Author: Jeff Easterling

In the year 2020, the Star of Bethlehem will be visible for the first time in 800 years. The astronomical event is the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn and is believed to be what led the 3 Magi to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

As the pandemic continues, more and more people are finding themselves in need. The fine volunteers at Harvest Texarkana Regional Food Bank will be distributing 1,000 Emergency Food Boxes on Wednesday December 16 at the Four States Fairgrounds Entertainment Center. Press Release: Harvest Regional Food Bank will distribute 1,000 emergency food boxbundles to Texarkana-area residents Wednesday, December 16 beginning at 8:00am at Four StatesFairgrounds, 3700 E 50th St, Texarkana, AR. Distribution will last until 12:00pm or until all boxes have been distributed. Recipients are directed to enter from the 50th St Entrance at Hwy 245/Four States Fair Pkwy in front…

The annual “Toys for Tots Ride” takes place this Sunday, December 13 at 10:00 am. Dwight Nevill started this ride over 30 years ago, and sadly we lost Dwight to Cancer. The Nevill family and his right-hand man Al Green and bunch of volunteers that had been with Dwight for decades have had some mighty big boots to fill, and have done an outstanding job organizing this year’s event.

Texarkana Texas Police Jamar Ellis for Online Solicitation of a Minor after he sent vulgar photos to a 13-year-old girl’s Snapchat account. Ellis used the handle “Jay Polo”, and sent a nude full-body shot, with his face, to Detective Cliff Harris.

Details of the ransomware attack affecting local government computers on both sides of Stateline Avenue are coming out. Here is what we know so far.

TAPD and Miller County Deputies have arrested two suspects that are accused of stealing packages from porches in a few Texarkana Arkansas neighborhoods. After posting pics of the suspect’s vehicle on social media officers located the vehicle and a chase began.

We love seeing all of the beautiful Christmas decorations around town. Casey and Amy Lauterbach are inviting all to see their display with more than 10,000 lights programmed to music. Check out this video of only one of eleven different displays.

A full day of fun, music, and delicious BBQ is planned for Saturday, December 12 at 67 Landing to benefit both “Shop with a Cop” and Local Veteran Charities. There’s a catch, this is for real cooks because it is a blind cook-off, teams won’t know what meat they are smoking until 6:00 am on Saturday.

The Mayors from Texarkana Arkansas and Texarkana Texas, along with city council and board members from both sides of Stateline Avenue, will compete for a great cause and the cherished title of “Harvest Hunger Hero Packing Champions”.

For many Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a huge part of the Christmas season. The classic animation shows and of course the classic song from Gene Autrey that we all know the words to. Now there is this video, show it to the kids, then ask them if Rudolph is real!

The Arkansas State Police report that they have arrested a 48-year-old male suspect in the homicide of Tina Nicole Whitten, 41. Yesterday evening, Whitten was found dead outside of her home at 502 East 2nd Street South in Prescott Arkansas.

This is such a neat thing every year at Old Washington Historic Park, for Christmas, they light everything up with candles, and line the walkways with luminaries. Just beautiful! If you haven’t experienced this yet, this is the year to do it.

The Bowie County Family Health Center at 902 W. 12th Street will be offering free COVID 19 testing through the end of the year. Testing is available to all regardless of residency in Bowie County. Meaning you do not have to live in Bowie County to be tested.

First Assembly of God – Lighthouse Ministries, located at 3401 W. 7th Street, will be presenting their 6th Annual Drive-Thru Nativity Scene from Friday, December 11 at 6 pm to Sunday the 13th at 8 pm.

People are struggling a lot more than usual this holiday season, so bless those that are doing everything they can to help spread some Christmas joy during this pandemic. The folks at First United Methodist Church in Texarkana Arkansas are planning to do some socially distant Christmas caroling this Saturday and you are invited.

The Miller County Sheriff’s Department reports they arrested Randy L. Works, 44, of Texarkana in connection to a recent burglary. Works was on bond at the time of the crime and is in custody awaiting arraignment on the new charges.

COVID 19 has presented some real problems for many, and the Shop with a Cop & Firefighter program is no different, but despite the problems of the pandemic, our local heroes are still going to make Christmas happen for some good little boys and girls. However, there are going to be some changes.

At 3:00 pm on 11/23/20, these are the latest reported numbers from Bowie, Cass, and Miller Counties.

Texarkana Police have arrested Dominique Harvey, 27, and Matthew Williams, 33, for an armed robbery at the EZ Mart located at 5400 N. Stateline Avenue. Harvey was charged with Aggravated Robbery, Escape 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, and Fleeing. Williams was charged with Aggravated Robbery.

Pandemic planning for the Holidays has introduced many new factors to consider, the result being that there won’t be as many places serving free Thanksgiving Day meals in 2020, but here is some information to help those less fortunate.

Back in the day, downtown Texarkana was a magical place during the holidays. Now, a wonderful idea for spreading joy in downtown Texarkana again is shaping up with the “Crossties Christmas Tree Challenge”. What a sight it would be to have a hundred decorated Christmas trees on display, with arts, crafts, and more. Here are some details.

Currently, in Bowie County, there are 632 active cases of COVID 19, with 68 active cases in Cass County, and 89 active cases in Miller County. For all COVID related questions or concerns visit coronatxk.org, or call the local hotline at 903.255.5560.

The Nash Texas Police are seeking information on the location of Janarieo Devonne Dillihunt in connection to a shooting investigation. If you have information call 903.838.0822.

Currently, in Bowie County, there are 627 active cases of COVID 19, with 70 active cases in Cass County, and 84 active cases in Miller County. For all COVID related questions or concerns visit coronatxk.org, or call the local hotline at 903.255.5560.

The pandemic has been tough on everyone. Businesses, individuals… we cannot think of anyone that has not been affected in some way. Our Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Texarkana Arkansas and Texas, Main Street Texarkana, and Greater Texarkana Young Professionals celebrate the 2020 holiday season and 11th Annual Small Business Saturday with the #ShopSmallTXK social media campaign. More than ever, we need to think Texarkana first.

The Bowie County Sheriff’s Department has released information on the investigation into a shooting incident that took the life of an 11-year-old child.

Currently, in Bowie County, there are 622 active cases of COVID 19, with 108 active cases in Cass County, and 83 active cases in Miller County. For all COVID related questions or concerns visit coronatxk.org, or call the local hotline at 903.255.5560.

The Texarkana Texas Police Department has arrested Maleek Collier for Burglary of a Building after he was caught trying to break into a cash box inside the downtown fire station… where there are always firefighters.

The Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanity Council and the Perot Theatre in downtown Texarkana will present Paramount’s “Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular” on Saturday, November 21. We are super thrilled that the show is taking place, especially after it had been canceled last July.

Currently, in Bowie County, there are 635 active cases of COVID 19, with 108 active cases in Cass County, and 88 active cases in Miller County. For all COVID related questions or concerns visit coronatxk.org, or call the local hotline at 903.255.5560.