October 2023 ALT Magazine

ALT

From the Publisher...

The cooler temps this month have been so wonderful! I love sitting outside in the mornings, drinking coffee, and watching my dogs run around. The only sad part about this time of year is that pool time is gone until next May. I will miss that, but not the triple-digit temps.

October seems to be full of lots of fun things – football, homecoming, pumpkins, Halloween! I love this season. I love the excitement in the air and even the pumpkin spice everything. I love that so many celebrations are held this time of year. And I love that we honor those with breast cancer and help others become more aware of this horrible disease.

No one wants to hear the word cancer. It seems that I know more friends being diagnosed with cancer every year. I cannot imagine what anyone thinks when going through treatment. I have watched a very close friend struggle this past year and know how the disease can affect not only their health but their entire family’s mental health and their financial abilities. Cancer doesn’t care who you are or what you do; it can strike at any time, to any person. Awareness is essential to helping others catch symptoms before they become life-threatening.

I have reinvented my life several times throughout the years. From initially working at papermills to moving to the legal field, to marketing positions, to owning a photography studio and eventually a magazine, I have considerably changed the scope of my career! I love this issue because many of the attorneys I worked with years ago remain working, helping people in our area.

For those who didn’t know, years ago, I was a Certified Legal Assistant, Civil Litigation Specialist, and a Certified Court Reporter in both Texas and Arkansas. Now, NALA, the Paralegal Association, has changed the name of the certification and changed Legal Assistant to using Paralegal – so you are a Certified Paralegal or an Advanced Certified Paralegal. I suppose I would have been Advanced since I had a specialty, and I loved taking tests! LOL! Oh, the memories we have! If you are a paralegal or interested in being one, check out their website - https://nala.org. You may decide you would love that career, and I know that positions are available here in the Texarkana area.

I hope you enjoy reading all of the great articles this month. I tried not to make everyone cry – as one of my friends asked me to! Hopefully, we have covered some important information and highlighted some great attorneys!

May God bless you and yours,

LISA IS TOUGHER CANCER IS TOUGH

By: Anne Granado

Lisa Harris, stylist and owner of The Style Studio in Texarkana has always been conscientious about keeping up with her mammogram appointments, and this year was no exception. However, one week after her May 2023 appointment, she received a call asking her to come back for a diagnostic mammogram due to a spot of concern on her right breast. As anyone who has ever gotten a call like this knows, Lisa immediately began to worry; she had never felt a lump on her breast and grew concerned about what this could mean. Despite the nagging thoughts swirling inside, Lisa chose to stay optimistic about whatever came next. “The best advice I got during this experience was to keep a positive attitude, and I’ve done that since day one,” Lisa says. “I truly believe having faith and not living in fear has helped me to face each challenge with a positive outlook and hope.”

Remaining positive and adapting to the bumps in the road is something that Lisa has always prided herself on doing. The Texarkana native attended Pleasant Grove Elementary and Middle School and then moved to the Hooks area, where she graduated from high school in 1992. After high school, she attended cosmetology school. “I got into cosmetology, first of all, because it

was my natural passion and interest. Secondly, I got pregnant at age 17. I was only a senior in high school, and as a young teen mom, I was looking for a trade that would allow me to start providing for my daughter,” Lisa says. “Obviously, I couldn’t go off to college like everyone else my age; however, I have absolutely no regrets for the choices I made, and I’m beyond blessed by the life my career has provided me.”

After graduating from cosmetology school, Lisa started working at Headmasters, where she stayed for ten years. Then, in 2005, Lisa’s hard work and determination came to fruition when she opened her salon, Style Studio. “I love the freedom and independence my career has given me,” Lisa says. “I am always able to schedule my appointments around my children’s activities and never have to miss out on important events in their lives.”

When she first opened the salon, Style Studio was located on Kennedy Lane in a strip mall, and the business employed approximately 12 stylists, a nail technician, and a massage therapist. Years later, Lisa was able to purchase a lot behind Target and Kohl’s to build her 3000-square-foot salon, and today, it is home to 20 stylists and two

licensed barbers. Style Studio focuses strictly on men’s, women’s, and children’s hair services; however, they do have some stylists who offer lash extensions, brow lamination, tinting, and hair extension services. “The success of my business is amazing. I have been blessed to work with some of the most talented women and men in the industry and to provide a place for other women to build a career and provide for their families,” Lisa says. “I am proud to say there are several local salons owned by women who built their business within my salon before going out on their own chasing their dreams as well.”

