Andrew Bell is a general assignments news reporter for the Texarkana Gazette. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University in Communications, with a concentration in journalism. Andrew lived in Louisiana for 21 years, before becoming a Texarkanian in May 2020. He has a passion for sports, but will write about anything to help keep the public informed.
PGISD OKs 2% raises for administration, auxiliary staff
Despite current economic conditions, the Pleasant Grove Independent School District approved 2% raises for all administration and auxiliary staff in their most recent board meeting.
Aug. 3 2020 @ 4:29pm
UAHT releases plan for students this fall, including health kits
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana will provide students on campus with health kits come this fall, as part of their return to campus plan released Monday morning.
Aug. 3 2020 @ 3:51pm
Long road leads to virtual graduation
For Kalesha Parrish, graduating with a virtual commencement ceremony doesn't change the meaning of her accomplishment — not after everything she went through to get to this point.
Aug. 2 2020 @ 7:52pm
PGISD talks virtual learning at board meeting
The Pleasant Grove Independent School District's instructional model was presented at a Board of Trustees meeting Thursday night, demonstrating how the virtual learning process will look for remote students.
Jul. 31 2020 @ 11:02pm
TISD Board approves agreement to provide internet access to students
The Texarkana Independent School Board of Trustees approved joining an interlocal agreement to provide internet access to students.
Jul. 31 2020 @ 9:03pm
A&M-Texarkana implements strict mask policy, updates guides
Texas A&M University-Texarkana's updated Guide to Returning to Campus outlines specifics about instruction methods and implements a strict mask policy.
Jul. 30 2020 @ 2:08pm
Internet connection agreement will be focus of TISD meeting
The Texarkana Independent School Board will hold a called meeting of the Board of Trustees on Friday morning to consider the approval of a Region 4 interlocal agreement.
Jul. 29 2020 @ 9:45pm
Foundation aids food bank
Every year, the Texarkana Area Community Foundation assists local nonprofit organizations by presenting a total of approximately $80,000 in grants to places like food pantries, medical clinics, educational organizations and family help organizations.
Jul. 29 2020 @ 9:43pm
Sevier County among highest rates of COVID-19 cases in state
COVID-19 case rates in Arkansas are still increasing rapidly, with an emphasis in Sevier County, according to the latest predictive models by The University of Arkansas for Medical Services.
Jul. 29 2020 @ 12:25am
PGISD meeting will include demo of instruction model
The Pleasant Grove Independent School District plans to hold a meeting on Thursday at Pleasant Grove High School for a demonstration of the district's instructional model.
Jul. 28 2020 @ 10:54pm
Ashdown teacher receives AAMLE grant
Ashdown teacher Tom Simmons received a grant that will provide engaging resources to further hands-on learning for students.
Jul. 27 2020 @ 6:08pm
Texarkana College OKs plan to improve facilities, maintenance
The Texarkana College Board of Trustees approved the 2020-21 capital improvement plan in an effort to improve facilities and maintenance on campus in a meeting Monday morning.
Jul. 27 2020 @ 6:05pm
Texarkana's crosstown rivalry falls victim to COVID-19
The storied football rivalry game between Texas High School and Arkansas High School will have to wait until next season. The impact of the cancellation of the storied Battle of the Axe rivalry is already being felt emotionally and financially by the Texas High sporting community, as well as their school booster clubs.
Jul. 27 2020 @ 12:54pm
Tax rates, capital improvement projects on agenda at Monday TC Board meeting
Texarkana College is to take action regarding tax rates and capital improvement projects in Monday's Board of Trustees meeting.
Jul. 26 2020 @ 12:55am
Board of Directors approves purchase of band instruments
In a Board of Directors meeting Tuesday night, The Texarkana Arkansas School District approved bids to purchase approximately $32,723.03 worth of band instruments for Arkansas High and North Heights Junior High schools.
Jul. 24 2020 @ 8:57pm
Tax-free shopping is coming for start of school
Despite all the uncertainty the effects of COVID-19 have caused locally and nationally, the Texas sales tax holiday for school gear and supplies remains one of the few constants remaining in the community.
Jul. 23 2020 @ 11:04pm
L-EISD sets procedures for upcoming school year
The Liberty-Eylau Independent School District released procedures for its return to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic Thursday, referencing class options, student social and emotional counseling, mask regulations and more.
Jul. 23 2020 @ 8:35pm
Farewell drive-up for Paul Norton signifies end of era for school district
For Paul Norton and the Texarkana Independent School District, Tuesday's farewell drive-up indicated the end of an era.
Jul. 21 2020 @ 11:25pm
Autumn Thomas steps up as acting superintendent
Autumn Thomas will serve as Texarkana Independent School District's acting superintendent with the departure of former superintendent Paul Norton.
Jul. 21 2020 @ 11:23pm
Texarkana College providing students with multiple class options for upcoming school year
Texarkana College has outlined four specific options students can use when attending classes this upcoming school year, whether from home or on-campus.
Jul. 21 2020 @ 3:03am