Latest news with #Texarkana
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
17 Places In The U.S. That Will Pay You As Much As $12,000 To Move There (And That's Not All)
Texarkana—one of dozens of towns across the U.S. that will pay you to move—is proud of its roots. The downtown mural by artist Darlene Taylor is a local favorite and a symbol of the community spirit that's attracting new residents. Nichole Holze Thinking of making a move? What if you could get paid to move somewhere new—someplace with a lower cost of living, a better quality of life and a community that actually wants you there? That's the idea behind MakeMyMove, an online marketplace that connects remote workers and other professionals with towns and cities across the U.S. offering financial incentives to relocate. If it sounds familiar, you're not wrong—I've written about similar programs created by a village in Italy, the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma and the state of Vermont, What started as one-off headlines has become a full-blown trend. And it's a concept that's catching on fast. 'We launched at the end of 2020 during the pandemic, when we realized that newly remote workers were free agents—suddenly able to live and work wherever they wanted,' Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove, told me in an interview. 'We started with about 20 programs. Now there are more than 170 on the site, covering hundreds of towns across the country.' Hock calls it 'relocation economics'—a new kind of economic development model that flips the old playbook. Instead of trying to attract big corporations with tax breaks, towns are investing in people. And the return on investment is real. A view of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is paying people to move there. getty 'We've worked with economists to measure the impact,' says Hock. 'For every $100,000 of income we help a town attract, it generates $83,000 of incremental economic activity each year. The lifetime value of a household is close to half a million dollars.' Texarkana, Texas is a prime example. The town launched its 'Redi-Set-Move' program in 2024 and has already attracted dozens of high-income remote workers. In return, newcomers get a $5,000 relocation bonus, tuition discounts, memberships to arts and business organizations, and even a welcome lunch with the mayor. 'We're open for business—and for living,' Rob Sitterley, president and CEO of AR-TX REDI, told me in an interview. 'This program helps us attract talent, grow our tax base, support local universities, and boost entrepreneurship. We've seen over 8,000 applications already.' The incentive package also includes a yearlong membership to a local creator space, tickets to the symphony, and opportunities for newcomers to connect with community leaders and young professionals. 'It's about more than the money—it's about building connections and encouraging people to put down roots,' says Sitterley. Melanie Daniel, who relocated from Memphis to Texarkana through the MakeMyMove program. Melanie Daniel Melanie Daniel was one of those applicants. A remote worker in the e-learning space, she moved from Memphis to Texarkana after selling her house—and dealing with one too many home repairs. 'I searched for places that would pay me to move and came across MakeMyMove. Texarkana responded within days,' she says. 'Now I live in a luxury apartment, I've made new friends, and I'm getting involved in the community. I've recommended it to so many people.' Other places are just getting started. Cedar Rapids, Iowa is just launching a program offering $5,000 in relocation cash plus local perks. 'We've seen huge investment in infrastructure and business,' says Jodi Schafer, the city's talent attraction director. 'Now it's time to invest in people.' According to Schafer, community immersion is a key part of the strategy. 'These incentives help newcomers experience the region and build relationships—two things that are critical to long-term retention,' she says. Here is a sampling of some of the best places in the U.S. that are paying people to move in 2025—and what they offer. Kress Gap in Texarkana. Nichole Holze Places In The U.S. That Will Pay You To Move There Texarkana, Texas/Arkansas This community that blends small town charm and big opportunities is offering a $5,000 relocation cash incentive, 25% tuition discount to Texas A&M Texarkana; one year membership to The Assembly Line, Texarkana's brand-new creator space, preferred membership to Leadership Texarkana, breakfast with Texarkana leaders and VIP access to Texarkana's Business Scene. New Albany, Indiana This up-and-coming town in Southern Indiana, across the river from the bourbon capital of the U.S. is offering a $5,000 relocation cash incentive, five year Dual Co-Working Space Memberships to The Root and Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus and a $5,000 business start-up grant. Switzerland County, Indiana This rural destination offers a $5,000 cash incentive and access to a scenic lifestyle with proximity to Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis. Crawfordsville, Indiana This town offers a $5,000 relocation package, plus a one-year YMCA family membership and $100 in Chamber Bucks. Morgantown, West Virginia One of the fastest growing towns in the state with beautiful natural amenities is offering a $12,000 relocation cash incentive; free co-working space and social programming, along with professional development and entrepreneurial assistance. Jacksonville, Illinois This community with small-town charm and lots of career growth is offering a $5,000 relocation cash incentive; $300 