Alex Bloyd, 32, is being held on $500,000 bond for continuous sexual abuse of a young child, a first degree felony. If convicted, he faces five to 99 years or life in a Texas prison. State law could enhance the charges due to the child’s age.

The allegations came after the child made an outcry to her mother that Bloyd had been touching her inappropriately, saying she “didn’t like when he did it” and “wanted him to go to jail,” according to a probable cause affidavit.

The child told a forensic interviewer the abuse began when she would visit her caregiver’s New Boston apartment somewhere in 2024 or 2025. She described to the interviewer waking from the couch where she her brother had been sleeping to Bloyd allegedly on the floor beside her touching her, the affidavit said.

She said the abuse occurred a second time in 2025 when she was at a different residence when she again awoke to the Bloyd allegedly leaning over the couch and touching her. She said she initially thought she was dreaming but the “physical sensation made her realize the contact was real,” the investigator said in the affidavit.

The most recent incident she said happened on April 3 while she was asleep in the bed beside her caregiver. The child said she woke up when she felt something touching her. Bloyd allegedly moved his hand and told her to be quiet then allegedly continued to try touching her again while the child repeatedly pushed his hand away, the affidavit said.

The child said she felt scared and moved herself closer to her caregiver, who was still asleep, the affidavit said.

The child told her mother the following day and the mother immediately contacted authorities. Bloyd was taken into custody on April 10.

The case has been turned over to the Bowie County District Attorney’s Office and will be tried in the 202nd District Court with Judge John Tidwell presiding. Bloyd is represented by the Bowie County Public Defenders Office.

A trial date has not yet been set.

1950 US Highway 82, New Boston Legion and Auxiliary Officer elections will be held on May 12, 2026.

Pool Tournament, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

8Ball Tournament and Karaoke, Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Dart Tournament, Sunday 3:30 p.m.

16th Annual Fellowship Meeting April 23-26, 2026

Victory Holiness Tabernacle 906 SH 98, New Boston, TX 75570 Pastor Joe Littleton Guest Speaker: Bro. Jonathan Brock Breakfast, lunch and dinner served Friday-Sunday. If you would like a room at the church during services, contatct Sister Debra Richardson - (870) 331-4053 For more information contact: Bro. DeWayne Holden 940-841-3053 Pastor Joe Littleton 903-733-0823 Bro. Eddie Richardson 903-490-8326

Interstate 30 (I-30) – From Farm to Market road (FM) 989/Kings Highway to Arkansas state line, widening highway. Westbound lanes split. Left lane for thru traffic, no option to exit. Right lane for local traffic, can exit. Some westbound ramp closures. Lane shift at Exit 220 A/Interstate 369 south/U.S. Highway (U.S.) 59 south.

I-30 – From FM 989 to FM 3419, extension of frontage roads. FM 2148 closed under I-30 bridge.

FM 989/Kings Highway - From I-30 north frontage road to Gibson Lane, widening road. Traffic shifted.

U.S. 82 - From U.S. 259 to I-30, widening road. I-30 at U.S. 82 westbound entrance and exit ramps closed, eastbound entrance ramp closed. Intersection of West Grizzly and FM 1701 closed.

State Highway (SH) 8 - From FM 1840 to U.S. 67.

Shoulder work, mobile operation. Expect delays

Cass County

U.S. 59 - At Bowman Creek, bridge preventive maintenance. Daytime lane closures.

SH 49 - From SH 155 to Marion County line, road rehab. SH 49 closed to thru traffic from SH 155 to FM 729, detour in place.

U.S. 59 - From SH 155 to Marion County line, concrete pavement repair. Daytime lane closures.

SH 11 - From FM 161 to FM 2612. Shoulder work, mobile operation. Expect delays SH 155 - From SH 8 to five miles east of SH 49. Shoulder work, mobile operation. Expect delays SH 77 - From SH 8 to U.S. 59. Shoulder work, mobile operation. Expect delays

The TWON program was established to help well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction, and water quality and treatment. Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.

Bowie County residents will drop off water samples on May 6 between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM at the Bowie County Extension office in the courthouse in New Boston (710 James Bowie Drive).

On May 7, a follow-up meeting “Well Informed” will be held to explain water sample results will be held at the Central Jury Room (2nd Floor Bowie County Courthouse) beginning at 1:00 PM.

A water sample form must be completed for each sample submitted. Follow the directions below for sample collection: (visit https://twon.tamu. edu/ for a printable version of the collection instructions and the sample information sheet or contact the Bowie County Ex-tension office at 903-6286702 for instructions).

Refrigerate the sample and transport it to the drop-off location in an ice chest as soon after collection as possible. It is best to collect the day the sample is submitted. Otherwise, make sure the sample is kept cool and out of direct sunlight. The sample should be collected within 24 hours of submission.

Participants with more than one water well are encouraged to sample all wells on their property. Participants who have water treatment equipment are encouraged to sample the water both before and after the treatment to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly.

Each sample should be labeled with your name, and if you bring more than one sample, the label should indicate which well the sample came from. There will be a $15.00 fee for each sample that is processed. Checks made out to Bowie County Master Gardeners or cash will be accepted as forms of payment.

Private water wells should be tested annually. Contact the Bowie County Extension office at 903628-6702 for more information about the event.

Sustainable investing allows you to support better business practices through your investment choices. It looks at how companies address issues ranging from climate change to worker well-being to corporate ethics. At its core, it’s about aligning investments with personal values while still focusing on long-term financial outcomes.

