stories

Twice as Nice

Collin Raye

An Architect’s Angle

Division Over Divisiveness

Publisher's Letter

The Gift of Gab

A Life Taylor-Made for Dancing

A Sarine Thought… or Two

My Drift

Ready? OK!

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