Texarkana Talks

This morning on Texarkana Talks, we welcomed Joe Teel of The Joe Teel Podcast and Teel Septic Services. Joe represents a younger generation of community voices, using his platforms to spotlight local people, businesses, ideas and conversations that matter.

Talking 2026 Texarkana Air Show this morning with Brandon Sanders from Texarkana College and Texarkana Airport. We talk about the airshow and events around it, the many aviation training programs offered in Texarkana and much more.

Our guest this morning is Dr. Craig Nakashian, Dean of the Honors College and Professor of History at Texas A&M University Texarkana. His specialty is medieval Europe and the complicated relationships Christianity and Warfare in the Middle Ages. 

Ms. Colleen Woods is the big winner of the 2026 Pitch It Texarkana competition joins us to talk about the competition and her business "Sling Fit TXK". This is something just about everybody would be excited to try!

We are joined this morning by Sandy Varner and Gina Parrish o Temple Memorial Treatment Center and learn a ton about the services provided for our community. We get to the heart of the Temple mission, the children. We also talk about the big "Tee it Up" Golf Tournament happening on Monday, May 11 and More!

Olivia Poulton is our Executive Director of the Texarkana Public Library. They are getting ready for some great Summer Programs with the "Summer Reading Kickoff Block Party" on May 30, the new E-Sports activities for Home Schoolers, new Study Pods, and so much more. See what is new at our Library!

We had a guest forget about us today, so we will start sending out reminders! All good, we get to talk about a number of things that Jeff just pulled out of his... hat, on this Cinco De Mayo.

Darby Tillis is in this morning to share the HYPE with this weekend's Taco Fest in downtown Texarkana. Luchadores are going to be putting on some high-flying moves on Saturday. We discuss the growing E-Sports scene and then we move into HypeCon for June 2026!

Most all of us are super excited about the 2026Texarkana Airshow on June 27. More than stunt planes, skydivers, and what not, this event is HUGE! We are talking with Marlon Lineberry, Angela Coston, and Monica Beeman this morning.

Ms. Tendra Washington is with us to share all of the activities and events planned at the Terry Lee Rogers Recreation Center. We talk about all of the activities around "Star Wars Day", Free Boater Safety Program, the big Plant Swap, Kidtastic Kamps for the summer and one we all could use a little bit of "Learn the Power of ChatGPT"... get more details from their Facebook page.

The Ben's Heart "22 Challenge" in the month of May has really gone viral and pretty much Nationwide at this point and we are ready for it. We talk to Ben's mom, Suzy Kroll about the different ways you can get involved. We also have Veterans Service Officer Tom Ornberg with us with some news for all of our local Veterans.

Gary Wortham has taken on the responsibility of organizing the Texarkana Airshow BBQ Cookoff. Not only are those bragging rights out there, but this competition also has $10,000 in added cash prizes. This is shaping up to be the biggest BBQ event in Texarkana history!

Here is what is going on with the left. After another attempt on the life of our President of the United States, some things just need to be said. Don't care who you vote for, here it is!

Terence Washington joins us to discuss collectibles of all sorts and the big Texarkana Card Show set for Saturday, April 25 at the Terry Lee Rogers Recreation Center located at #1 Legion Drive in Texarkana Arkansas.

Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Conductor Phillip Mann joins us to discuss this weekend's T.S.O. 20th season Grand Finale. We look back on some of the great performances from this season, and look forward to plans for the upcoming season.

Had a last minute rescheduling of our guest this morning, so we spend the time making fun of the criminals in Minnesota that now claim they are the victims because they got arrested, lost their jobs, homes and more all because they don't have the sense God gave a goose, and we talk about the good times to come here in Texarkana.

Former war fighter and recent candidate for Miller County Judge Chris Redfearn joins us this morning to talk about his first political campaign, the good, the bad, and the better of it. We also talk about a warriors opinion of Iran. Chris will run for a political office again, and the people will benefit. 

Jason Butler joins us to discuss Texarkana Taco Festival on May 9. Everybody loves tacos and there will be plenty and every kind of taco you can think of in downtown Texarkana. Plus, if you can handle the spice, find out about this "Toughman of Salsa" contest that will be taking place... we dare you!

Got a business idea and need a little help getting started? Do you have a small business ready to grow? Get with Ms. Deanna at Communities Unlimited. From ideas, to business plans, coaching, loans and more.

Stacey Smallwood Lingo from Haven Homes joins us to talk about the May 7th event, "Where Hope Abounds". A celebration for all at the Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center with good food, entertainment and one lucky guest will win a 2026 Nissan Rogue from Patterson Nissan in Texarkana!

Jenny Walker is the Executive Director of Leadership Texarkana. Today we learn more about the organization and their mission in the community. Applications for the next Leadership class will be available at the end of April.

Suzy Kroll with Ben's Heart Ministries and our Miller County Veterans Service Officer Tom Ornberg join us to talk about a lot of upcoming events for our Veterans. From the upcoming cleanup at Rondo Cemetery, to the Gary Allen Concert in November.

Ms. Tameka Grady joins us with details about the 2026 Catfish & Mudbug Festival happening at Front Street Plaza this Saturday, April 18. This year don't miss "Cookin' with Cajun". Listen for all of the details.

Terrie Arnold discusses the upcoming "Twice as Fine Wine Festival" on May 2, 2026. This is the 11th year for the event that just keeps getting bigger and better every year. All proceeds from this CASA Fundraiser stays right here in our community to help in the fight of Alzheimer's Disease.

