Melanie Rivers Hired as Director of Academic Support
Arp ISD has announced the hiring of Melanie Rivers as its new Director of Academic Support and Grant Programs as the district continues preparing for the 2026-27 school year. Rivers joins Arp ISD after more than 20 years with Chapel Hill ISD, where she most recently served as Director of Academic Programs. In her new […]
Arp ISD Adds New Vehicles Through Bond Program
Arp ISD is continuing to invest in its facilities and operations with the addition of five new vehicles purchased through bond funds approved by voters last November. The new additions include two school buses, two passenger vans, and one maintenance pickup truck, which will support the district’s transportation and maintenance departments. District officials said the […]
Arp Garden Club Installs Flag Retirement Disposal Box
The Arp Garden Club has installed a U.S. Flag Retirement Disposal Box at the Veterans Memorial at the Four-Way, providing residents with a respectful way to retire worn or damaged American flags. Community members can place folded flags that are worn, torn, or tattered into the designated collection box. The Royal Rangers of Arp will […]
Bluebonnet Point Wellness
When families face the challenge of finding quality care for a loved one, the process can often feel overwhelming. Between hospital discharges, rehabilitation needs, and navigating Medicaid applications, many families are searching for a place that can provide both professional care and peace of mind. Bluebonnet Point Wellness in Bullard is working to meet those […]
The ETX Common Thread
By Robin Gamble The ETX Common Thread is a crochet/knitting group created by Ijeoma “EJ” Unegbu. She began this group in September 2023 as a way to build women up. Today, the group has grown to about 125 members. This is an East Texas group for anyone age 18 and above who knits or crochets. […]
Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
The Smith County Local Emergency Planning Committee held its quarterly meeting on Friday, June 5. The Smith County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) recently held its quarterly meeting, bringing together emergency response agencies from across the East Texas region to discuss disaster preparedness and response efforts. Guest speaker Mike Jones, Director of the Hays County […]
ETX Bell Now Looking for Contributors
Dear ETX Bell Community, The Bell is currently seeking contributors to help cover local news across East Texas, including city council and school board meetings, sporting events, community happenings, and feature stories. We are especially looking for contributors in the Smith County area, including Arp, Bullard, Whitehouse, Troup, and Frankston. If you’re passionate about your […]
East Texas Annual and Perennial Trial
Greg Grant (6-21-26) Every June, when the days stretch long and the heat settles in for good, I start thinking about the plants that can truly take an East Texas summer. Not the pampered ones that wilt at the first hint of stress, but the sturdy, colorful, dependable performers that keep blooming long after the […]