On August 6th of this year, the Four States area witnessed first-hand the enormous danger of the brave men and women who have chosen to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of those in their communities.

There’s never a good time to have an unexpected health crisis. When Jill Rowe was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2020, it was devastating.

The Searles’ faith is nothing short of incredible. The number of obstacles and trials they have endured together in a relatively short time is enough to make anyone cower.

Life’s challenges hit everyone differently. Sarah Richardson has encountered her fair share of struggles, but she is one of the persevering kind.

After suffering an unfortunate injury in his right, dominant elbow, AHS junior Ryan Wardlaw learns to play tennis as a lefty.

This time of year, families are busy sending out holiday greetings to loved ones near and far. The holiday cards the Bowers family sends are unique.

Pam and Dr. Tim Reynolds have dedicated their lives to taking care of others. So, when the tables turned and Tim and Pam found themselves in the patients’ chairs, it was quite the role reversal to say the least.

Summer of 2022 was a life-changing season for the Killian family. When 10-year-old Jacob was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the whole family was swept up in a whirlwind of testing and doctors, glucose counts and insulin shots, and worry and fear . . . and even still, gratitude and hope.

The Junior League of Texarkana, Inc. (JLT) is an organization of women working with community partners to address and solve pressing issues such as childhood hunger and illiteracy. Since its formation in 1926, JLT has been instrumental in the development of community programs in Texarkana.

Richard Turner, a recovering alcoholic and addict, always felt different. He grew up in a rural East Texas community where he felt like the only example of diversity. He says, “When I drank, I didn’t care … I felt like I was funnier. I felt like I fit in.”

The oldest of five children, Juan left home at the age of 14 and accompanied his dad to America. They left Calderón, a small town of 200 people in central Mexico, and traveled to the United States.

“When it rains, it pours.” Many of us feel the weight of this adage occasionally, as accidents, illnesses, and last-minute difficulties present themselves all at once. We muddle through the flood and move on to more restful days. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

‘Tis the season! Once again, it’s that time of year to head on over to TRAHC’s 14th annual Holiday Arts Market at the Regional Arts Center, located at 321 West 4th Street in Texarkana, Texas.

Breast cancer is really the beast. And Kim admits that she wasn’t getting an annual mammogram or check up before she discovered the 3.7 centimeter sized tumor located in her right breast.

Desire, imagination, and creativity are the heart of Dr. James Ward’s personal passion: homebrewing.

By day, Dr. Ward can be found at his local veterinarian practice, The Vet. He has lived in Texarkana for sixteen years, but he is originally from Osceola, Arkansas.

What started as a creative way to treat Chalissa Russell’s bunco group during the holidays turned into a national, and now even international brand based locally in Texarkana, Texas.

It’s so hard to believe, but July marked my 20th anniversary at Four States Living Magazine. I always said that I wanted to make it to the 20-year mark, but when I was saying that, 20 years felt like a lifetime away. Now it is here! Time flies when you’re having fun.

In early 2022, Booker T. Washington High School, formerly known as Washington Charter School, was purchased from the Texarkana Arkansas School District. In conjunction with the Washington Alumni Association and local volunteers, a new community center was born.

In 2019, the BSA opened the Boy Scouts to include girls ages 11 through 17. The organization renamed itself Scouts BSA. Girl troops began to form within councils, as separate troops, to work alongside boy troops and complete the requirements to advance in Scouting. Within the Caddo Area Council, three girl troops have been operating since 2019.

A thankless job for many, serving the community in political roles has been rewarding and exciting for local attorney, husband, father, and lifetime public servant, Judge Ed Miller.