Category Archives: Events

New Soccer Season at TAMUT

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Are you looking for things to do while you procrastinate on that homework you have? If you have school spirit and enjoy sports, then the new soccer season is perfect for you.

The Texas A&M University – Texarkana soccer program has brought in new players and lost many key players. Since the program started in 2014 for the women’s team and 2016 for the men’s, both teams have had one goal, to compete in the conference tournament. Our first home game was on September 8th against Southwestern Christian University, and the most recent was at Eagle Field against Huston-Tilliston University this week on October 4th. This Saturday October 6th, come see a double-header against Our Lady of the Lake University on Senior Day at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

With last year’s women’s soccer season coming to an end in a heartbreaking fashion, losing one to zero to rivals St. Thomas in the conference final, the women have a lot of new faces after graduating eleven players. They hope to start where they left off last season and get back into the conference tournament. They have seen the value of the graduating class after losing against Wayland Baptist and Bethel University. The team lost lots of key players, such as Lily Cardozo and Neeley Keller in the midfield. On the defensive line, the team lost Hanna Williams, Hazel Espinoza, and Ashley Bainton. On the offensive side, the team took its biggest blow, losing leading scorer Sam Sharpnack-Isom.

Juliana Summerlin goes in for a tackle against Jarvis Christian College. Photo credits to Amanda Johnson Vaughan

The women’s team has bought in new players from California such as Lesly Macias, Taylor Hale, Jacky Padilla, Sabrina Murillo, and Brittany Small. The rest of the transfers and freshmen are from Texas. These players were recruited by Coaches Don Koontz and Fallon Keller, with some help from the graduating class.  The new incoming players are seen as some of the best recruits as incoming freshman and junior transfers. Although the team has already began competing against other teams and have faced defeat, they plan on progressing throughout their season.

On the men’s side, after last season, the men lost four from their graduating class and lost many players from the Class of 2021. Last season the class of 2021 bought in twenty new players and lost more than half of those players, but for the 2017-2018 season Coach Don Koontz bought in twenty-four new players, including freshman and junior transfers. The new incoming players came from all over Texas such as Frisco, Plano, Rockwall, Austin, Houston and Dallas. With the incoming players, Koontz raised his expectations and says so far that the men have met or surpassed them.

Dalton Hinton dribbles pass a Texas College defender Photo credits to Amanda Johnson Vaughan

As the men head towards the later half of their season, they hope to pick up where they left off last year and go further to hopefully advance and make it to the conference tournament for the first time in men’s soccer history. The men hope to pick up a few early wins at home, before they start traveling more, later in the season.

Tearing Down the Line

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Do you have an uncontrollable desire to live next door to your biggest football rival and eventually make amends through governmental practices? If you do, I have the perfect place for you. Texarkana is widely known for its dividing state line between Arkansans and Texans. The rivalry goes so deep that patron lines for tickets to the annual Arkansas and Texas High football game begin two weeks in advance. This divide goes much deeper than just a friendly rivalry. The physical divider, State Line Boulevard, is our largest indicator of economic separation between the two states. Most people in town will tell you that the Arkansas side is the poor side of town; the bad side of town.

The United States Census Bureau says that there are 67,592 people living in Texarkana, with 37, 333 residents within the Texas side and about 30,259 in Arkansas. Could this be the reason for such a wide-spread difference in financial situations? There are more housing availabilities on the Texas side than that of Arkansas’. However, the median household income is higher on the Arkansas side, while per capita income is lower. In addition to stark variation in housing conditions, the United States Census Bureau statistics show that there is a variation in education levels across the state line. The Texas side has higher rates of high school graduation and degree attainment. Health professionals are one of the highest employed in Texarkana, for example. Most of these positions need some type of degree. Could this be due to the stark financial differences between patrons? Maybe Texarkana needs a wider variety of job opportunities. Many college programs across at least three colleges and universities in Texarkana offer expertise in a whole slew of categories. Progressiveness, by the city of Texarkana, in introducing those job opportunities for college students and graduates is essential. The answer is not definitive.