In addition to professional successes, Lisa says that her family and friends are the major sources of joy in her life. “I am happily married to my husband, Alex Harris, for going on 20 years now,” Lisa says. “And we have two beautiful daughters, Jordan and Eden.”

So when Lisa got the call about the return appointment for her mammogram, she set aside her concerns and decided to face it head-on, like everything else in her life. She made the appointment for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. After that, she was asked to do a biopsy. “After the biopsy, I was told the area was LCIS or lobular carcinoma in situ. LCIS is not cancer, but it does mean that I would have an increased risk of developing breast cancer,” Lisa says. “They wanted to do a lumpectomy to remove it, but I wanted to seek a second opinion first.”

Lisa researched and decided to make an appointment with Dr. Julie Broadwell, a general surgery specialist in Shreveport at the Breast Cancer Specialists of Louisiana. After meeting with Dr. Broadwell, Lisa agreed on a treatment plan that involved a SAVI device. SAVI stands for strut-adjusted volume implant, and it delivers radiation internally. “Alex and my daughters were very scared when I first shared the news, but they also knew that I am a very strong person,” Lisa says. “They surrounded me with love every day.”

On June 26th, Dr. Broadwell implanted the SAVI, and on July 5th, Lisa underwent a second surgery to remove the lump. “Everything went great,” Lisa says. “I was very happy with the direction we were headed in.”

A week after the procedure, Lisa met with Dr. Broadwell, who had the results from the pathologist. “It showed extremely high risk markers for developing full-stage breast cancer,” Lisa says. “At that point, Dr. Broadwell recommended three options. I could either do nothing and follow up with her every three to six months with MRIs and mammograms to see if the cancer had started developing; I could take a pill that would lower my risk by only about 50%, or I could do the bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and eliminate my risk almost completely.”

Lisa went home and immediately started praying about this significant decision and talking to her friends and family about the options. “Whenever

I had doubts or fear, I prayed about it, and God always placed someone in my path who had a similar experience or had been through the same thing,” Lisa says. “I was able to get great comfort from these one-on-one conversations, and so many of my questions were answered. Between my faith, my family, and great friends, I got peace about my decision.”

Eventually, Lisa told her family and friends that she had made a decision. She would choose option three, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, to eliminate the possibility of developing breast cancer.

Lisa had surgery on August 22nd, and the procedure went well. It was the recovery that was the most difficult for Lisa. “I had to sleep in an elevated position, so Alex and I slept in sideby-side recliners for the first week. The drain tubes were very uncomfortable, but once those got taken out and I could sleep in my bed again, I felt like I could bounce back much quicker,” Lisa says.

Mentally, Lisa struggled with being sedentary and relying on the help of others. “I am very strong and independent, so it was hard to let go of that and allow my mom and my friends to come into my home to clean and take care of things I couldn’t do,” Lisa says. “But everyone was so supportive. My church family at Oasis Church brought meals; even my clients sent things and checked on me. I’m very thankful for all the support I received, but it was also hard since I usually take care of everyone else.”

When friends and family face cancer, it’s hard to know how to show support, but Lisa says that the best thing family and friends can do is surround you with love and support.

“No matter what decisions you may make about your treatment, it’s so helpful to know that you have people in your corner,” Lisa says. “Also, little things like checking your mail, watering your plants, or texting to check on you and let you know they’re thinking of you can help you maintain a positive attitude.”

Two weeks after her surgery, Lisa went back to work. “I had almost little to no pain, and I was just ready to be on my feet again,” Lisa says. “I am just so grateful for everyone who has prayed for me, checked on me, and been there for me during this time. I truly believe that the power of prayer has been my strength, and I’m just so grateful!”

Once she is completely healed, Lisa will have 3D nipple tattooing, and in March, she will go back to the oncologist for an annual check-up. “Right now, I am cancer-free, and I’m so thankful,” Lisa says. “If sharing what I’ve been through will help encourage other women not to be scared and to get their exams, I’m so happy to do it. I strongly recommend all women stay current on their mammograms and not be afraid to get them. Technology has changed so much. It’s not as uncomfortable as it used to be.”

Lisa also recommends annual mammograms because she never even felt the lump. If left undetected, it could have

led down a much different path. “Also, when the doctors started my surgery, they found that one of my implants had ruptured, and the silicone had attached to some scar tissue, which could have made me very sick as well,” Lisa says. “Also, a week after my procedure, the oncologist informed me that both the left and the right breast had cancer cells in them, so I most certainly would have developed full-stage breast cancer at some point had I not been proactive with my treatment. When he told me this, it confirmed that I had 100% made the right decision.”