in Chamber Bucks, three months of fiber broadband service and a 'Build Your Career in Jacksonville' package including a variety of incentives. Mayfield, Kentucky The beautiful town known for its community engagement and opportunities to grow professionally is offering a $5,000 relocation cash incentive, lunch with the Mayor and other local leadership and membership to the Mayfield Graves County Young Professionals Group and Rotary Club. Columbus, Georgia This town with an affordable cost of living and lots of recreational activities is offering a $5,000 relocation cash incentive, six months of co-working space at CoWork Columbus, community connection outings, monthly mover meet ups, coffee with the mayor and a one-year membership to the Young Professionals Program and Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Macon-Bibb, Georgia This community welcomes newcomers with a $2,500 cash stipend, a three-month co-working space membership, moving service discounts and housing incentives. Hermitage, Pennsylvania Set in the heart of Western Pennsylvania, this community offers a $5,000 relocation cash incentive, six months of coworking space and monthly coffee networking events. Benton Harbor, Michigan This town offers $5,000 in down payment assistance and the appeal of lakeside living in a community where the cost of living is 15% below the national average. Southwest Michigan This region invites new residents with $5,000 in down payment assistance, support for partners' career placement, school enrollment help for kids and free tuition at Lake Michigan College. Belleville, Kansas This town is incentivizing homebuilders with up to $35,000 for new construction or $25,000 for the first five homes built within city limits. Hutchinson, Kansas This community adds $7,500 toward your home purchase in a town known for affordability and small-town charm. Neodesha, Kansas This town is going all in with a mix of cash and benefits: up to $15,000 in student loan repayment, free college tuition for local graduates, daycare support and property tax rebates. Montpelier, Vermont This state capital offers $5,000 in cash, free fiber internet for a year, $500 in co-working credit and a community welcome event. Greater Rochester, New York This region welcomes newcomers with a $10,000 cash incentive and additional perks like free co-working space and access to startup resources. MORE FROM FORBES: Forbes Here's How You Can Get Paid $16,000 To Move To Spain Forbes The Best (And Most Affordable) Places To Live In America: 2025 Report Forbes The 20 Best Cities To Live In The World, According To A 2025 Report
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Butterbean opens up on his crippling sex addiction and battle with obesity after retiring
Butterbean, the cult-hero boxer whose real name is Eric Esch, has come forward to reveal his past battles with sex addiction. Speaking to the Mirror, the 58-year-old admitted his own weight problems, past rejections and sudden fame fueled his addiction in the 1990s and 2000s. Butterbean has now conquered this demon and he remains married despite his infidelities but now admits 'it was pretty bad.' 'I've been married for a long time and I've always loved my wife, but that was something that I've always had trouble getting over,' he told the Mirror. 'Now, I'm good. I'm confident in myself now. I don't have that problem. I'm a good boy now.' Butterbean and wife Libby Esch have three children, including a pair of sons who have forayed into mixed martial arts, although both were well shy of the 400-or-so pounds the elder Esch fought at in his boxing days. Teased for his weight as a child, Butterbean channeled that frustration into Toughman contests – truncated boxing matches that often relied on larger 16-ounce gloves and other safety measures. The events had a fringe, amateurish feel for much of the 1990s. But, as Butterbean continued winning, the rotund former former construction worker out of Texarkana soon turned pro, ultimately earning the nickname of 'King of the Four-Rounders.' In fact, promoter Bob Arm later convinced IBA commissioner Dean Chance to give Butterbean a belt as champion of the non-existent 'super heavyweight division.' Butterbean never actually defeated a ranked opponent, although he did lose to 53-year-old former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in 2002. Although he continued to be a media presence, including stints in various wrestling circuits, Butterbean's weight increasingly became a problem. 'When you can't walk and you can't walk into the store and get something to drink, you do get depressed,' said Butterbean, who admittedly needed a wheelchair at one point as he surpassed 500 pounds. Eric 'Butterbean' Esch during an interview with host Jay Leno on May 10, 1996 'I was in bed for almost a year… got out of bed just to go to the bathroom. And I ate in the bed. I mean, I didn't even leave the bed.' These days, Butterbean is down more than 200 pounds – something he credits to his friend, wrestling legend 'Diamond' Dallas Page, who introduced him to yoga and a number of other healthy habits. 'I went and moved to DDP for a while, did his yoga program, and I'm in the best shape of my life right now,' Butterbean said. 'I feel better now at 50-something than I did when I was in my 20s, which is insane. I can't explain it, but the Fountain of Youth, I dove in it and I come out so much better.' Butterbean is retired, but he'd consider one comeback fight: Jake Paul. "Butterbean's back for one more fight,' he said in a social media clip. 'There's only one fighter out there that wants to fight retired, bald guys. I'm coming for you. I want to fight Jake Paul because he runs his damn mouth too much.' Paul previously fought and defeated a 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Yahoo