Complements of the Ar-TX Redi Website

The good news is that there are people interested in breaking this trend. Recently, a group of investors came together to create AR-TX Regional Economic Development, Inc. (AR-TX REDI). The group will pull resources from both sides of the town to try to create a more stable economic situation for all! The goal is to bring more business into this area, creating more jobs and financial progression. This is partly because of Texarkana’s rich, career-building educational community, including schools such as Texas A&M University – Texarkana, Texarkana College, and the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. In fact, TAMUT will be providing assistance to this organization by offering its facilities as a sort of headquarters. You, as a student and community member, can easily be involved in something that has potential to change your town tremendously.

To display this master plan, both governors met in the downtown area for a symbolic tearing down of state borders. Ledwell and Son Enterprises, a local truck and trailer manufacturing company, built a hydraulic system into the famous Texas and Arkansas state line sign. When the cue came, the sign was ‘knocked down,’ eliminating the divide. There was a huge turnout and Texarkana citizens are very happily engaged with the program. Facebook was a hub for communal inspiration in regards to this
event. It was a cool idea and visual for something that sounds historically complicated.

For more information, visit the AR-TX REDI website, or their Facebook page. For more information about Texarkana’s current economic status, please click here.

A Fall Fest Fun for All!

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Cooler weather has arrived just in time for fall festivities. Oktoberfest, the first of the fall celebrations, is coming up in De Kalb, Texas. There will be activities galore and fun for all ages, so bring your family and prepare to have fun!

Saturday in the park kicked off the official festivities last Saturday September 29, 2018. Activities started at a fast pace as the Pumpkin Run 2018 registration opened at 6:45 am. Nearly all the runners completed the run, with nearly 150 participating this year. The co-ed softball tournament had an even greater turn out than the run with teams competing throughout the day. Aside from the competitions, other fun games included reality foosball, kick dart, gaga ball, nine square, and more were available from 9 am to 5 pm.

Some attendees were more interested in exercise of the mouth than a physical work outs. There was a doughnut eating contest, hotdog eating contest, and pie eating contest to win the De Kalb title of the year. For those who managed to pass by all of that without a full stomach a $5.00 supper was offered of all-you-can-eat chili. The chili was even homemade and provided by De Kalb area citizens.

The evening ended perfectly with a free concert and dance in the park featuring Deryl Dodd at 7 pm. Local entertainers set the stage for Dodd. Sweethearts and love seekers alike started cuffing season right by dancing the night away. The Trad ‘N Post provided a photo booth for friends and family to save their memories with.

Over all Saturday’s activities were a blast, but the real fun begins this Saturday, October 6th. If you missed the chance to play reality foosball, nine square, gaga ball, or kick darts they’ll all be back with a bang. Face-painting, pumpkin decorating, and an amusement carnival for the kids will be open all day as well. A number of drawings will happen throughout the day for all sorts of goodies.

Live performances will include a magic show and an SNL show put on by the De Kalb class of 2020. There’s even rumor that the city will surprise attendants with a returning street dance. And of course, if you’re needing a break from all the excitement Front Street Junction Grill & Cafe will be open all day to serve you any number of delicious meals.

All proceeds from Oktoberfest activities go towards supporting a number of non-profits in the De Kalb area, as well as others in the west-end of Bowie County. No matter your age, Oktoberfest will be a fun, family friendly option for anyone looking for a great fall day. You will not regret making your way to the tiny town of De Kalb to celebrate fall.

Pleasant Grove Vs. Gladewater

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The Pleasant Grove Hawks took on Gladewater Bears Friday, September 21st at the Hawks stadium. Both teams started their football season with a winning record of 3-0. After facing the Hawks, Gladewater Bears continued their season remaining undefeated as they brought a well fought end to the Pleasant Grove’s 19-game winning streak.

With 2:44 remaining on the clock, Pleasant Grove Hawks, Kicker D. Williams tied the
game, 37-37 with a 40-yard field goal kick. In the last 27 seconds, Gladewater Bears Z. Tyieske returned a 25-yard fumble for a touchdown and sent Gladewater 44-37 with the win over the 4a Division II State Champions.

Pleasant Grove ended the first half with 158 rushing and 19 passing yards, with three fumbles, two recovered by the bears, four penalties, and no punts. The Hawks were led by Senior James Wiggins, scoring two touchdowns with 191 yards on 23 carries. Teammate sophomore Bruce Garrett added 144 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns.

Gladewater ended the first half with 156 rushing and 25 passing yards, with one fumble recovered by Pleasant Grove, two penalties, and three punts.