Here are the three main areas of sustainable investing: Environmental considerations include how companies respond to climate change, use natural resources and manage pollution.

Social factors address workforce well-being, product safety and efforts to reduce social inequities.

Governance focuses on corporate behavior, ethics policies and financial transparency.

You may wonder whether investing sustainably means sacrificing returns. Research suggests it doesn’t. New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business reviewed more than 1,000 studies from 2015–20 and found that incorporating ESG factors does not inherently diminish returns, and in many cases is associated with improved financial performance. As with any investment approach, it’s important to focus on high quality investments that help support more consistent long term returns.

Sustainable investing can take several forms: ESG intentional strategies spread out your investments and have clear goals for choosing companies that follow strong environmental, social and governance practices.

Sustainable thematic strategies focus on specific issues, such as clean energy or water conservation.

Impact investments go a step further, targeting measurable environmental or social outcomes. Because they prioritize more narrow, specific objectives, they may carry higher volatility and potentially lower returns.

One concern you may hear about is “greenwashing,” which happens when companies or funds exaggerate their environmental efforts. To help prevent this, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission created a rule in 2023 that requires any fund with “ESG” in its name to keep at least 80% of its assets in ESG aligned investments.

Another challenge is data consistency. Today, 99% of S&P 500 companies report ESG metrics, according to the Center for Audit Quality, but different rating providers still use different methods. Looking at relative rankings can help you compare companies and mutual funds in a more consistent way.

Deciding whether to include sustainable investments in your portfolio really depends on your values and financial goals. You can build a well diversified portfolio with or without them. A qualified financial advisor can help you understand whether adding sustainable investments fits your overall strategy and makes sense for your situation.

As more companies disclose ESG data and more funds offer sustainable options, investors have increasing opportunities to align their portfolios with their values — without sacrificing their financial objectives.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (NKJV) This is one of the most personal and intimate scriptures in all of Scripture. These red letters flowing with love clearly state eight times that Jesus is calling you to a closer and deeper walk with Him. Jesus emphasizes His desire for each individual person by using the words “you” or “your” eight times in this one verse. Jesus meant for this to be a very personal invitation into His presence. This is a very intentional statement made by Jesus. He wanted His followers to be able to use His words here as a very clear roadmap to a closer walk with the Father. This Scripture is an instruction manual telling us how we can have intimacy with the Father. We must find a place to pray, shut out the world, and then in that secret place, seek the Father. Jesus promises us that when we seek the father, He will already be there waiting on us. WOW! The Creator of the Universe wanted to give you clear details on how to have a personal, private and secret place prayer conversation with Him every single day.

When we dig in deeper we understand what Jesus was trying to tell us, Jesus wants us to get to know the Father. As we get to know the Father, He will reveal His heart and then we will learn how to pray the will and plans of God. When we find God in a secret place, He reveals our destiny to us. The more time we spend with Him, the more He reveals our destiny. When we start to walk in this type of intimacy with the Lord, we will understand the power and authority that we have as children of God. Jesus ends this statement in Matthew 6:6 by promising that when we seek God in secret, He will reward us openly. What is our reward? The reward is the explosive joy we experience as we fulfill our daily destiny with the Lord. If we continue in the secret place with the Lord, we will start to grow closer and closer to Him. We will find out more and more each day who we are in Christ. As we continue to grow in our personal identity through intimacy with the Lord, our destiny will be unlocked at a greater measure every day. I encourage you every day to have a set time that you, just as this scripture says, go into your room, shut your door and seek the face of God the Father.

Joe Joe Dawson is the founder and apostle of Roar Apostolic Network and Roar Church Texarkana. Joe Joe is married to the love of his life, Autumn Dawson, and they have three children, Malachi, Judah and Ezra. The Dawsons teach a lifestyle of revival and awakening. Their desire is to see every believer fulfill their God-given destiny and live life to the fullest in God.

It started the way most of my adventures do, with my good intentions and zero warning signs. I’d just bought Gatorade and Hostess cakes for the folks I’d be visiting downtown as part of street ministry. Feeling righteous. Feeling purposeful. Heading to my car in the parking lot like a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen of these United States.

That’s when he rolled up. An older gentleman, white-haired and distinguished, was steering an electric wheelchair right next to my vehicle. His cart was overflowing with groceries, and he was slowly unfolding from the chair, standing a little crookedly beside his car door.

Well. You know me. I cannot walk past a person who needs a hand.

I joined him. Naturally. I started helping him transfer items from the cart into the backseat. Cheerfully. Without a single suspicious thought in my head, which, looking back, may have been my first mistake.

I noticed the groceries weren’t bagged, but I figured he’d scanned them and skipped the bags. People do that. Environmentally conscious folks. Efficient people. Then came the employees.

One, then two, then what felt like five or six, materializing from nowhere like a grocery store SWAT team. They formed a semicircle around us, and I had a sudden, terrible thought: one of us is in trouble.

I prayed hard it wasn’t me. The lead employee, calm, professional, and clearly experienced with this sort of thing, spoke to my new friend. “Sir, do the right thing. Did you pay for these groceries?”

My friend mumbled something about losing his receipt. Then he shut the car door. And then, after a long pause, he said, “I didn’t pay for them.”

While other shoppers slowed down to watch, I announced to anyone who would listen, “I was just helping him.” I paused, replaying the last five minutes in my head. “Wait. I was helping him put them in his car. That’s all I was doing.”