Lisa says that this experience has definitely changed her outlook on life. Not only is she grateful for each and every day she gets to do what she loves in her career, but she is also so grateful for her family and friends. “Going through this has strengthened my faith and opened my eyes to how easy it is to think that nothing can happen to us. We may look like the picture of health, but inside, we could have something as scary as breast cancer growing and never know,” Lisa says. “I hope my story encourages women to stay on top of their personal health and get their mammograms every year. It might just save your life. It definitely did for me."

AMY SUGGITT PERMANENTLY YOURS,

By: Anne Granado

Amy Suggitt, owner of Permanently Yours, Amy, is a licensed cosmetologist with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. “My mom says I came out of the womb doing hair! I’ve always loved it, and even as a child, I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life,” Amy says. “I even remember cutting friends’ hair in the kitchen when I was only thirteen or fourteen.”

After seeing the benefits of permanent makeup and how it could make women’s lives easier and quicker, Amy wanted to provide these services to her clients. Today, Amy is a licensed, certified, and insured microblading and permanent makeup artist. In 2019, Amy opened Permanently Yours, Amy, where she offers a wide variety of affordable and highquality services. Clients can receive all brow techniques: powder, ombre, combo, hybrid, manual and machine, and microblading. Amy also provides lip blushing/color, lip filler, Botox, and all kinds of eyeliner, including lash enhancements, classic, wedge, and wing. “The best part of my job is that I get to make people feel good about themselves and help make their lives easier by simplifying their beauty routine,” Amy says, “I love to see my clients leave feeling beautiful!”

Clients worried about taking the plunge into permanent makeup will be immediately at ease after a consultation with Amy, who takes the time to discuss exactly what clients want

from their experience. “I am a perfectionist, and I want my clients to be happy with their service,” Amy says. “I will measure a client’s bone structure and features to create the perfect custom shape. I also invite my clients to participate in the entire shape and color selection process, ensuring they are at ease with their procedure and love their results.”

In 2022, Amy expanded her services to include scar revision and areola tattoos.

With scar revision, Amy can assess clients’ scars, identify their scientific properties, and strategize the safest, most comprehensive approach to minimizing them. “I can also help with scars from reconstructive surgeries such as reductions and lifts,” Amy says.

In addition, Amy was inspired to start providing areola tattoos for women who have had mastectomy surgery. 3D nipple tattooing is used when the nipple is lost to mastectomy as a part of the treatment plan. For those women who have had a mastectomy in the past or require resection of the nipple with their mastectomy design, 3D nipple pigment may be used to recreate an image of a natural nipple on the breast skin following breast reconstruction. “Women who have experienced breast cancer and surgery have already had a very emotional and traumatic experience, so I want to do whatever I can to help them recover and get through it,” Amy says.

In the future, Amy has no plans to slow down. She only hopes she has the privilege to serve her clients for many years. “I love what I do!” Amy says. “Through my career in cosmetology, I’ve learned so much, especially an appreciation for differences. We all have different styles and personalities, but those are the things that make us unique, and I love that. How boring would life be without uniqueness?”

Please follow Amy's Instagram at permanentlyyours.amy, Facebook at https://permanentlyyoursamy and visit Amy's website at permanentlyyoursamy.com for more information.

903.741.7720 | nasheyecare.com

300 E. New Boston Road Suite E, Nash, TX 75569

COMING WINTER 2023

Services:

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Pediatric Eye Exam

Specialty Contact Lenses

Dry Eye Treatment Contact Lens Cataracts

Common Eye Disorders

Eye Emergencies

Computer Eye Syndrome

Seasonal Allergies

Surgery Co-Management

Diabetic Eye Exams

Glaucoma

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OUR MISSION

At Nash Eye Care, our mission is to provide modern, comprehensive eye care to our community. We utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide a customized exam, unique to each individual. We are dedicated to a culture of excellence where service to our patients is our utmost priority.

Dr. Jessica Trichel

Optometrist

Breast Cancer: 5 Things to Know

Family History Is Only Part of Cancer Risk

ONE COMMON MISCONCEPTION AROUND BREAST CANCER IS THINKING YOU’RE NOT AT RISK IF YOU DON’T HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY.

Start Breast Exams Early and Mammograms at 40

YOU SHOULD HAVE ANNUAL BREAST EXAMS AT THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE STARTING AT 18 AND HAVE ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS STARTING AT 40

Dense Breasts Need Special Screening

DENSE BREASTS ALSO MAKE IT HARDER FOR RADIOLOGISTS TO DETECT CANCER. MRI TESTS WILL BE SCHEDULED.

