Following the Red River with Field Walsh from TXK Today

Photos by Jeff Easterling

So, I called Field Walsh from TXK Today and asked if he wanted to get some footage of the Red River at a couple of sites, and he grabbed his gear and off we went. We got some great shots and video.

Latest Aerial Footage of Red River in Miller and Hempstead Counties [VIDEO]

via TXK Today

I spent the afternoon with Field Walsh from TXK Today and we went out to check on the Hannibal's who have barricaded themselves against the flooding Red River with a family and friend built levee.

Texarkana Texas Parks Equipped with Wi-Fi

via Google Images

The Texarkana Texas Parks and Recreation Department are pround to offer free Wi-Fi for visitors to a couple of the Texas side parks.

Hannibal Farm is Now an Island

photo via Debbie Hannibal

We have been following the story of the Hannibal's and their battle against nature to keep the Red River flood waters out of their farmhouse that sets within a stones throw of the river. Their place is now an island and the water is rising, but their spirits are even higher.

Latest Aerial Footage of Red River Flooding in Bowie County [VIDEO]

via TXK Today

Our friend Field Walsh posted some new video of the Red River flooding in Bowie County (6/1)... take a look!

Water Getting Closer to Hannibal Home

photos by Jeff Easterling

With photos circulating on the web, and folks saying this could be even worse than the 1990 flood, I have been keeping up with the Hannibal family that lives out on the edge of Miller County on the Red River.

The Boll Weevil on 67 is Flooding

photo by Jeff

What a difference just 12 hours can make. Earlier last week owners of the Boll Weevil Store on Hwy 67 on the edge of Miller County close to the Red River emptied all of the merchandise from the stores in anticipation of flooding. It was a good decision.

Checking in on the Hannibal Family's Battle with the Red River

photo by Jeff Easterling

We told you about how friends and members of the Hannibal family were working to build a levee around their home on the Red River at the very edge of Miller County. We went out today to see how their project was going.

New Family Friendly Policy at Central Mall is Working

photos by Jeff Easterling

Management at Central Mall in Texarkana has enacted and is strictly enforcing a new "Family Friendly" policy that has really made the shopping experience on Friday and Saturday evenings a lot more pleasant than it had been in the past.

Best Shoulder Massage Ever in the Middle of Central Mall

photo by Jeff Easterling

You have walked thru Central Mall and seen the guys with the massage chairs, but have you ever stopped. Today I did, and it was fantastic!

Volunteers Make Last Ditch Effort to Save Home from Flooding Red River

photo by Jeff Easterling

Out on Miller County road 54, volunteers have come together in an effort to help Mark Hannibal and family save their homeplace in a last ditch effort to keep the rising Red River out of their home.

Index Bridge on Highway 71 Closure Appears Imminent

Photo by Field Walsh via TXK Today

Reports are that the AHTD will be closing the Hwy. 71 Index Bridge between Texarkana and Ashdown. First report we saw was this post from Mike Cranford.

Changes to Governor Hutchinson's Planned Conference on Flooding

via Facebook

There have been changes to the Governor's planned press conference at Texarkana Regional Airport scheduled for this morning concerning areas damaged by the flooding Red River.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson in Town Friday Concerning Red River Flooding

via Facebook

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will fly-over the Red River in Miller and Little River counties. Governor Hutchinson will be at TAC Air at Texarkana Regional Airport around 7:15 a.m. Friday Morning May 29.

Amazing Footage of Deer Swimming in the Flooded Red River [VIDEO]

via Facebook

Amazing footage of a small herd of deer swimming in the flooding Red River under the Highway 8 bridge between New Boston, Texas, and Foreman, Arkansas.

View from a Boat on the Raging Red River [VIDEO]

via Facebook/Johnny Denali

So, with the Red River rising to epic levels and covering pastures and farmlands up river and continuing to rise here. Some local boys decided to take out the boat. Man against nature and a little bit of crazy sometimes make for a priceless memory. So, for all the local rednecks... Watch this!