The Bears closed out the game with one safety and two defensive touchdowns.

For a recap of this game, click here.

Video courtesy of KLFI-TV.

Natural Hair 101

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Photo Credit: AyeCiara

Natural hair is a beautiful thing. Without the right tools, it can be a frustrating, yet beautiful thing. Regardless of the frustration, natural hair does not require much for healthier lengths. With minimal work, it is quite simple. Minimal work does not mean neglecting your hair. It means the right strategies that work for your hair. Your hair needs your cooperation, not your help for healthier lengths.The following steps will help you personalize a successful hair care routine and surpass the stumbling blocks for healthier long locks.

Moisturize your hair daily

Photo Credit: Naptural85

Just as your body needs moisture, your hair needs moisture. Water is the moisturizing agent for natural hair. Without moisture, the hair dries, brittles, and results in breakage, single-stranded knots, or split-ends. Spritz your hair with a water bottle regularly. Lock in the moisture with water-based products (creams, leave-in conditioners, oils) for daily use. Water-based products should list water as the first ingredient. Based on your hair’s porosity, use the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) or LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method. Use the LCO method if you are low-porosity. Use the LOC method if you are high-porosity. If you do not know your hair porosity take a porosity test. Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. To determine your hair’s porosity, you will need a hair strand and a cup of water. Find a loose hair strand and place it in a cup of water. If the hair soaks, it is high-porosity. If it floats, it is low-porosity. High porosity hair quickly absorbs moisture. Low porosity hair slowly absorbs moisture. The moisturizing process becomes easier after your hair porosity results.

Deep condition your hair weekly

Photo Credit: ivycharlaine

Deep conditioners add extra moisture than regular moisturizers. You will need a hooded dryer, steamer, heating cap, plastic cap, or a plastic grocery bag with a warm towel. Heat is not the enemy. It is an essential tool for a successful deep conditioning routine. Heat opens your hair’s cuticle layers to receive the moisture your hair needs. Without heat, your hair cannot get the proper moisture you need, especially if you are low-porosity. Regular moisture will not retain moisture if you do not properly deep condition with heat. Depending how dry your hair is, deep condition for 20 minutes to an hour.  Your hair becomes softer and more manageable.

Wash your hair on a regular basis

Photo Credit: Jewellianna Palencia

Remove product build-up with a sulfate-free shampoo. It will not dry or strip the hair as rumored. Shampoos clarify and cleanse the scalp, but do not condition it. Co-wash cleansers do not equal a shampoo. They do not remove product build-up as a shampoo. After a few days, your scalp becomes itchy and dirty, resulting in hair loss. Of course, your hair is moisturized, but is still dirty from product build-up. Product build-up keeps the hair from retaining moisture. Regular shampooing keeps the hair moisturized, yet clean. Clarifying shampoos are available at Sallys, Target, Wal-Mart, and beauty supply stores. If a clarifying shampoo becomes too drying, use a moisturizing shampoo for a clean scalp instead. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp.

Trim your ends regularly

Photo Credit: Craving Curly Kinks

Length does not mean healthy hair. Do not be afraid to trim your ends. Health should be the primary focus of your hair. Your hair will still grow over time. Split-ends, see through ends, or single-strand knots should be cut immediately. Avoiding them will split the hair strand towards the top. Straighten the hair after a shampoo wash, deep conditioner, and a blow dry. Cut your ends evenly with a sharp pair of scissors. Even cuts prevents unevened layers unless you desire the layered look. A regular trim should be every three months.

Wear protective styles

Photo Credit:
Ambrosia Malbrough

According to CurlCentric, hair grows half an inch monthly. This means your hair grows six inches per year. Protective styles retains length throughout the year. They should be worn every 5-7 days. Braids, twists, wigs, or weaves should not surpass 4 weeks. Protective styles also prevent constant touching or styling the hair. Constant combing, styling, brushing causes breakage, hairloss, and split-ends. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and require the most attention. Tuck them away and leave your hair alone. During protective styles, you are still accountable for your hair. Braids will not give you longer hair if you neglect it. Your hair will be more prone to dryness and breakage.