HRT Can Fuel Cancer Growth

WHILE HRT DOESN’T CAUSE BREAST CANCER, WE KNOW THAT ESTROGEN, A FEMALE HORMONE FOUND IN HRT, FUELS BREAST CANCER CELLS.

Pay Attention to Breast Rashes

INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER IS AN AGGRESSIVE CANCER THAT SHOWS UP AS A RASH, WITH SYMPTOMS THAT INCLUDE: REDNESS, SWELLING, PAIN AND/OR ITCHINESS, SEVERELY ENLARGED PORES ON THE BREAST

INFORMATION FROM: HTTPS://WWW.HOPKINSMEDICINE.ORG/HEALTH/CONDITIONS-ANDDISEASES/BREAST-CANCER/BREAST-CANCER-5-THINGS-TO-KNOW-ABOUT-YOUR-BREASTS

5 Numbers to Know for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction

40 years

THE AGE YOU SHOULD START GETTING AN ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM.

20 pounds

THE EXTRA BODY MASS THAT COULD BUMP YOUR RISK BY 45%.

2 plus

DAILY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS MAY RAISE YOUR CHANCES FOR DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER BY 20%.

88 percent

THE CHANCE A WOMAN WITH STAGE ONE WILL LIVE AT LEAST 5 MORE YEARS.

5 hours

THE TIME YOU NEED TO SPEND SWEATING EACH WEEK TO WARD OFF BREAST CANCER.

TEXARKANA'S TOP LAWYER NOMINATIONS

TEXARKANA'S TOP DISTINGUISHED LAWYER

(Practicing a minimum of 40 years)

Jim Cranford Cranford Law Firm

Karlton Kemp Kemp Law Firm

Winford Dunn Morgan, Cook and Beck, LLP

David James Miller, James, Miller & Hornsby

Paul Miller

Miller, James Miller & Hornsby

Cary Patterson

Nix Patterson & Roach LLP

David Potter Potter Law Firm

Winonia Griffin Roberts The Corcoran Law Firm

TEXARKANA'S TOP LAWYER

Darren Anderson Anderson Law Firm

Amy Bowers BWI Companies

Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Ralph Burgess Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis LLP

John Delk John Delk Attorney at Law

Mark Elliott Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

David Ruff Law Office of David Ruff

Jason Horton Jason Horton Law

Brent Langdon Langdon Davis LLP

John K. Ross, IV Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

Robert Veon

McDonald Veon PA

TEXARKANA'S TOP YOUNG LAWYER

(Must be under 40 years old)

Felicia Cienfuegos

Langdon Davis LLP

Erin Keil Miller County Prosecuting Attorney Office

Cade Mayo

J. Michael Brock PLLC

Jacob Potter Potter & Marks

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

ADMINISTRATIVE/REGULATORY LAW

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

Mark Elliott

Langdon Davis LLP

Bruce Flint Law Offices of Flint & Crawford

Matthew Golden Matthew Golden Law Firm PLLC

Fred Norton

Norton & Wood

Jacob Potter Potter & Marks

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

Cary Rochelle Law Office of Cary G. Rochelle

APPELLATE PRACTICE

Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm

John Delk

John Delk Attorney at Law

Darby Doan

Haltom & Doan

Troy Hornsby Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLP

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

BANKING AND FINANCE LAW

Fred Norton Norton & Wood

Kyle Davis

Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Nick Newton Langdon Davis LLP

BANKING AND CREDITOR DEBTOR

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis LLP

David James Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLP

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Nick Newton

Langdon Davis LLP

Jacob Potter Potter & Marks

David Ruff Law Office of David Ruff

Ben King Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

Peter Corcoran The Corcoran Law Firm

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Nick Newton Langdon Davis LLP

Jacob Potter Potter & Marks

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Darren Anderson Anderson Law Firm