The employee looked at me with the patience of a saint. “We know you aren’t involved.”

I exhaled for the first time in what felt like several years.

But then I leaned in, because I couldn’t help myself. “Is he going to jail? Will he sleep there tonight?”

She assured me, no jail, just a conversation, a warning, and a requirement to either pay for the groceries or return them. “He gets confused a little.”

“Well,” I said, thinking it through, “if it’s a money problem, I’d pay for his things.”

“He shops here regularly,” she said. “He can pay. He forgets the ‘pay’ part sometimes.

I nodded slowly. “I just hope he’s okay.” She smiled, patient as ever. “He’s got you fooled. And we try to keep watch for him.”

“Maybe,” I said. “But maybe he needed a friend.” She laughed outright at that. “Or an accomplice.” I walked to my car, Gatorade and Hostess cakes intact, dignity mostly intact, and thought about how quickly a good deed can get complicated.

For me, it’s easy to find myself in the middle of someone else’s mess. But sometimes, grace and wisdom aren’t always the same thing, and sometimes you need both and a whole lot of mercy when things go sideways.

That evening, I went downtown and loved on my homeless friends, right on schedule.

Nobody went to jail. At the grocery store. Or on the streets. At least, not this time.

Highway work is dangerous work, often just inches away from speeding traffic. Help keep our workers and everyone on the road safe by slowing down in work zones and driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.

A growing state means more Texans on our roads, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is meeting that increased demand with roadway improvements underway in more than 1,800 active work zones across the state. This month, TxDOT is highlighting safety tips in work zones to help protect workers and drivers.

The data In 2025, there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 203 people killed, including seven roadside workers.

In the Atlanta District in 2025, there were 532 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in 4 fatalities and 32 serious injuries. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties.

And while workers are at risk doing their jobs to keep us safe, most of the people who died in work zone crashes were drivers and their passengers. Driving with caution through work zones is as much for your protection as it is for the people working.

Work Zone Awareness Week In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20–24, TxDOT is raising awareness about how to be safe and drive smart in work zones to avoid crashes and fatalities.

“Maintaining a safe highway system requires yearround effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”

Stay safe in work zones with these Be Safe. Drive Smart. tips · Slow down. Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to road conditions. Remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present.

· Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.

· Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers deserve to get home safely, too. Always follow their instructions and work zone signage.

· Never tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.

· Allow extra time. Road construction can slow down traffic. Plan ahead so you aren’t tempted to speed.

Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. That’s not just law enforcement cars, but emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks or utility vehicles.

Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

Age: 71 Family: Married to Melissa; two children. Son is an Air Force Master Sergeant. Daughter is married and living in Virginia.

Current residence city: DeKalb, TX How long have you resided there? 11 years

Top three degrees and/or educational achievements: Post high school courses at Mountain View College in Dallas and Hondros College in Cincinnati. Worked internationally in the oil industry. Studied and applied drilling technology through the University of Texas at Austin (PETEX).

Current job/employer and your top three occupational achievements:

Serving as Mayor of Dekalb since September 2019. Achievements: Brought in about $17 million in funding for our city of DeKalb.

Helped create over 100 jobs through growth at the Industrial Park.

Built new water & sewer lines, cutting water loss from over 30% down to about 3%, saving water and money.

Downtown beautification grant for new sidewalks and lighting.

Home Project Grants provided new homes for our residents.

Co-founder of Graematter, Inc., a global regulatory intelligence firm specializing in medical product regulations.

Political Why do you want the office you are seeking?

I want to continue to oversee the Highway 82 expansion project, replacement of dilapidated infrastructure (i.e. water lines, above ground water storage & new fire hydrants). Also, to continue bringing businesses into the industrial park to create a stronger tax base which will reduce the tax burden on residents.

What qualifies you to hold the office you are seeking?

Served as Mayor since the fall of 2019.

Board member of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments.

Appointed by the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture for Statewide Grant Scoring.

Northeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation Board Member.

National Association of Development Organizations, representing interests of rural communities nationally.

Voting Member of TEX21 for coordination with TXDOT.

What will be your top priority/priorities elected into office and how do you plan to address them? Capitalize on strong relationships with Texas state and federal officials to grow grant revenue.

What do you see as the major needs in your city? Our city is experiencing business expansion, which underscores the urgent need for affordable housing solutions.

If you could initiate one change, what would it be? I would encourage more attendance at city meetings and more direct interaction with the city. This avoids the reliance on false or incomplete information found on social media.

As an elected official, your constituents expect transparency. What are your views on transparency in government, and how could your position improve in this area?

Transparency for city business is provided by the following: City Council meetings occur monthly at standard dates and include time for public comments.

Discussion of official actions occurs during posted public meetings.

All items are discussed individually, as we do not do consent agendas.

Meeting notices are published at least 72 hours prior.

Meetings to discuss budgets and financial audit reports are posted.

Meeting minutes are available on the City website.

Mayoral Candidate David Schwinn Biographical

Age: 61 Family: Parents Raymond and Marjorie Schwinn; Siblings - Marjorie Roberts, Jo Anna Theriot, Christy Jenkins; Children - Lindsey Wilbanks and Rachel Schwinn Current residence city: DeKalb, Texas How long have you resided there? 40+ years

Top three degrees and/or educational achievements: Dekalb High School graduate; TCC Automotive graduate Current job/employer and your top three occupational achievements: Currently retired; Formerly worked as a mechanic with leadership and instructional roles; Owner/Operator of trucking company; Company driver

Political Why do you want the office you are seeking?