See it: Texas police officers wrangle alligator from under car in church parking lot
TEXARKANA, Texas – It's not every day that part of a police officer's job description involves alligator trapping, but in Texarkana, Texas, it's a possibility. Video from Wednesday shows two officers quickly snagging a small alligator from beneath a car in the parking lot of a church. "Just your average Wednesday in Texarkana," the Texarkana Police Department smirked in a Facebook post sharing the video. Video Shows Moment Bear, Dog Go Nose-to-nose Inside California Home In the clip, a small alligator scurries out from under a moving car, as an officer reaches for the gator with a grabber pole. "Come on, buddy," one of the officers said, as the gator fought being caught for a second. A moment later, the officer is able to secure the gator by holding its mouth with the grabber and its tail in hand. Watch: 9-Foot Alligator Causes Stir Outside Florida Preschool The police department said neither officer signed up for gator duty on Wednesday, but handled the situation like pros. No one was injured during the escapade, including the alligator. The alligator was safely relocated to a nearby lake, at the suggestion of a game warden. Alligators are native to Texas and can be found all over the eastern portion of the state, according to Texas Parks & article source: See it: Texas police officers wrangle alligator from under car in church parking lot
The Independent
16-06-2025
- The Independent
Mom accused of killing 8-month-old son by putting him in scalding bathwater because she was mad over dirty diaper
A Texas mom has been accused of killing her 8-month-old baby after putting him in scalding hot bathwater because she was angry he had a dirty diaper. Jatoria Renae Cleamons, 21, is facing charges of injury to a child and manslaughter in the death of her infant son, KSLA reported. Deputies with the Bowie County Sheriff's Office were called to her Texarkana, Texas, home on Feb. 4 to assist with a medical call. When authorities arrived, they found EMS performing CPR on an 8-month-old baby. Cleamons allegedly admitted to investigators that she had placed her baby in scalding hot bathwater, causing him severe burns to the skin while bathing him. She also apparently told police that she had done so because she was frustrated that her son had pooped in his diaper. The infant died approximately two weeks after the incident, while Cleamons was staying with a relative in Hooks, Texas, according to officials with the local police department. After the infant died, Justice of the Peace Jay Wommack ordered he be sent to the Southwest Institute of Forensics for an autopsy. His autopsy result listed the cause of death as thermal injuries (scalding). The manner of death was listed as homicide, according to KSLA. Multiple agencies were involved in a coordinated investigation into the baby's death, including officers from Hooks Police Department, investigators with the Bowtie County District Attorney's Office and investigators with the Texarkana Texas Police Department.
New York Times
02-06-2025
- General
- New York Times
49ers rookie LB Nick Martin brings powerful personality to weakside spot
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Nick Martin and his three older brothers used to fight so much that their mother bought them boxing gloves to cushion the blows. Which, the San Francisco 49ers rookie recalled with a laugh, led to even more fighting in the form of neighborhood boxing tournaments. 'I lost a lot in the beginning because I was fighting people that were like five years older than me,' said Martin, who figures he was 7 when the bouts began. 'But I feel like that helped me grow in my mind, how to approach battles on and off the field. And then I started winning.' Advertisement That's been the story of his life. Growing up in Texarkana, Texas, Martin was never the biggest kid on the block. But he's always been a wicked hitter. That helps explain why the 49ers took the 5-foot-11, 221-pound linebacker with the 11th pick in the third round. One of the lessons from an awful 2024 season was how badly they missed Dre Greenlaw, their ferocious weakside linebacker who sat out all but 34 snaps due to an Achilles injury. When Greenlaw went to the Denver Broncos in free agency, the 49ers were compelled to find someone who could tackle, cover and set a furious tone like he did. The search led to Martin. 'You've heard of a sideline-to-sideline guy,' said former Oklahoma State linebacker Kenyatta Wright, who's now the program's financial director. 'Well, Nick is a football-field guy. Wherever you are on a football field, he's going to be there.' The other reason the 49ers fell for Martin is the small-bodied linebacker's big-time charisma. He likes art, music, has his own fashion line and taught himself to play the guitar. On his first full day with the 49ers last month, he had the confidence to walk around in oversized shark slippers in the locker room and in his media appearance. He has about 10 pairs of animal slippers, including wolves and puppies, and he's not afraid to let the dogs out. 'I'm pretty comfortable with who I am,' he said. 