John Mark Burgess

Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Mark Burgess

Burgess Law Firm PLLC

David Carter

Mercy Carter LLP

Felicia Cienfuegos

Langdon Davis LLP

Peter Corcoran

The Corcoran Law Firm

Kyle Davis

Langdon Davis LLP

Darby Doan

Haltom & Doan

Brent Langdon

Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

CORPORATE LAW

Amy Bowers BWI Companies

Kyle Davis

Langdon Davis LLP

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Cory Floyd Norton & Wood

Troy Hornsby

Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLP

Wes Jordan

Jordan Law Firm LLP

Eric Marks

Potter & Marks

Nick Newton

Langdon Davis LLP

Jacob Potter Potter & Marks

CRIMINAL DEFENSE, NON-WHITE COLLAR

Jason Horton

Jason Horton Law

John Delk John Delk Attorney at Law

John Pickett Young Pickett Law Offices

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

CRIMINAL DEFENSE, WHITE COLLAR

Darren Anderson Anderson Law Firm

John Delk

John Delk Attorney at Law

Mark Elliott

Langdon Davis LLP

Jason Horton

Jason Horton Law

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

DUI/DWI DEFENSE

Mark Elliott

Langdon Davis LLP

Jason Horton

Jason Horton Law

Jeff Harrelson

Harrelson Law Firm

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

ELDER LAW

Mark Elliott

Langdon Davis LLP

Jon Beck Morgan, Cook, & Beck LLP

Cade Mayo

J. Michael Brock PLLC

John K. Ross, IV

Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

Lisa B. Shoalmire

Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

EMPLOYMENT LAW

David Carter

Mercy Carter LLP

David Glass

The Glass Firm PLLC

Mark Elliott

Langdon Davis LLP

Marshall Wood

Norton & Wood

FAMILY LAW

Carly Anderson Law Office of Carly Anderson

Peter Corcoran

The Corcoran Law Firm

David Glass

The Glass Firm PLLC

John Delk

John Delk Attorney at Law

Mark Elliott Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks

Potter & Marks

Brent Langdon Langdon Davis LLP

Cade Mayo

J. Michael Brock PLLC

HEALTH CARE LAW

David Carter Mercy Carter LLP

David Glass The Glass Firm PLLC

Eric Marks

Potter & Marks

Paul Miller

Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP

INSURANCE LAW

Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Bruce Flint Law Offices of Flint & Crawford

Brent Langdon

Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks

Potter & Marks

Matthew Soyars

Soyars & Soyars

Marshall Wood Norton & Wood

LABOR LAW

David Glass

The Glass Firm PLLC

Marshall Wood Norton & Wood

MEDIATION

Ralph Burgess Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Jim Cranford Cranford Law Firm

David James Miller, James, Miller, & Hornsby LLP

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, DEFENDANTS

David Carter Mercy Carter LLP

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Paul Miller Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP

Marshall Wood Norton & Wood

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, PLAINTIFFS

Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Ralph Burgess

Burgess Law Firm PLLC

David Carter

Mercy Carter LLP

David Glass

The Glass Firm PLLC

Matthew Golden Matthew Golden Law Firm PLLC

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

PERSONAL INJURY, DEFENDANTS

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis LLP

Brent Langdon Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

Marshall Wood Norton & Wood

PERSONAL INJURY, PLAINTIFFS

Darren Anderson Anderson Law Firm

Brandon Cogburn Law Offices of Flint, Crawford & Cogburn

Bruce Flint

Law Offices of Flint, Crawford & Cogburn

David Carter Mercy Carter LLP

Brent Langdon Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks

Potter & Marks

Monty Murry Murry Law Office

Josh Potter Potter & Marks

PRODUCT LIABILITY, DEFENDANTS

Darby Doan

Haltom & Doan

Fred Norton Norton & Wood

Eric Marks Potter & Marks

Marshall Wood Norton & Wood

Paul Miller Miller James Miller & Hornsby LLP

PRODUCT LIABILITY, PLAINTIFFS

Mark Burgess Burgess Law Firm PLLC

Darby Doan Haltom & Doan

Jennifer Doan Haltom & Doan

Brent Langdon

Langdon Davis LLP

Eric Marks

Potter & Marks

Matthew Soyars

Soyars & Soyars

REAL ESTATE LAW

Felicia Cienfuegos

Langdon Davis LLP

Kyle Davis Langdon Davis LLP

Mark Elliott Langdon Davis LLP

David Glass

The Glass Firm PLLC

Phillip Jordan Jordan Law Firm LLP

Cade Mayo

J. Michael Brock PLLC

Jacob Potter

Potter & Marks

TAX LAW

Nick Newton Langdon Davis LLP

Fred Norton Norton & Wood

John K. Ross, IV

Ross & Shoalmire PLLC

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Peter Corcoran

The Corcoran Law Firm

Karlton Kemp Kemp Law Firm

We are honored to be nominated as Texarkana’s Top Attorneys. Thank you.