My recent retirement allows me the opportunity and time to devote to this community and address its needs. I am not running for a title-I’m running to serve. I have recently become more involved in the city’s activities and attend council meetings.

What qualifies you to hold the office you are seeking?

While not a career politician, as a working member of the community, I have acquired real world skills that will translate well into achieving necessary goals of managing the community’s needs. As a mechanic, I have diagnosed and repaired vehicles and equipment and communicated clearly with customers about those repairs, costs and solutions. Being in supervisory positions, I was in charge of overseeing workloads and using good teamwork skills.

As an instructor, I used leadership and communication to ensure the successful completion of tasks at hand.

As an owner/operator of Raymar Trucking, I managed daily operations of a small business. I oversaw budgeting, expenses, profit margin decisions; coordinated logistics, scheduling and deliveries; maintained records for state and federal requirements and regulations; all while building working relationships with customers and vendors.

My time at RRAD as a 5803 Mechanic WG11 was spent repairing heavy military vehicles using work orders, reading wiring and mechanical schematics, as well as blueprints and specialized tools. As a member of the Travel Team, I completed four tours in theater working for FRA under the 401st and 402nd Army divisions.

What will be your top priority/priorities elected into office and how do you plan to address them? I will always put the people and their needs first. In order to do that, we need a transparent and accessible city hall and all employees shall indeed serve the community. I advocate for responsible growth, ensuring that the city can remain solvent, as well as preserve small town values.

What do you see as the major needs in your city?

I have grown increasingly concerned with the lack of transparency in our city’s spending and council decisions.

I want all information easily and readily accessible to any concerned citizens. Better communication with residents will help change a lot of issues. Utility bills and aging infrastructure, as well as road conditions affect us all.

Once elected, I am committed to having the most efficient and affordable basic services to our residents and establish some long-term repair planning for streets and brush disposal of trash.

I want to bring security street lighting to neighborhoods and be sure fire hydrants are in compliance and available. All employees at city hall will be helpful to our citizens and there will be 100% transparency with them.

If you could initiate one change, what would it be?

Make our city government more transparent, accessible and responsive to the community.

As an elected official, your constituents expect transparency. What are your views on transparency in government, and how could your position improve in this area?

As a member of this community, and as someone who has actually attended council meetings, the current level of transparency is wholly unacceptable. That would become a thing of the past if I am elected.

All community members will have the right to speak and have their concerns heard and state guidelines will be followed.

Note: Candidate Patrick Tinker did not respond to our requests for profile information.

The world we live in is such a paradox it seems these days, or maybe it has always been that way.

I tend to think, with some reason, that it is more so now than ever before.

On one side there is the absolute beauty of life. All of the things that make life wonderful and grand are still out there for us to see and experience.

There are things like newborn babies, picturesque weddings, the stories of human triumph, and the absolute unparalleled joy of watching your driver win a NASCAR race. ( Okay that one might just be me) There are also things like playing with your grandchildren, watching as a new Christian gets baptized, Friday night football, and the feeling you get seeing an amazing sunrise or sunset.

Life is full of beautiful things if we take the time to see and experience them.

Case in point locally is seeing all the pictures of our young people all dressed up and smiling at the proms going on around the area. Seeing the young people, on the cusp of adulthood, all decked out in formalwear and enjoying a night with their friends is always a happy moment.

And then there is the other side of the coin.

The darkness of the world we live in seems to grow darker every day.

Things like the tragic shooting in Shreveport over this past weekend, the seemingly neverending crime stories that we have had in the paper of late, the horrors of cancer, and the simply evil acts that we hear about every day attempt to cast a shadow on all of the good stuff.

One of my pet peeves (no pun intended) is the almost endless parade of abandoned dogs. Another is the also seemingly ever growing number of people, right here in our neck of the woods, who find themselves homeless, or without enough food to eat.

Just as there is so much beauty in the world, there is just as much evil. Again, maybe it has always been this way, or maybe there is something else at play.

I am not going to get all preachy here this week, but if you have any knowledge of your Bible at all, you know the scriptures that tell us about how there will be a time when the devil and his minions will be working overtime. There is a time in the scriptures that talks about those days when evil will be poured out on our world in an attempt to keep people away from Christ.

2 Timothy 3 tells us that in the last days perilous times will come.

1 Timothy talks about how in the last days people with abandon their faith in God and look to evil things to follow.

Matthew 24 talks about people will see their love grow cold and they will turn away from their faith and do bad things.

Yet, like all that I have mentioned, there is a flip side to the evil.

Recently, at our house we have been on a record collecting binge. The old vinyly 45s and 33s are stacked up and we are enjoying our favorite music on a turntable. It is pretty cool I must say.

The 45s are my favorites and I always find it interesting to hear what is on what they call, the B side. These are usually the lesser known songs.

I say that to say that there is a B side to life, and it is up to us to listen to it, or chose to stick with the A side and just listen to the “good stuff.”

Life is such that we can always listen to the A side, or we can slip back to the B side.

That A side is uncomplete unless we include the fact that the Bible says that in the last days, to counteract the devil and all of his B side ways, Jesus has filled the A side of life’s record with Acts 2:17-18.

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”

Whether these are the last days or not, it is good to know that He has our six, and we can count on days of beauty, if we will just look for them.