Find holy grain products

Photo Credit: PowerInYourCurl

Holy grain products are stable products that work best for your hair. They provide the best results and cater to your hair’s needs. Once you’ve found them, stick with them. Do not change them, unless they stop working. Holy grain products are called that for a reason. Your hair responds extremely well without issues. Do not switch products based on millions of YouTube product reviews. Through trial and error, you will find the right product. It takes time, but not forever. Products are reviewed through daily YouTube videos. Read the comment sections and remember similar pro’s and con’s. Google and read product reviews before purchasing it. Once you purchase the product, focus on your hair’s reaction. If the hair responds well, keep it. If the hair responds bad, return it.

Research

Photo Credit: NaturallyTemi

You will not know everything about natural hair. With daily research, you will learn certain methods regarding your hair type, curl pattern, texture, and porosity. YouTube and blogs are the perfect places for learning natural hair care. They provide specific instructions for each individual’s natural hair care needs. Each individual will also learn beyond the basics. YouTuber, GreenBeauty teaches natural hair visual learners scientific facts through 3D cartoons videos and regular photos. Viewers understand better concepts behind split-ends, natural hair myths, protective styles, and proper hair care.

Choose a successful hair twin

Photo Credit: Glamtwinz

A hair twin matches your hair type, texture, and curl pattern. You can easily spot them through YouTube and social media. If you have a 4a/4b hair curl pattern, follow someone with a 4a/4b hair curl pattern. It makes your hair journey easier to understand based on their experiences. Do not take advice from someone above a 4a hair type. Their hair journey will not be relatable as the 4a/4b hair guru. Millions of natural, curly-haired gurus post YouTube videos social media hashtags. This gives you plenty of choices to follow. Keep in mind, you cannot follow everyone with the same 4a/4b hair. You might have the same 4a/4b hair curl pattern, however, you might not have the same texture, or porosity level. Plus, you will not learn proper natural hair care with too many options. It becomes frustrating and confusing. Narrow down your choices and follow your top favorite. This person should be well-experienced, especially if they have successful healthy hair. Focus more on their health, than length. Their hair did not grow healthy overnight. They experienced set backs and failures like everyone else.  Keep in mind, your hair twin are not hair gods. No need to follow everything she says. She will change routines or products often. You do not have to purchase an item every time they review a product. Stick with what you know and apply what you have learned.

Listen to your hair

Photo Credit: NickyBNatural

No one knows your hair better than you. If something goes wrong, your hair will let you know first. For example, if your hair does not respond to a product your favorite YouTube guru raved about, do not force yourself to love it. Immediately, stop using it and return it. Do not compromise your hair based on another person’s opinion. It causes unhealthy, destructible results. Another example, if your hair seems drier than usual, re-moisturize your hair. Do not stress about a scheduled routine. It’s better to respond to your hair’s needs, than a set of rules. Never ignore what your hair tells you and consider better solutions to your problems.

Eye On Eagles

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Have you noticed all the smiling faces around campus? Students and faculty shared what they think are the most attractive qualities about our university.

Professor of History, Dr. Tom Wagy with fifty years of teaching experience, thirty-four of which have been in the Texarkana area, imparts that he likes the freedom to teach how he chooses and appreciated his obligation to serve students in the hopes that they positively can change their lives. Dr. Wagy believes students with a frontier spirit will find a home at TAMUT, and those who want to complain about the lack of some resources should rejoice in the fact that the universities long-term success rests in all of our hands, “TAMUT is being built before their eyes, and students have a chance to make a real difference.” Dr. Wagy admits that he is not an expert on the current pricing of universities, but believes that TAMUT is a great value for the local community compared to the price of “going off” to seek a higher education.

Eighteen-year-old freshmen Jordann Schuler considered other colleges, but after considering the cost decided to attend TAMUT and is happy with her choice. “I like the friendly environment. It’s like a big family.” Jordann would recommend TAMUT to anyone graduating high school.

Forty-two-year-old graduate student of history Melinda Zwirn appreciates “small classes in which passionate teachers teach.” She would recommend TAMUT to younger students, as there is not an abundance of online or night courses that older students need to help juggle a forty-hour work week. Melinda would like to see more attention paid to the various scholastic competitions that TAMUT students take part in.