Top Young Lawyer

Administrative/Regulatory Law

Business Organizations

Corporate Law

Real Estate Law

Trusts and Estates

Joshua L. Potter

Top Young Lawyer

Administrative/Regulatory Law

Criminal Defense – Non-White Collar

Criminal Defense – White Collar

Personal Injury, Plaintiffs

Top Lawyer

Banking and Finance Law

Business Organizations

Commercial Litigation

Corporate Law

Family Law

Health care Law

Insurance Law

Medical Malpractice, Defendants

Medical Malpractice, Plaintiffs

Personal Injury, Plaintiffs

Product Liability, Defendants

Product Liability, Plaintiffs

Jacob S. Potter

Eric A. Marks

Mark Elliott

Langdon Davis LLP

Cade Mayo

J. Michael Brock

Jacob Potter Potter & Marks

John K. Ross, IV

Ross & Shoalmire

Lisa B. Shoalmire

Ross & Shoalmire

WORKERS COMP, CLAIMANTS

Greg Giles Moore, Giles & Matteson LLP

Fred Norton

Norton & Wood

Mike Unger Unger Law Firm

WORKERS COMP, EMPLOYERS

Greg Giles

Moore, Giles & Matteson LLP

Jeff Elliott

Elliott Law Firm

Fred Norton Norton & Wood

ALT MAGAZINE

1936 - 2022

Wes Bennett Owner of PuroClean of Texarkana and the Owner of Powerhaul Movers

After getting out of the oil and gas industry, Wes Bennett wanted to get into business for himself. His wife, a realtor, mentioned a need for another moving company in Texarkana, so Wes began moving part-time. At first, he started with rented U-Hauls, but within a year, Powerhaul Movers had become a full-time endeavor. “Happy customers are my main focus, so the business has grown due to loyal repeat customers,” Bennett says. “Moving day is usually stressful for most people, and I love making the process easier for them.

Seven years after starting Powerhaul Movers, Bennett was looking for a business that would complement his moving business. He had partnered with restoration companies before, moving and storing furniture while repairs were made. “Restoration can be stressful for most, but I knew I could offer my customer service to more Texarkana residents and help make a difficult situation easier,” Bennett said. “That’s when I decided a restoration business would be my next endeavor, and the PuroClean franchise

was the perfect fit. They are well known for great customer service, and they have given me all the training and tools I need to help more people in Texarkana.”

Going into business for himself is something that Bennett saw modeled in his childhood. His father was also a businessman. “He was successful but always very humble,” Bennett says. “It’s not easy owning your own business, but I’m proud of our reputation and continued success. I’m also very proud of creating Powerhaul Movers from the ground up. My goal is to have multiple businesses I can pass down to my kids one day.”

On the most challenging days, Bennett keeps pushing because he wants to provide for others. “I have a lot of people that depend on me: my family and many of my employees and their families,” Bennett says. “Knowing that is a pretty good daily motivator.”

For Bennett, the best part of his job is being able to help people. Both of his businesses offer

needed services in times of change and stress. “If people are going through a big move, it can be somewhat overwhelming to pack and move a house quickly. If they wake up to a flooded house, it can stop any plans they have that day because it needs immediate attention,” Bennett says. "I get to come in and take that burden from them and ease the stress levels."

Though he’s proud of the success of PuroClean of Texarkana and Powerhaul Movers, Bennett says that his greatest personal accomplishment is his family. He has been married for 12 years to Kaci Bennett, whom he met in college, and they have two daughters: Hadley (8) and Grace (4). “Putting

God first and raising my girls in a Christian home is something I’ll always be proud of,” Bennett says. “I also have an older brother, Dr. Brent Bennett, a local doctor, and my younger sister, Blair, a real estate attorney in Dallas. My mom, Deidra Bennett, also lives in Texarkana.”

No matter what happens in the future, Bennett says that he will be successful if he faces every challenge to the best of his ability. “Growing up, my dad would always say, ‘All you can do is the best you can do,’” Bennett says. “I strive daily to be remembered as a good dad, a good husband, a hard worker, and a Christian man.”

Fun Facts:

1. I am very passionate about working out. I mainly enjoy lifting weights, but I recently got into Jiu Jitsu. I also love to hunt pretty much anything, but if I had to pick just one animal to pursue the rest of my life, it would be turkey.

2. I am involved in the community through my church, Church on the Rock. Our church does a lot of outreach programs throughout our community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

3. My comfort food will always be any good cheeseburger (tomatoes excluded).

4. Most people don’t know that I once attempted the 50K Ozark Highland Endurance Run with less than four weeks of training. I was 14 miles into the race and injured my knee by slipping on a wet rock on the side of the mountain. I was able to make it another 15 miles but was unable to finish the last three uphill miles.