Assault Causing Bodily Injury (family violence)- Lonnie Lane Texarkana, arrested: Amy Rollins Assist Other Agency- North State Line Avenue Texarkana Theft Over $750 and Under $2,500-Merrit Drive Texarkana, taken: $750.00 in U.S. Currency Theft Over $100 and Under $750-County Road 1227 Texarkana, taken: electric utility meter Vehicle Fire-Private Road 13260 Texarkana Dog Bite-County Road 4230 Dekalb Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Criminal Mischief)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Kenneth Wayne Akin Jail Sanction for DWI 3rd or More, Jail Sanction for Possession of a Controlled Substance-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: John Cody Warner Jail Sanction for Abandoning or Endangering a Child-Noth State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Eddie Tavares Hall Warrant Service (Online Solicitation of a Minor Under 14yoa x2, Produce/Direct/ Promote Sexual Performance by a Child Under 14yoa x2)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Jeffery Dean Norris Jail Sanction for Assault on a Public Servant, Jail Sanction for Assault Causing Bodily Injury-family violence-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Tevin Kjetil Parker Warrant Service (TX Parole Violation)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: James Edward Reed 

TUESDAY 

Suspicious Circumstances- Farm to Market Road 3098 Maud Possession of a Controlled Substance x4-Geneva Road Texarkana, arrested: Kenneth Daniel Latham Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Theft Under $2,500 with 2 or More Previous Convictions- Geneva Street Texarkana, arrested: Melanie Raine Hester Assault Causing Bodily Injury (family violence)- West Macedonia Road Texarkana, arrested: Calbert Joseph Joyce Criminal Mischief Over $750 and Under $2,500West Front Street Texarkana Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information- North State Line Avenue Texarkana Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility- West Front Street Texarkana Escape-St. Michael’s Drive Texarkana, arrested: Katherine Suzanne Potter Dog Bite-Longhorn Road Maud Commitment Sentence for Assault Causing Bodily Injury (family violence) with Previous Conviction- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Daniel Paul Straw Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Attempt to Possess a Controlled Substance)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Jackie Lynn Gossett Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Theft of Material)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Christopher Charles Gibson Jail Sanction for Injury to a Child or Elderly Individual x2-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Jacob Tyler Walraven Warrant Service (Assault Causing Bodily Injury x2)North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Brittany Rachele Hindsman 

WEDNESDAY 

Possession of Child Pornography-North State Line Avenue Texarkana Graffiti-County Road 4130 New Boston Death Investigation- County Road 1215 Texarkana Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Freddy Israel Gomez Machado Warrant Service (Probation Violation for DWI)North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Fredrick Field Phillips Warrant Service (Bond Forfeiture for Possession of Marijuana)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Sabrina Lynn Martin Warrant Service (Theft Over $2,500 and Under $30,000)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Ann Chere Terven Warrant Service (Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility)- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Shemika Nicole Craven Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Assault on a Public Servant)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Michael Valentine Gardner Warrant Service (Theft of Service Over $2,500 and Under $30,000, traffic)- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Hope Amrie Washington Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Theft Over $2,500 and Under $30,000, Probation Violation for Abandoning a Child)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Katelyn Mamie Arnold 

THURSDAY 

Burglary of a Building- U.S. Highway 59s Texarkana, taken: 2 Poulan Pro chainsaws Assault Causing Bodily Injury-West Front Street Texarkana Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency x3)North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Trinity Ameia Alesie George Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Iyuanna Hackney Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Deadly Conduct)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Jaylen Eugene Hendricks 

FRIDAY 

Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Criminal Trespass), Criminal Trespass- County Road 1116 Maud, arrested: Dorothy Willeford Assault Causing Bodily Injury (family violence)- Proetz Lane Texarkana, arrested: Jada Renee Parks-Bullock Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle-Valley Run Drive Texarkana, taken: 2007 Ford F150 (blue in color) Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Hindering Apprehension), Hold for Other Agency-South Gibson Lane Texarkana, arrested: Chloe Madison Conn Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Theft Under $2500 with 2 or More Previous Convictions- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Princess Dominique Williams Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Willie Lee Taylor Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Possession of a Controlled Substance)- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Lloyd Caleb Burruss Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Possession of Marijuana)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Morgan Paige Walls 

SATURDAY 

Assault Causing Bodily Injury-West Front Street Texarkana Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Attempt to Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance)-Private Road 13141 Texarkana, arrested: Eric Lee Wilson 

SUNDAY 

Terroristic Threat-Jones Lane Hooks Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility-West Front Street Texarkana 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY BY BCSO 

36 People Arrested by BCSO 69 People Arrested by Other Law Enforcement Agencies and Turned to BCSO 19/10 Civil Papers Cleared/Served by BCSO BCSO 

PRISONER TRANSPORTS 

81 Inmates Transported to Court 23 Inmates Transported to the Texas Department of Corrections 8 Inmates Transported for Medical Treatment 9 Inmates Transported for Other Reasons 121 Total Number of Persons Transported (Except Arrests by BCSO) 6,356 Total number of Miles Driven for Above Listed Transports

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Cost for future water needs could reach $174B

Texas will need to invest $174 billion over the next 50 years to keep up with water demand, according to a draft 2027 state water plan approved last week, the Austin American-Statesman reported. That is more than twice the projected cost in the previous state water plan published in 2022.

The draft report, released by the Texas Water Development Board, says the increased costs are due to a number of factors: inflation in construction costs, more frequent droughts, and a decline in existing water supplies as the state’s aquifers become depleted.

The state last year earmarked spending $20 billion over the next two decades for water infrastructure and supply projects — an amount that falls far short of what will be needed, according to some experts.