Vote for our Community to Receive a Grant for a Handicap Accessible Playground

via Facebook

Texarkana, USA is in the running of another National contest to benefit our community, but this time it is to fund an A.D.A. Playground for our local children with disabilities.

Red River Continues to Rise

at Fulton Arkansas/photo by Jeff Easterling

Levels keep rising on the Red River and flooding is expected. We went out and took a few pics today at the Hwy 71 bridge and at Fulton.
Here is the level at the Highway 71 bridge...

Red River at Hwy 71/photo by Jeff Easterling

Snapped this one under the railroad bridge at the Fulton Crossing...

Under the Red River RR bridge in Fulton/photo by Jeff Easterling

Waters will continue to rise due to heavy rains upriver and tributaries that empty into the river flowing out of their banks. For only the fourth time ever, water is spilling over the Lake Texoma Dam... here is a post of some pics that Bowie County Sheriff James Prince posted to Facebook.

The dam at Lake Texoma. A friend just sent these photos.
Posted by James Prince on Saturday, May 23, 2015

Here is video that he also shared from Chelsea Smith of News 12...

Take a look! For the fourth time in history Lake Texoma has gone over the spillway. The lakes elevation is over 640 feet.
Posted by Chelsi Smith - News 12 on Sunday, May 24, 2015

Memorial Day Events in Town

via Facebook

Giving the public the opportunity to pay respects and remember those that gave their lives while serving in the United States Military there are a few events scheduled for Memorial Day Monday May 25,

Golf Scramble for Arkansas Children's Hospital Wednesday May 27

via Facebook

The 25th Annual Wright Patman Chapter of Credit Unions Golf Scramble will be held Wednesday, May 27 at the Texarkana Golf Ranch.

Homeless Man Arrested for Bomb Threat at Walmart Neighborhood Market on Richmond

via TTPD

The Texarkana Texas Police Department arrested a homeless man that threatened he had a bomb in a backpack at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Richmond Road.

T.T,P.D Searching for Suspect in Armed Robbery

via T.T.P.D.

Texarkana Texas Police are seeking help with identifying a suspect in an armed robbery this morning at a convenience store on Richmond Road.

National Weather Service Updates Flooding Forecast for the Red River

photo by Jeff Easterling

The National Weather Service in Shreveport Louisiana has updated their forecasts for flooding of the Red River. With more heavy rains in the forecast for the Four States region the river is going to continue to rise and flood thousands of acres meaning that livestock will need to be evacuated to higher ground.

TTPD Seeks Help to Identify Check Thieves

via TTPD

The Texarkana Texas Police Department is searching for help in identifying this couple. They are suspects in a case where a box of checks was stolen from a mailbox on Richmond Road in March. Do you recognize them?

Peace, Love and Bowling Bowl-a-thon Thursday June 18

via BlogSpot

The theme to this year's Bowl-a-thon to benefit Texarkana Circle of Friends is the 60's... so it's Peace, Love & Bowling at Holiday Bowl on Stateline Avenue June 18th.

Texas Side Police to Begin Towing Uninsured Vehicles

photo by Jeff Easterling

Beginning June 15, 2015, uninsured motorists operating their vehicle within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas may soon have their vehicle towed if stopped by Texarkana, Texas police officers. 

How Much Rain We Have Had So Far in 2015

via Facebook

I was asked, "How much rain has Texarkana had so far in 2015?" So, first thing I did was contact the area's favorite meteorologist to make sure I had the right answer.


My go to weather guy, is Todd Warren from Channel 6. That guy makes a lot of us sound smart when we repeat what we hear him say lol.

Since January 1, 2015, Texarkana has received 29.13 inches of precipitation. At this time last year we had only gotten 12.70 inches of rain

This is important because of more heavy rains possible in the forecast for the area. With the ground so saturated already, conditions are ripe for flash flooding.