5. I have had many hype songs in my day, but my most recent one is “Warrior” by Atreyu.

6. My bucket list item is definitely completing the Grand Slam in one year of turkey hunting. This includes harvesting all four turkey species in the United States in one calendar year: the Rio, Eastern, Merriam’s, and Osceola. The Osceola is only located in areas of South Florida.

17 OAKRIDGE DRIVE

TEXARKANA, TX 75503

French Country on 2 acres with 4 bedrooms, office, 2 living and extra garage/shop with full bath - 2nd story has bedroom/game room with full bath - High vaulted ceilings with split master suite. Enormous island kitchen open to both living areas with amazing full view windows overlooking the 2 acres. Well water, Aerobic septic, and Survey provided. Flood insurance $1911.74 per year.

PLANNING YOUR FINANCES AS A SINGLE PARENT

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

Review this checklist to help make sure you’re on the right track. assets until it’s time to distribute them according to your wishes.

Deciding how to allocate your income as a parent can be overwhelming—especially if you’re going it alone. Spending on essentials while saving for college, emergencies, and retirement is a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this list of action items and considerations to help get you started on the right budgeting path and improve your financial health.

About 24 million children in the U.S. live in a singleparent household, according to Census data. Set up a budget and recalibrate as necessary. There are many budgeting methods to consider, like a “zerobased” budget where every dollar spent has a purpose, or the 50/30/20 budget rule (That’s when you allocate 50% of your after-tax income to needs and obligations, 20% to savings and 30% to wants). Try a few of these methods and see which works best for you. The most important part of managing a new budget is to check in with yourself at regular intervals to adjust what’s not working for you.

Build up your emergency fund. Everyone’s emergency fund will add up differently, but experts recommend saving enough to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. The amount you need will depend on your critical monthly expenses, such as housing, food, healthcare, childcare and transportation. Focus on steady progress toward your goal, whether that’s contributing a set amount or a percentage each month, to keep your contributions sustainable.

Check your health insurance plan. A life event like a divorce or having a child enables you to make changes to your employer-sponsored health insurance plans without waiting for open enrollment. If you’re coparenting, have a conversation with the other parent to determine which one of your health insurance policies has more comprehensive or cost-effective coverage for the children. Especially if you’re concerned about childcare costs, explore a plan with a flexible spending account (FSA) option. This allows you to sock away up to $5,000 pre-tax to pay for daycare, preschool and summer camp for dependents age 12 and under.

Revisit your estate plan. Think about estate planning documents as future protection for your children in the case you’re no longer here. A will is the first of these documents. It will allow you to appoint a guardian for your children and dictate how your assets will be distributed after your passing. A living trust, or revocable trust, can also hold your

Take advantage of relevant tax allowances. Typically, the parent who cares for the child the majority of the time is the one who can claim them as a dependent on their taxes. The 2023 federal child tax credit is worth up to $2,000 per child, and some states have additional child tax credits for which you may qualify. There’s also the child and dependent care credit, which allows you to claim childcare expenses for children age 12 and under (up to $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more). In preparation for the upcoming tax year and to account for household changes to income and expenses, determine if you need to change your withholding elections. Save for your kids’ future. One gift you can give your children is a solid start to adulthood in the form of a college savings. Commonly referred to as a “college fund,” a 529 plan is a tax-advantaged, state-sponsored savings plan used for educational expenses. Earnings in 529 plans are not subject to federal tax and in most cases state tax, as long as you use withdrawals for eligible education expenses, such as tuition and room and board (reach out to a tax professional to discuss the eligibility for your state).

Don’t forget yourself. It may not feel like a priority to save for your own future when your focus is on raising your children, but it’s still important to set aside funds for your retirement. Take advantage of tax-efficient accounts, like a 401(k) plan, by setting up regular contributions. Another plus, many employers match your contributions to these accounts up to a specified amount. Consider a Roth IRA as well, which is a tax-deferred account that you can reserve for retirement (or use for qualified education expenses for your children if need be).

Being a single parent can feel overwhelming at times. But finances shouldn’t have to add to the pressure. It can seem like there are many priorities your money should be allocated to, but an advisor can help you sort through what to focus on next – so you can focus on your children.

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Drug Take Back Initiative Operation Medicine Cabinet

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is proud to partner with Texarkana Emergency Center in an effort to remove unused and out of date prescription medicines from your homes.