“This figure validates concerns that $1 billion a year is not going to be sufficient to meet the infrastructure needs to ensure our water supply,” said Perry Fowler, executive director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, a construction trade coalition for water projects.

The state water plan is created with input from 16 regional planning groups that identify future water needs in their regions and how to meet them. The draft plan is open for public comment and can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/3ktz5fpm.

Talarico raises record $27 million; Cornyn leads Paxton in fundraising 

State Rep. James Talarico raised a record $27 million in this first quarter of this year, the largest- ever sum for any Senate candidate in any state in the first quarter of an election year, The Texas Tribune reported.

“Winning in Texas will require unprecedented resources,” said Seth Krasne, Talarico’s campaign manager. “This grassroots fundraising haul puts our movement in a strong position to spread our message in some of the most expensive media markets in the country. But we can’t take our foot off of the gas.”

Talarico has raised more than $40 million since entering the race last September from more th 540,000 individual contributors.

On the Republican side, where incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is heading to a May 26 runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Cornyn outraised his opponent by fourfold, pulling in $9 million in the first quarter. Paxton raised $2.2 million “The Cornyn campaign continues performing at a high level, building off the over performance in the March 3rd primary to announcing a massive fundraising haul in the first quarter of 2026,” Cornyn campaign manager Andy Hemming said.

Judge orders Camp Mystic to preserve cabins where girls died

An Austin state district judge ordered Camp Mystic’s owners not to alter, repair or demolish cabins that housed campers and counselors who died in last year’s July 4 flood along the Guadalupe River, southwest of Kerrville. The flood killed 25 girls, two counselors and one of the owners of the camp.

The camp’s owners are being sued by the parents of 8-year-old Cile Steward, the only victim whose body has not been recovered. Other parents of children who died in the floods also have lawsuits pending.

“This finding is supported by facts tending to show that defendants owed a duty of care to Cile Steward and other minor campers, which they breached by operating Camp Mystic in a high-risk zone without adequate flood protections,” Judge Guerra Gamble wrote.

The injunction remains in place until the lawsuit is resolved or the court rules otherwise. The judge set a trial date of May 3, 2027.

SNAP rule change forces recipients to read food labels

Changes in what can be purchased under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are now in place in Texas, and consumers are spending more time examining the ingredients label, the Texas Standard reported.

SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy candy or sweetened beverages, under Texas Senate Bill 379, passed last year. That includes drinks with more than five grams of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener.

The ban does not include baking sugar or sweet cereals, however. The guidelines do not provide an itemized list, so retailers must interpret them and apply them to the food items they sell.

“You use Google a lot to get the internet’s interpretation. You look at the law and how it’s written,” said John Robertson of Austin’s Fresh Plus grocery stores.

Data center owners grilled by legislators

Texas lawmakers grilled data center developers, energy companies and grid officials recently on the impact of the state’s data center boom, the Houston Chronicle reported. Grid officials say they are proposing regulations that will ensure Texas can handle data centers without raising electricity costs for consumers or risking power blackouts.

Officials from various Texas energy companies said data centers could help upgrade the state’s grid infrastructure.

“If we have an opportunity to have new customers coming to the state pay for that, we’ll have done some really good work,” said Brian Lloyd, with Dallas-based Oncor, the Texas utility with by far the most data centers seeking to connect to its system.

Thomas Gleeson, chair of the Public Utility Commission, told lawmakers his agency is working with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the grid operator, on rules to encourage data centers to bring their own power generation to help prevent price spikes.

“I honestly don’t think on the generation side you’re going to see a large increase in costs at this point, because we have so many renewables and batteries on the system,” Gleeson said.

Amount of state in drought increases again

Near the end of March, 89% of the state was in drought, according to hydrologist Dr. Mark Wentzel with the Texas Water Development Board. That is the largest extent of drought in nearly four years, Wentzel wrote. In addition to continued dry conditions, average March temperatures were 66.8 Fahrenheit, beating the previous record by more than one-and-a-half degrees.

Wentzel said there is some reason for optimism with a wet, cooler start to April and a forecast of drought contraction in much of the state, except for the Panhandle and West Texas by early summer.

“Also note that we’ve set a new monthly record every year since 2021. In 2021, we set the record for the hottest December. In 2022, it was the hottest July, hottest September in 2023, October in 2024, and November in 2025,” he wrote.

Now we can add March 2026 to that list.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress. com.

nterstate 30 (I-30) – From Farm to Market road (FM) 989/Kings Highway to Arkansas state line, widening highway. Westbound lanes split. Left lane for thru traffic, no option to exit. Right lane for local traffic, can exit. Some westbound ramp closures. Lane shift at Exit 220 A/Interstate 369 south/U.S. Highway (U.S.) 59 south.

I-30 – From FM 989 to FM 3419, extension of frontage roads. FM 2148 closed under I-30 bridge. Eastbound Exit 218/FM 989/Kings Highway closed for one week.

FM 989/Kings Highway - From I-30 north frontage road to Gibson Lane, widening road. Traffic shifted.

U.S. 82 - From U.S. 259 to I-30, widening road. I-30 at U.S. 82 westbound entrance and exit ramps closed, eastbound entrance ramp closed. Intersection of West Grizzly and FM 1701 closed.

Cass County

U.S. 59 - At Bowman Creek, bridge preventive maintenance. Daytime lane closures.

