The community newspaper that keeps the areas around Bullard,
Flint, Troup, Whitehouse & South Tyler connected & informed.
Monarch butterflies are among the most recognizable and remarkable insects in North America. With their brilliant orange and black wings and an annual migration that spans thousands of miles between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, monarchs continue to captivate gardeners, naturalists, and nature lovers alike. Unfortunately, their populations have declined dramatically over the last […]
The Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Domino’s Pizza as its newest member during a special event that brought together community leaders, first responders, and local business representatives. To celebrate the partnership, James, the operating partner of the Whitehouse Domino’s, invited members of the Whitehouse Chamber Board of Directors, the Whitehouse Economic Development Corporation […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Greg Grant (6-28-26) Dr. William C. Welch was one of those rare individuals whose influence continues to grow long after the person is gone. With his passing on June 8, 2026, those of us fortunate enough to know him lost a friend and a mentor, but his legacy lives on abundantly in the landscapes, libraries, […]
Greg Grant (6-14-26) East Texans who enjoy gardening and the wildlife that flit through their landscapes will have a chance to learn how to support both at the upcoming Earth-Kind Summer Garden Series program, Ecological Gardening, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Cotton Belt Building on West Front Street […]
Doodling Around Greg Grant (6-7-26) Every now and then a small, ordinary critter carries you straight back to childhood. For me, nothing does it faster than a doodlebug. Long before I knew the name “ant lion” or understood anything about entomology and insect life cycles, I knew the joy of crouching in the sand, piddling […]
The Frankston Garden Club is expressing its appreciation to everyone who helped make its annual garden tour a success. Club members thanked sponsors, donors, ticket purchasers, raffle participants, and community members who attended the event held on May 16. Organizers also offered special recognition to the homeowners who opened their gardens and yards for visitors […]