•It is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications from the homes of our citizens.

•It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed, or where you reside.

•We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas.

•We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove the label if you desire but it’s not necessary.

•We ask that you do not deposit needles (sharps), inhalers, medication from businesses or clinics, ointments, lotions, liquids, aerosol cans, hydrogen peroxide, or thermometers.

One box has been placed behind the Bi State Justice Building at 100 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, Arkansas and another outside the Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Rd., Texarkana, Texas. These boxes are regularly checked and the contents are immediately packaged for destruction. If you would like to personally drop your medications off to law enforcement, you can at the Miller County Sheriff’s Office on East Street and Bi State Justice Building in Texarkana.

National Take Back Day October 28, 2023 8am - 12pm at Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital

You can learn more about this program by visiting www.artakeback.org or on Facebook by searching Arkansas Take Back or Arkansas Drug take Back.

4646 Cowhorn Creek | Texarkana, TX 75503 | 903.838.8000

Suzie TK SnippeTS

By: Suzie Tyler

Local Models Shine on the Catwalk

In my August blog, I suggested that senior citizens be called Vintage Adults. Even Grammarly opposes the term seniors and says that it is ageist.

A few weeks ago, after reading one of my ALT Magazine blogs, the director of the Sandflat Neighborhood Center on Ash Street asked me to speak to their ladies’ group about my experience as a beginner writer and self-publishing a book.

If you know me, my comfort zone is sitting on a piano bench, playing the black and white ivory keys. I don’t consider myself a speaker, but I was happy to share the knowledge I have gleaned in the past eight years. They were very attentive and made my first speaking engagement easy and memorable.

This past week, I was invited to a fashion show hosted by the ladies, who modeled outfits purchased from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Directed by Barbara Pitts Riley, the ladies sported their chosen attire, perfect for a Sunday morning church service. There was a lighted runway, an escort, a backdrop, and an emcee! Very professional!

Each lady shopped and coordinated their stylish fashions, accessorized with matching boots, hats, fashionable shoes, jewelry, and purses that were perfect for the “catwalk.” Models ranged in age from 66 to 84, and I think they were secretly professionally trained for the job! Their moves would rival Cindy Crawford, and their selections looked like they stepped out of Vogue Magazine. I was unaware of the cute name-brand clothes available at our local store.

Two ladies from the local chapter attended the show and told us that the Salvation Army organization has been in our city for 137 years and began in Britain in the early 1800s. William Booth, the founder, is quoted as saying, “I am thinking up a plan that, when it is hatched, will bring blessing to the whole wide world.”

Check out the Salvation Army Thrift Store. I am!

In the South, we don’t get older. We get better! You could call us a seasoned generation with style.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter (now known as X), Instagram and Amazon Author Page

Fish Tales with Mike Brower

The T-Town Fishing Expo

Glen Bingham is putting together a “Fishing Expo” on October 30th from 5 PM to 8 PM at I- Jump, 4212 St Michaels Drive. The speakers as of right now will be Ryan Satterfield and Brad Whatley, both with Phoenix Boats. There will also be reps from Minn Kota, Mercury Marine, Phoenix Boats, Garmin Electronics, and others.

There will be several giveaways as well as lots of time to visit with those who may be able to take your bass fishing up another notch. These expos and seminars are definitely worth your time as you never know when or who will say something or show you how to use equipment that will make you a better fisherman. So just because you think you don’t need any more fishing tidbits in that brain doesn’t mean you can’t get better with some good information and tips.

So, pack up the babies and grab the old lady and everyone goes, cause everyone knows they love the fishing expos.

Speaking of tips, this time of year bass, especially in clear lakes, prefer topwater with a deer or marabou tail on the back hook. I have found white, chartreuse, or black to be preferable. On sunny days, the deer hair is better and marabou on cloudy days will do the trick.

Texarkana Trail

Scavenger Hunt

Pinson Park National Night Out

Life Line

Screening @ Northside Church

T and J Bucking Stock Sale @ Four States Fairgrounds

Fall Festival & Anthem Edition @ Northern Hills Baptist Church

Six Leg Fun Run & 5k @ Fun Country Park

Family Tree Insurance Medicare Education @ TXK Library

Food Truck Fridays in Downtown, Texarkana

Oktober Fest in Dekalb, TX

Battle of the Bands @ Hopkins IceHouse

Indoor Yard Sale @ Four States Fairgrounds

Texarkana DU Membership Banquet @ Arkansas Convention Center

ACT Testing Date @ Texarkana College