State Highway (SH) 49 - From SH 155 to Marion County line, road rehab. SH 49 closed to thru traffic from SH 155 to FM 729, detour in place.

U.S. 59 - From SH 155 to Marion County line, concrete pavement repair. Daytime lane closures.

Harrison County

Interstate 20 - From FM 450 to SH 43. Resurfacing westbound lanes. Daytime lane closures.

Delia Drive - At Page Road, realigning intersection.

Delia Drive open.

County Road (CR) 1301 (Cargill Road) - At Eight Mile Creek. Bridge replacement, detour in place.

Marion County

SH 155 - At Lake O’ The Pines, replacing bridge. Traffic shifted.

SH 49 - From Cass County line to FM 1969, road rehab. SH 49 closed to thru traffic from FM 729 to SH 155, detour in place.

U.S. 59 - From Cass County line to SH 49, concrete pavement repair. Daytime lane closures.

Morris County

Daingerfield State Park - Parking improvements.

Panola County

U.S. 59 - At FM 1794, constructing interchange, daytime lane closures.

U.S. 79 - From US 59 to FM 31, adding continuous turn lane.

CR 4354 - At McFaddin Creek. Bridge replacement, detour in place.

Titus County

U.S. 271 – At Dickson Creek, Big Slough Creek, White Oak Creek & White Oak Creek Relief, replacing bridges. Traffic shifted.

FM 71 - At Lacy Creek. Bridge replacement, detour in place.

I-30 - At Horse Creek, bridge preventive maintenance. Daytime lane closures.

SH 11 - at Big Cypress Creek, bridge preventive maintenance. Daytime lane closures.

Upshur County

SH 155 - At Lake O’ The Pines, replacing bridge. Traffic shifted.

SH 300 - From U.S. 271 to FM 3358 S, road rehab.

Lane, shoulder closures.

SH 155 - From FM 2911 to FM 1404, road rehab. Lane, shoulder closures.

SH 155 - From U.S. 80 to U.S. 271, safety treating fixed objects. Daytime lane closures.

“Gardening is part of who we are as Texans,” Commissioner Miller said. “It teaches hard work, responsibility, and the value of growing your own food. Whether it’s a backyard garden, a few pots on a porch, or a community plot, every Texan can take pride in putting something in the ground and watching it grow.”

Established in 1986 by the National Garden Bureau, National Garden Month was created to promote gardening education and encourage Americans to experience the benefits of growing plants, flowers, and food. Over the years, the observance has expanded to include schools, community gardens, and local food initiatives that connect people more closely to the sources of their food.

That connection has grown stronger in recent years. Interest in gardening surged during the Covid pandemic and remains strong today, with the boom in horticultural sales during lockdown giving way to steady and consistent growth that helps the state economy thrive. According to Texas AgriLife experts, Texas green industry sales topped $39 billion in 2025, a 4.5% increase from the previous year, as Texans continue to invest in their outdoor spaces and experience the positive effects of time spent in nature.

Gardening offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Time spent tending a garden provides exercise, improves mobility, and encourages time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Exposure to soil can even improve the gut and skin microbiomes.

Just as importantly, gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and sharpen focus, offering a simple but powerful way for Texans to support their overall well-being.

For children and teens, time in the garden can be deeply meaningful. Gardening fosters patience and curiosity, while helping young Texans better understand where their food comes from. It also provides a healthy, screen-free activity that supports emotional balance and strengthens family connections through shared work and accomplishment.

“Even a small garden can teach big lessons. When kids learn to grow their own food, they gain skills and values that will serve them for a lifetime,” Commissioner Miller said. “Gardening builds stronger families and stronger communities across our state.”

Commissioner Miller encourages Texans to take part in National Garden Month by starting a garden of their own, visiting local nurseries and farmers markets, and supporting Texas-grown products. “Not all Texans can be farmers,” he said, “but every Texan can enjoy the rewards of what our land provides.”yogurt or caramel Last year, Gov. Abbott submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requesting a waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase sweetened drinks and candy.

The 89th Texas Legislature outlined the SNAP purchase restrictions in Senate Bill 379, which Gov. Abbott signed into law. FNS approved the waiver in August 2025.

The culprit is a perfect storm of financial pressures that can make saving for the future feel impossible.

One of the biggest challenges this generation faces is debt. High-interest credit card balances and persistent student loan payments leave many feeling they’re just trying to stay afloat, rather than planning decades ahead.

The cost of living doesn’t help either. Nearly 60% of Gen Z renters are considered “rent-burdened,” spending more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent, according to a StreetEasy analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Rising prices driven by inflation and tariffs squeeze budgets further, moving retirement savings down the priority list.

The nature of work has also changed. Gen Z is more likely than previous generations to hold gig jobs, contract positions or other flexible work arrangements that often don’t include employer retirement plans, according to Pew Research. Even when plans are available, only 22% participate. Feeling overwhelmed by jargon, confused by investment choices or focusing only on today’s experiences and technology can all delay participation. These early gaps may lead to catch-up needs later in life. Unfortunately, Gen Z has little faith in the retirement safety net. Only about a third of Gen Z-ers say they believe Social Security will still exist when they retire, according to the latest information from the CATO Institute.

Fortunately, there are steps Gen Z can take now to get their retirement savings off to a good start: Start small: Even a few dollars per paycheck builds a savings habit and gets compounding interest working in their favor. Early momentum matters more than starting big.

Let compounding do its work: Small, consistent contributions can grow dramatically over time, especially when they have decades to accumulate.

