Author: Jeff Easterling

The much-anticipated 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival is just around the corner, promising a weekend of fun, food, and entertainment from August 8th to 10th at the Hope Fair Park. The festival will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, culminating in a performance by country music star Rodney Atkins on Saturday night.

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, at approximately 9:25 p.m., Hope Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 400 block of South Elm Street. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.

Space enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting month as the meteor shower season kicks off with some spectacular displays. On July 30, skywatchers will be treated to a double feature, with both the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids peaking that night. This rare occurrence will offer a chance to see a meteor every two minutes during the darkest hours, especially for those in southern latitudes.

A suspect in a deadly shooting has been apprehended following an intensive investigation and manhunt. On July 6, 2024, at approximately 5:42 p.m., the New Boston Police Department responded to a shooting call in the 300 block of N. Linsey St. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims, both 19 years old. Nicholas Webster of Jefferson, Texas, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, while Princeton Washington of Linden, Texas, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Ark-La-Tex region faced severe weather conditions on Monday, July 8, as Beryl, downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, moved through the area after striking the Texas coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport was exceptionally busy, issuing a record-breaking 67 warnings and confirming 19 tornadoes.

The excitement is palpable as locals and visitors alike prepare to celebrate summer at the much-anticipated Downtown Live event in Texarkana. Set for tonight, Friday, July 12, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the event promises an evening filled with art, music, and community spirit along Broad Street and beyond.

We have a quick rundown of some great live music in Texarkana for this weekend of July 12 & 13. Check out the list then get out and have some fun.

TexAmericas Center has proudly secured the No. 3 spot among the best industrial parks in the United States, as recognized by Business Facilities’ 20th Rankings Report. This marks the fifth consecutive year that TexAmericas Center has ranked in the top 10, and the second year it has achieved the No. 3 position in this prestigious assessment of economic development leaders.

Texarkana College is set to host its highly anticipated Community Career Fair on July 18th, offering job seekers a valuable platform to connect with local employers and explore a wide range of career opportunities. This event aims to foster economic growth and support the community by creating meaningful connections and fruitful partnerships.

A shooting in East Texas has left one person dead and another critically injured, prompting a manhunt for the suspect identified as Malaki Scott Beckham. The incident occurred on Saturday evening around 5:42 p.m. in the 300 block of North Lindsey Street, according to the New Boston Police Department.

Fourth of July Weekend in Texarkana will be hot, like crazy hot, like excessive heat warning from 11 am until November hot, but there is always plenty to do and some great live music to get out and enjoy.

TexarkanaFYI.com has compiled a list of the biggest and best Fourth of July celebrations in the area. As you head out to celebrate, remember to prioritize safety, stay hydrated, and keep cool. Please note that it is against the law to set off fireworks within the Texarkana city limits. Here are some of the standout events happening on Thursday:

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, lake levels at Wright Patman Lake are expected to return to normal, allowing swimming areas to reopen as soon as tomorrow, July 3. This timely reopening comes just in time for Fourth of July campers.

With summer temperatures soaring, and an especially lethal heat and humidity combo it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe in the Texarkana heat. Here are some key tips to help you beat the heat and protect your health: First, the heat we are experiencing can be deadly, take this seriously.

Texarkana native Joscelyn Roberson, 18, is set to join the USA women’s gymnastics team as an alternate for the Paris Olympics. Her exceptional performance at the Olympic trials in Minneapolis, particularly her standout floor routine, earned her this prestigious position.

Historic Old Washington Park, located just down the street from Texarkana in Washington, Arkansas, is set to offer a unique experience this Independence Day. From July 4th to 6th, visitors can immerse themselves in history at one of Arkansas’ oldest towns, home to Historic Washington State Park situated on Arkansas’ oldest road.

LifeShare Blood Center is calling on donors to include blood donation in their summer plans, emphasizing an urgent need for blood donations during the summer months. Historically, the demand for blood products spikes in July.

The Bringle Lake Park West and Bringle Lake Park East, two gems of the Texarkana park system, offer residents and visitors an idyllic escape into nature and a variety of recreational activities. Located along University Drive, these parks are conveniently adjacent to Texas A&M-Texarkana and the Texarkana Golf Ranch, making them perfect spots for a day of leisure and exploration.

The Liberty Eylau Volunteer Fire Department is thrilled to announce the receipt of a recruitment grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service. This grant has enabled the department to acquire new recruitment handout materials and a specially designed vehicle wrap.

It’s our weekly Texarkana FYI Weekend Rundown of Live Music and more in town for June 28 & 29. A big thanks to our sponsors at Whiskey River Country Club and Tony Langford Roofing Company. From fresh veggies to real Red Dirt Country to Hairband Royalty, this is a big weekend!

Get ready to spice up your summer at the Texarkana Farmers Market’s 14th annual Salsa Contest! The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, August 3, outside the Federal Courthouse in downtown Texarkana. Salsa enthusiasts from across the Ark-La-Tex region are invited to showcase their culinary skills and compete for the title of “Best Salsa in the Ark-La-Tex.”

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD) has launched the Safe Celebration Campaign to ensure a peaceful and safe holiday for all residents. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks, the campaign aims to prevent the chaos and danger seen in recent years.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced that North Park Road under Interstate 30 will be closed starting Wednesday, June 26, as part of the ongoing I-30 widening project. This closure marks the beginning of the next phase of the project, which aims to enhance the highway’s capacity and safety.

The RKS Tournaments organization is thrilled to announce the 1st Annual RKS Ark-La-Tex MVP Challenge, an exciting new event for amateur softball teams, scheduled for July 27, 2024. Participants need to register by July 21, and the competition promises a thrilling day of softball action at high-quality venues in Texarkana.

Hunters in Arkansas need to head to their keyboards instead of the water, as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has officially opened the application period for the 2024 alligator hunting season. Applications, which began being accepted at 8 a.m. on June 15, can be submitted online until 11:59 p.m. on June 30.

It is officially Summer now, and the weekends are getting awesome! We have your rundown of live music for the weekend of June 21 & 22, thanks to our partners in the community at The Law Offices of Monty Murry, Tony Langford Roofing Company, and Whiskey River Country Club.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as TEXAR’s annual Bands, Brews, and Bites kicks off this Friday in downtown Texarkana. The festivities will take place from 7 PM to 9 PM in front of the historic Perot Theatre, located at 221 Main Street.

Spring Lake Park stands as the crown jewel of Texarkana, Texas, offering 145 acres of diverse recreational activities and serene natural beauty. Located at 4303 North Park Road, between 40th Street and Interstate 30, the park is a central hub for community life and outdoor enjoyment.

The Texarkana Texas Police Department and Texarkana Arkansas Police Department are actively seeking candidates to fill multiple positions within their forces. Both departments are inviting individuals with previous military or law enforcement experience, as well as those interested in starting a career in law enforcement, to apply.

Texarkana is set to host a night of exceptional country music as Texas recording star Case Hardin takes the stage at the Whiskey River Country Club on Friday, June 28, 2024. Known for his dynamic performances and deep connection to traditional and neo-traditional country music, Hardin promises an unforgettable evening for fans and newcomers alike.