When you see water standing or running over the roads, don't try to make it... Like Todd Warren says, Don't drown, Turn Around."

Todd sent me the info, but he also sent the link to their Almanac for the information in the future.

Kids Magic Camp Scheduled for June

via Facebook

Magic Camp is just a month away and limited spaces are available. For children 6 to 13 years of age that would like to learn some basic magic skills, basic skills in balloon art, enjoy miniature golf, train rides, games, and magic shows this is the camp of the summer!

Red River Army Depot Raises Security Level

via Facebook

Red River Army Depot is on a heightened alert level. Due to non-specific threats, the USNORTHCOM Commander has ordered all DOD Installations to increase security measures,

Pics from Inside the Kress Building Downtown - Should it Be Saved?

The Texarkana Texas City Council took an opportunity to see what is in the Kress Building downtown, facing a decision of whether to demolish the building for $300,000 or try to save the building at 116 W. Broad Street.

'A Touch for Health' Spa & School Up for Sale

photo by Jeff Easterling

Texarkana's most recognized and respected brand in massage therapy is up for sale, and is a great chance for someone interested in being a huge part of our local community to operate a successful turn-key business.

I stopped into "A Touch for Health" to get a gift card for Mother's Day and when I heard that Travis and Mary Walker were looking to retire, I thought "Oh no, what about the spa?"... but the spa and school are not going to close, they are wanting the institution to carry on with someone to take over Texarkana's longest opened massage therapy resource.

photo by Jeff Easterling

Travis and Mary Walker have been a huge part of Texarkana and bringing massage therapy to the area back in the late 90's. The couple went even further in spreading the :massage message" with opening the areas first and by far most popular Massage School in the year 2000, The instructors at "A Touch for Health" has trained hundreds of students from all across the area over the last 15 years.

I didn't get into specifics about prices, profits, and what not, but I know that Mr. Travis is wanting to get a lot more deep sea fishing done. While Ms. Mary is wanting more time with family and grand babies.

"A Touch for Health" offers many different services and specialties. From facial treatments to pre-natal massage. I personally have always enjoyed the reduced rate for letting the students give me a massage, they need the training and I love saving money. They also have a full staff of professionals for specialty treatments and therapies. Staff, equipment and all will go to the buyer and there will be  no disruption in services for the long time clientele of the clinic.

For more on the services, treatments, or this amazing opportunity to take over the spa and school. Call Travis or Mary Walker at 870.774.1000

photos by Jeff Easterling

Hotel Grim Redevlopment Effort Gets Boost with Visit from National Agency

via Facebook

Steps to revitalize the Hotel Grim in downtown Texarkana is moving forward with the city announcing a visit from one of the nations leading agencies on redevelopment finance agencies.

Texas Side Accidentally Releases Personal Information of Employees and Families

photo by Jeff Easterling

Today the city of Texarkana, Texas announced private information on current and former city employees, including their spouses and children had been released inadvertently to the public. 

Is Your Child Really Safe? This Video Experiment Will Terrify You! [VIDEO]

via YouTube

With the upcoming "Free Children's Self Defense Fun Day" at Texarkana Self Defense, we wanted to share some pretty horrific stats. Did you know more than 700 children are abducted every minute? Check out this social experiment to see what kids would do when confronted by a stranger with a puppy.

Huckabee Officially Seeking Republican Nomination for President [VIDEO]

WSJ via YouTube

From Hope Arkansas today, former Arkansas Governor and Texarkana Baptist Preacher Mike Huckabee officially put his name in the Republican hat for the party nomination to run for President of the United States. Here are some highlights from his speech.

Free Children's Self-Defense Seminar for the Safety of Our Kids

photo by Jeff Easterling

There is a free children's self-defense seminar scheduled for Saturday May 9, 2015 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p,m, at Texarkana Self Defense, located at 2904 Leopard Drive in Texarkana, Texas.