'And I've always worn 'em, so why change?' Nick 'Jaws' Martin — Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) May 8, 2025 The 49ers note he was a two-time team captain at Oklahoma State. After he injured his MCL ligament in the fifth game last season, coach Mike Gundy petitioned the Big 12 to allow Martin to travel with the team. That's how important he was to the locker room, meeting room and sideline, even when he wasn't playing. The 49ers hope he has the same effect on a rookie class that, especially on defense, is expected to log plenty of snaps this season. Advertisement 'It's important when we're considering how the rookies are going to mesh together,' the 49ers' top scout, Tariq Ahmad, explained regarding Martin. 'Who's going to be the leader of that group? Who's going to push guys to watch extra tape, to be on the field extra?' Martin's mother, Tosha, describes her youngest son as 'joyful.' He was always upbeat, always curious, always joking. Older brother Chauncey goes with 'goofy.' 'He'd come hang around my friends and he'd cut jokes,' Chauncey said. 'But they were jokes I'd already heard. That's my little brother, and I'd be like, 'Stop being annoying.' But to my friends, he was hilarious. And I'd say, 'Bro, don't laugh at him. Don't egg him on.'' Nick — or Nickolas, as his mother invariably calls him — is close to all his brothers. But his relationship with Chauncey, who is nearest in age, is special. They grew up sharing a bedroom and dreams about playing in the NFL. They'd play 'Madden' and assure each other their names would one day appear on the screen. In the living room, Chauncey would get on his knees and pretend he was Ray Lewis. Nick, in the role of Reggie Bush, would try to get past him. All the Martin boys played football. Chauncey and Nick loved football. 'We just had a bond,' Chauncey said. 'Even though we had two older brothers, we were close. We shared a room our whole life. It was me and him.' Being three years older, Chauncey was the first to find football glory. He was the running back on Pleasant Grove High's first-ever state champion team, which in East Texas is akin to landing on the moon or winning Olympic gold. Nick, speedy but scrawny and not ready for the varsity squad, came to be known as 'Chauncey's little brother.' 'He didn't like that,' Tosha said. 'It motivated him.' Every time he was dismissed as too small, he hit the weight room. Whenever he was obscured by Chauncey's shadow, he'd try to outrun it by getting faster. Advertisement He loved his brother, tried to be like his brother, but also wanted — no, needed — to make a name for himself. And by his junior season, he was playing linebacker and running back while leading Pleasant Grove to another state title. The only problem was that Chauncey wasn't around to see it. He and four other 19-year-olds were arrested for their roles in a robbery that occurred in January 2019 in Texarkana. Chauncey was kicked off the East Texas A&M football team and sentenced to nearly two and a half years in prison. He saw bits and pieces of Nick's freshman season at Oklahoma State from the day room of Barry B. Telford prison in nearby South Boston, Texas. 'I'd point to the TV and say, 'There you go — he's right there!'' Chauncey recalled. 'I think he was like No. 46 back then. I'd say, 'That's him right there on kickoff (coverage). He's the first one down there on kickoffs.' It would just give me like a smile, you know, on a Saturday to see my brother on TV playing ball.' Chauncey was released just as Nick was making his ascent at Oklahoma State. By his third season there, the days of being known as Chauncey's little brother were long gone. He was no longer a special teamer. He wasn't even always Nick. Teammates instead started calling him 'Missile' for the way he took down ball carriers. His 2023 season, which truly caught the 49ers' attention, included a Big 12-best 140 tackles, 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage and six sacks. 'I've never seen a guy who was carrying a football who didn't drop as soon as Nick tackled him,' said Oklahoma State's Wright, who played six NFL seasons. 'His ability to get guys down at the point of attack was unbelievable. His speed to the ball was amazing.' Wright noted that Martin regularly would come into his office to talk linebackers and that his favorite NFL player to dissect was Fred Warner. Martin had Warner's No. 54 jersey long before the 49ers drafted him. Advertisement Warner said last week that rookies are usually reticent about asking him questions — 'the whole 'too cool' thing,' he said. But Martin hasn't been shy. At all. 'He's come in and asked me every single question known to man,' Warner said. 'It's like, 'Fred, how are you doing this? What are you doing after practice? What are you doing after lifts?' And he's wanting to be part of those (activities). … He already has the mindset of wanting to learn.' As for older brother Chauncey, at one point, he was Nick's inspiration. Now it's the other way around. Chauncey said that when he was in high school, he got an offer from Harding University, a Division II Christian school in Arkansas. He turned it down. 'I didn't want to go because of the structure, and it was a private, Christian school,' he said. 'I was like, 'Man, I want to go to school to have fun.' And I ended up getting in trouble.' When he was released from prison, the offer from Harding was still on the table. This time, he grabbed it with gratitude. He played running back for the Bison for three seasons and recently graduated with a degree in business management. Now, as Nick learns the 49ers' defense from Warner, Chauncey is trying to catch on with a UFL team. He says his little brother inspired him to re-focus on their shared passion for football. 'I'm in a way better place,' he said. 'And Nick is some of the reason for that. Seeing my little brother accomplish all this stuff we used to talk about, it just makes me want to keep going.'