Use a workplace retirement account: For anyone with access to a plan, enroll and contribute at least enough to receive any employer match. It’s one of the few forms of “free money” available.

Open an IRA: If no plan is available through work, take charge by opening an individual retirement account (IRA).

Simplify investing: If the choices feel confusing, consider options such as a target date fund, which reduces complexity and helps keep you properly invested without needing expert advice.

Use found money: Direct tax refunds, bonuses or gig income into retirement savings to boost progress without straining the monthly budget.

Automate contributions: Automatic transfers make saving effortless. Review this annually and increase contributions as income grows.

Build confidence: If investing feels overwhelming, look for quick financial education resources from an employer, plan provider or reputable nonprofit organization. Even a little knowledge can make decisions easier.

The path to retirement doesn’t require perfection — just progress. Building consistency early helps create choices, security and financial breathing room later in life..

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

It didn’t take long before a man nearby struck up a conversation.

“So, are you married?”

I spun around, smiling. “I am. I’ve been married 44 years this October.” “Where do you live?”

“About twenty-five miles out of town.” Then I turned it back to him. “Are you a resident here at the shelter?”

“I am. Well, for now.” He paused. “I’m pretty hungry.” “I haven’t had lunch either,” I said. And the moment I mentioned food, every face in that lobby perked up like a row of sunflowers turning toward the light. I could feel it.

So I said, loud enough for the room, “If I were to run over to McDonald’s, do you think I’d find anyone who might love a quarter-pounder with cheese?”

Stanley (that’s his name) didn’t miss a beat. “I’d love a cheeseburger. That sounds great.”

From the corner, another man—one who’d already told me he thought I was hyper and impatient—called out, “You can’t have enough cheese.”

A third man leaned back in his chair against the wall. No reaction. No answer. Just watching.

I told the woman at the front desk to let my packing buddy know I was running an errand. Then I pulled up my McDonald’s app and started tapping. Ten quarter-pounders with cheese and fries.

While I placed that order, something shifted in my chest. A burst of pure joy. Because I wasn’t even spending my own money. A dear friend had pressed cash into my hand weeks before—specifically to help someone, to buy a meal on the streets, to be the hands of Jesus when the moment came. That meant he was the missionary that afternoon just as much as I was. Maybe more.

I pulled back up in front of the Salvation Army, and before I even stepped out of the car, a young woman was standing there. Silent. Hopeful. Waiting. I handed her a bag—burger, fries, and a scripture card.

Her card read: The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

She looked at it and said softly, “I have no idea where I’m going.”

I held that moment carefully. “I’m so thankful the Lord knew you’d be right here today—that you’d get to hear He is with you. Trust Him for your future. Rest in His care.”

“Thank you,” she said. “I’m just not sure what’s next.” “That’s exactly where trust begins.” She wiped tears, and we stepped off to the side. What started as a burger handoff became a real conversation, unhurried, honest, and I shared the gospel while she listened with her whole heart.

Every one of the ten people received a meal and a scripture card that afternoon.

And here’s the thing about that giant sack—turns out McDonald’s had given me eleven quarter-pounders instead of ten. The woman at the front desk got the last one, and she nearly cried.

God doesn’t just meet the need. He adds one extra, just to let you know He was counting all along.

My friend eventually appeared—the one moving into her apartment—took one look at me, and shook her head. She already knew. I’d gotten distracted again.

But the Lord sent me straight to a sad soul who needed a friend, and it happened precisely because I couldn’t sit still.

Sometimes, impatience surrendered to God looks a whole lot like purpose. And even eleven cheeseburgers.

In this amazing journey, as we embark on the path of numerous God adventures, many times obstacles to try to stand in our way. Whenever you are pursuing your destiny you must always remember this one thing: take everything to God. When you find God, you receive His presence. Numerous times in my life, when there seemed to be a mountain in my way, I would always take it to the presence of the Lord. Then, in His presence, the mountain would literally melt away in my mind and I no longer saw the obstacle standing before me. Instead I saw the promises of God standing before me.

A mountain is something that would take so much of your time to walk around, or even to climb over. Climbing a mountain is not very safe but the presence of God is. Sometimes people feel like their promise is on the other side of a mountain and they must climb it to get to it. But in the presence of God, that obstacle will melt away before you. Instead of walking around the mountain or spending days climbing over the mountain, you can just walk right over it, as if it’s a flat surface.

Another translation says hills instead of mountains. If you’ve ever seen hills, if they are all right next to each other, they go up and down up and down and up and down. The hills in your journey with God have to come into alignment with the prophetic words that God has spoken over your life. Every obstacle must bow its knee to the Lord and every attack of the enemy will fail. No hindrances in your life will be able to hold claim to you when you take it to the presence of God. In the presence of God, all truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit. God’s presence is there to encourage you and Holy Spirit is there to speak to you. Your mountains and hills will melt away before you. If you have obstacles holding you back from your God-given destiny, I encourage you to get into the presence of God, begin to worship the Lord, get into the word of God, and declare all of the prophetic words that God has spoken over your life. Start making steps again straight over that flattened mountain toward your God-given destiny.

Joe Joe Dawson is the founder and apostle of Roar Apostolic Network and Roar Church Texarkana. Joe Joe is married to the love of his life, Autumn Dawson, and they have three children, Malachi, Judah and Ezra. The Dawsons teach a lifestyle of revival and awakening. Their desire is to see every believer fulfill their God-given destiny and live life to the fullest in God.