Associate Professor of Mass Communication Dr. Drew Morton compares his teaching experience at UCLA and Cal State to TAMUT. He likes the small class sizes, diversity of content he is allowed to teach, and says that he has the opportunity to have relationships and discussions with students as well as Intimacy of classrooms.

“I think Texarkana-A&M is a great value because students are able to have accesses to PhDs as professors whereas at most major universities you would have teaching assistant in a certain area and you might have a PhD for an upper division class that you would actually get contact hours with. Career teachers are here and they are expected to teach well first and foremost.”

Twenty-year-old sophomore Sage Altenbaumer appreciates TMAUT’s quality professors and likes the small class sizes. He would recommend TAMUT to anyone looking to further their education. Sage would like to hear more success stories about recent graduates.

Students and professors agree TAMUT is a great place to learn due to the small classes, the availability of passionate professors that are well-qualified, and the reasonable tuition. How will TAMUT continue grow and gain the prominence that other larger universities have attained? Our university’s long term success lies in the hands of every student that graduates and goes forth into the world to reveal the inner light that was kindled within these halls.

Best Week Ever at TAMUT

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The Office of Student Life, along with other organizations on campus, will host its annual Best Week Ever the week of August 27, 2018.

The assistant director of Student Life, Celeste McNeil, is already beginning the planning process. This week is a time for new and returning students to immerse themselves back into the college lifestyle before classes are in full swing.

The Best Week Ever will involve many of the organizations on campus. During this week, the students will have a plethora of events to choose to attend. In the past, there have been events such as trivia night, bingo, music, and entertainment.

As usual, the week will consist of the Spotlight on Texarkana. This event gives the 50+ organizations on campus an opportunity to market themselves to students. This event also hosts local businesses, such as banks, insurance companies, and restaurants to let everyone know about things to do in Texarkana.

Co-sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the week promises to be exciting and engaging for students coming on campus. The Office of Student Life, with the help of the TAMUT family, will put on a lovely week of fun-filled experiences for new and returning students.

For more information about the Best Week Ever and how to get involved, contact Celeste McNeil at (903)-223-1351.

 

 

Alfred Athletes and Carson Crossing Meet

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Bowie County Special Olympics is holding its annual local Track and Field meet on Friday, May 18, 2018 at New Boston High School. This annual event is held each year in memory of Buddy Alfred, who started the event in Bowie County and in memory of Carson, son of Special Ed teacher Connie Thompson.

The Alfred Athletes and Carson Crossing meet gives local special needs children and adults to compete in sporting events they may otherwise not be able to. The athletes are from all over Bowie County and is available for participates ages 8-99. The athletes participate in several different events; softball throw, 50-meter dash, wheel chair obstacle race, 4×100 relay, and many more.

Parade and open ceremonies start at 9:00 a.m. Some of these athletes will participate in Area on April 27-28, and go on to State on May 24-27. Both meets will be held in the Dallas area.

Residents can help these athletes by donating or volunteering. For more information on how to get involved or help, contact Mrs. Dianne Melton, coordinator and head coach, at 903-628-6551.

Equality Texarkana’s Day of PRIDE

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On June 9th, 2018, you’re invited to join Equality Texarkana in celebrating PRIDE in historic downtown Texarkana. This year Equality Texarkana combined its Pride Picnic and Pride March into one event.

We have special guest Stephanie Rice serving as the Grand Marshal of the Parade!

If you’re interested in volunteering, click here.

If you’re interested in being a part of the parade, click here.

If you’re interested in setting up a vendor booth at the event, click here.

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Infinity Martial Arts Grapples to Raise Funds

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Infinity Martial Arts prepares for its first ever grappling tournament. The tournament will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018. The tournament will be called Take Down Battleground. The tournament is being held to help raise money for the family one of the students. The student lost a parent and the family is in need of financial assistance. Registration is $35.00 a person. The tournament will begin at 11 a.m. that Saturday at 101 S Runnels St, De Kalb, TX. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come watch.

There will be an extra special event at the end of Take Down Battleground, called King of the Battleground. At a set entry fee of $25, any of the finalists from Take Down Battleground are able to face off for a chance to win $100. Stephanie Bunch, co-owner of the martial arts school, has been working with MMA teacher John Kim Jones to get this all set up. Allen and Micah Bunch, teachers at Infinity Martial Arts, are very excited to be hosting the tournament and having some of their very own students participating.