Latest Stories

Publisher's Letter January 2026

For over five years, we have had stories with the community. We have featured wisdom and advice, witnessed miracles, celebrated notable figures and leaders, shared rags-to-riches journeys, and much more. Every single one has felt like an honor. The sacred trust of those willing to open their lives and hearts so we could share their stories with you, our readers, is humbling. … But none have carried the weight of this month’s cover story. … What Jessica Brookes experienced was every person’s worst nightmare.

Posted on January 1, 2026 in Life & Style READ MORE

---

TXK 411

Holiday Pet Safety Guide … The holidays bring joy and potential hazards for our pets. Here is how to keep your furry family members safe this season. … While the dishes we serve our loved ones may be delicious, our pets’ stomachs are not designed for holiday menus. At Westridge, we often see a wave of “post-holiday” tummy troubles. The holidays are the most common times we treat pets for gastritis, colitis, and pancreatitis, which can be caused by the well-intentioned sharing of festive foods.

Posted on December 5, 2025 in Life & Style READ MORE

---

Faith Made in the Fire

This Christmas, the Frank family understands what the greatest gift truly is. It is not wrapped. It cannot be placed under a tree. It is life itself, restored through healing and faith tested in the fire. For Jeff and Faith Frank, the past eleven months stripped away nearly everything they owned. Their savings vanished. They lost their home. Plans to build were dissolved. What they gained instead cannot be measured in dollars or square footage.

Posted on December 4, 2025 in Life & Style READ MORE

---

Home for the Holidays

When Amberly and Shawn Stussy began their remodel in 2018, their vision was clear. They wanted to create a home where their family could gather, celebrate, and make memories for years to come. Tucked away on Jack Cullen Drive, with one of Texarkana’s most breathtaking backyard views, their home captures the essence of warmth, comfort, and character, especially during the holiday season. … Inspired by their travels to the Texas Hill Country, the resort-style pool invites relaxation.

Posted on December 4, 2025 in Life & Style READ MORE

---

Gideon's Miracle

I still remember the exact moment everything shifted, the moment the air left the room, the moment time split into “before” and “after.” Gideon was only sixteen months old, full of giggles and sunshine, when a doctor looked at us with steady eyes and said the words that would reroute the entire trajectory of our lives.“Your son’s MRI shows a rare and aggressive brain tumor.” … I do not remember what I said or did not say. I do not remember how long I sat there in silence. What I do remember is the feeling.

Posted on December 4, 2025 in Life & Style READ MORE

---

Raise a Glass

The holidays deserve a toast, and we have just the recipes to make yours merry. From cozy bourbon classics to bright, festive sips, these six cocktails from local restaurants are perfect for celebrating.

Posted on December 4, 2025 in Community & Culture READ MORE

---

Melanie Tkach

Melanie Tkach was born and raised in Texarkana and attended Pleasant Grove High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Melanie practiced as an occupational therapist for approximately 10 years in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy settings before transitioning to academia. She is an assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Posted on December 3, 2025 in TXK Roots READ MORE

---

Keeping More in Your Stocking, Instead of Washington

This Christmas season, families across East Texas have something extra to be thankful for. Because of the Working Families Tax Cut, signed into law this year, hardworking Texans will not face the painful, historically high tax hikes that were scheduled to hit on January 1. Instead, families will keep more of their paychecks—money that can go toward saving for retirement, donations to local churches and charities, or perhaps a holiday meal with family and friends, and buying that special gift for Christmas to light up the eyes of a child.

Posted on December 3, 2025 in Business & Politics READ MORE

---

Local Gift Guide

Zum Products Starting at ^$6.50 | Prodigy Life … Gift Baskets ^$20, Gift Cards Available | Blue Ember Smokehouse … Outdoor Patio Entertainment System + Installation ^$2,999 | Soundz Good Audio/Video … Benchmade Knives Starting at ^$150, Engraving Available | Dreidel Home + Sundry … Candier Candles ^$29 | Flowers on Richmond … Glass Christmas Ornaments ^$19 | MerchantHouse Interiors … TXK Swag Starting at ^$1.

Posted on December 3, 2025 in Business & Politics READ MORE

---

Good Evening TXK

Five Things 2025 Taught Me. … Tony Bennett once said, “Life really teaches you how to live it, if you live long enough.” I know I’m young, but I believe life has already taught me enough that I could write a memoir. This year alone felt like earning a full degree in Adulting 101. … Something in the last 12 months flipped a switch in me, and I became obsessed with growth. I’ve been hungry for it. I have wanted to learn everything I possibly could, even when it was uncomfortable—maybe even especially when it was uncomfortable.

Posted on December 3, 2025 in Sports & Entertainment READ MORE

---

Return to Top  

Print Edition

June 2026

Sponsor

Instagram

View this profile on Instagram

Texarkana Magazine (@txkmag) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook

Advertising

Interested in advertising with us? Take a look at our media kit and send us an email to get started.