Today we talk with photographer Aaron Patton about his powerful nationwide journey, "The Americans Project". We talk about the stories he's encountered on the road, what he has learned about America, and why projects like this are so important. Real people, real stories, real America.

This morning we had Ms. Tendra with the Texarkana Arkansas Parks & Recreation Department and Arkansas Game & Fish Biologist Dylan Hann join us. We talked about this weekend's "Catfish Derby" and more.

This morning we update everyone with details about the 81st Four States Fair & Rodeo. Plus, we talk with Caleb Mudford and Zoe Terral from LNKTXK about the Waggin' Weiner Run at Hopkins Icehouse Saturday, April 11.

Lisa Garner and Kristin Larry join us on this opening day of the 81st Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo. This year with the top amusement company in the United States, North American Midway Entertainment. Thrills, the foods, music, rodeo and more. 10 days of fun planned for one of the biggest events in the Ark-La-Tex.

Today we say goodbye to Texarkana Regional Airport Director Paul Merlich and we wish him the best on his next venture. We are also talking with Interim Director Russel Henderson about the upcoming Air Show scheduled for June 27.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the partnership with KTFS Radio and Texarkana FYI. So many fascinating stories from our guests since falling into this. I was asked if I had a favorite guest, well, all of them! We are joined today by Jenny Walker with Leadership Texarkana, and more.

Matthew Anderson is a young man moved to serve. He is running for a seat on the TISD Board of Trustees. We discuss his reasons for entering the race, and ideas for TISD moving forward.

This morning we looked back on the 'No Kings' gathering this weekend, and look forward to 'The Americans' Photography Project is coming to Texarkana on April 9 in downtown Texarkana.

Well, for March 27 we just made it up as we went along. Our guest was unable to make it today, so we covered a lot of what is happening in Texarkana this weekend. We talked about Trans folks not being able to compete in Olympic events they don't biologically fit. We talked about how Texas shut down that "Sharia City" project and more. In fact, as I type this, I am thinking I might better go listen back just in case I have to deal with complaints later today!

A great visit with Lisa Garner of the Four States Fair Grounds and Dan Sawyer from North American Midway Entertainment. The 2026 Four States Fair & Rodeo is the 81st year, and is weighing up to be the biggest and best ever! Running from April 3 to April 12 in Texarkana Arkansas.

Through all of the technical difficulties this morning, we still had a great conversation with Dylan Hann from Arkansas Game & Fish and Ms. Tendra Washington with Texarkana Arkansas Parks & Recreation about the upcoming Catfish Derby set for April 11.

This morning we visit with Kristi Kendrick, Nedra Harris, and Jannette Buchanan about the Beverly Community Center and the many events and activities available to our area youth and seniors.

We are joined by Maestro Marc Andre Bougie, Texas High Choir Director Christina Sullivan, and Mindy Tollison about the chance for the kids to join Bougie on stage at Carnegie Hall for a Memorial Day performance. Find out more and help how you can! 

Ms. Tendra shares, well, almost everything that the team with Texarkana Arkansas Parks & Recreation Department has planned through Spring. Starting with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, the Fishing Derbies, and more!

Jennifer Lacefield is our Executive Director of the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter. Today we discuss the needs of the community. The upcoming benefit concert with 2-Pianos, and a lot more!

Ms. Annabeth Smith joins us to talk about the Pork on a Fork Fundraiser for Runnin' WJ Ranch happening on April 18 at Rammage Farms. Great BBQ, The Hailey Wright Band will perform, Raffles, Silent Auction and a lot more!

Our guests this morning, Leann Pitchford and Anita Norwood, discuss the 4 States Fusion Chorus. Part of the International Sweet Adelines the 4 States Fusion Chorus is a sisterhood of helping hearts. Looking for members ages 8 to 80, find out more on their Facebook Page.

Jesse Tillis joins us to promote this weekend's Viking Festival, local E-Sports Teams, Hype & Glory Wrestling and More!

Hillary Cloud joins us to talk about Texarkana Chamber of Commerce efforts for National Career Readiness Certification in our region. Reach out to the Chamber to register your business for NCRC to reach the goal to certify our region, call 903.792.7191.

Trista Akin with Friends for a Cause visits with us about the upcoming "Lucky Dog Bunco" event to benefit local Animal Rescues on St. Patrick Day. Get all of the information here, or check their Facebook page.

The Lady Drifters is a growing group of women that love to ride motorcycles and serve our community. This morning we had Tita, Stat, and Bewbs on the radio with us talking about their efforts to partner with Church Under the Bridge Texarkana to feed the congregation, and invite local ladies to join the club!

This morning John Robert Lee from Hot Tails Crawfish joins us to discuss the 2026 Season and the big plans for bigger fun and great entertainment this year!

Destiny Carter, President of Texarkana Kiwanis Club, visits with us about the 68th Annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast set for March 14 in Texarkana.

Mckayla Cox joins us today to discuss the upcoming "Spring Awakening Viking Festival" happening March 21 & 22 at Dancing Ranch Farm.

Tom Whitten and Mike Carter, newly re-elected Bowie County Commissioners join us about their recent campaigns and results. We also have Phillip Mann to tell us all about Saturday night at the Perot Theatre for the "Country Jukebox" show!

We had a last-minute cancelation for this morning's show, but will reschedule for a later date. That gave us the opportunity to rundown some of the local election results from March 3.