Arkansas Side Police Release Graphs Charting Data and Statistics

via Facebook

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department has released details on Traffic Citations, Physical Arrests, and more for 2015 so far in graph form comparing statistics to 2014. Take a look.

Ghost Walks Return to Downtown for 2015

photo by Tracey Prather

Rated the number one tourist attraction in Texarkana by Tripadvisor, the Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walks have begun for 2015 in downtown Texarkana. This year introduces some new features on the walks that people are loving!

A Twisted Fork Tequila Tasting on Cinco De Mayo

via Facebook

A unique event is scheduled for Cinco De Mayo at Twisted Fork Restaurant in Texarkana. Chef Jeff and team will be hosting a "Tequila Tasting" on May 5, with a great selection of fine Tequilas.

Best Tasting Bugs in Town

photo by Jeff Easterling

Whether we want to acknowledge it or not we have all eaten a bug or two, maybe it was an accident, but it has happened. Have you ever eaten bugs on purpose? Maybe you would want to try some of these, look!

Texas High School Classic Car Show Scheduled for Saturday May 9

The students at Texas High School in Texarkana are presenting a Classic Car Show May 9, at 4001 Summerhill Road with proceeds going to Harvest Texarkana to help feed some of our less fortunate.

Putting the Caboose in Front Street Plaza in Time for Railfest

photo by DeAnna O'Malley

Folks have been hard at work downtown today, moving an old Union Pacific Caboose into place in Front Street Plaza in time for Railfest 2015 Saturday May 16 in downtown Texarkana.

Second Annual 'Pirate's Ball' Returns June 20 [VIDEO]

photo by Jeff Easterling

Get ready for a rowdy good time with the 2nd Annual Pirate's Ball scheduled for June 20 at New Haven Golf Course, to benefit the Texarkana Renaissance Faire. (For folks 21 or older only)

Splash Pad 2015 Season via to Open in Last Week of May

The Texarkana Texas Parks & Recreation Department intend to open the Rotary Club Splash Pad at Spring Lake Park in the last week of May for those that will be looking to have fun while cooling off.

25th Annual Big Bass Classic Scheduled for May 8 & 9

via Facebook

Opportunities Inc's "Big Bass Classic" hits it's 25th year when the tournament kicks off May 8th with the Big Bass Blast party at the Fairgrounds and fishing on the 9th at both Wright Patman and Millwood Lakes. Grand Prize is the diamond Champion Ring from Crocker's Jewelers, and your choice of a new Tracker Bass Boat or $10,000!

Mystery on the History of the Plane at Spring Lake Park

Photo by Jeff Easterling

We've all heard, "by the plane at Spring Lake Park". It has been there all of my life, but I've never heard the story about why the plane is there. so I decided to go to Facebook and ask.

Annual Friends of the NRA Banquet May 12 at Fairgrounds

via Facebook

The 2015 Four States Friends of the NRA Banquet happens at the Four States Fairgrounds May 12 with raffles, games, live auctions, games and more.

After 127 Years of Service the Post Office is Moving From Downtown Texarkana Federal Building

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1543193769282698via Facebook

The second most photographed Courthouse in the Country only behind the Supreme Court Building. Many around Texarkana just call it "the post office", well the U.S. Postal Service has announced plans to move out of the building.


This is the only Federal Courthouse/Post Office in the United States that sits in two states.

The plan is for the postal service to move to another location in downtown, to make more room in the building for Federal services associated with the Federal Courts also located in the building.

Mayors for both Texarkana Texas and Arkansas have spoken out against the move and vow to try to get the U.S.P.S. to change their minds by reaching out to elected State and Federal officials. The plan is to move before June 2016. So there is still time to save our Post Office. A Facebook page has been created for the cause of keeping the post office inside the Federal Building... Save the Downtown Texarkana Post Office.

Steve Harrelson via Facebook

JE