Free Range Conversations

The 36th Annual Rison in the Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, in Rison, Arkansas. This year’s event features a star-studded lineup of country and Americana artists, headlined by Grammy-winning 90s country icon Bryan White, known for hits like "So Much for Pretending" and his duet with Shania Twain.

Joining White on the Rise Up Rison stage are several artists with Arkansas ties:

Ward Davis: Acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter who has penned tracks for Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.

Wyatt Putman: Outlaw country artist from Arkansas.

Cori Kennedy: "The Voice" alumnus and viral singer of "Hey Who Shot The Water Tower."

Whoa Dakota: Little Rock-raised artist delivering classic country style with a rebel spirit.

The fourth annual Cruisin’ Cleveland County Bike Ride returns to Rison on Saturday, June 6. Organizers previewed the expanded event on the Free Range Conversations podcast, highlighting its growth from a local cycling meetup into a premier regional festival.

Cyclists can choose from five distinct routes ranging from 21 to 65 miles. Despite Arkansas's flat reputation, riders will face challenging rolling terrain with elevation changes exceeding 1,000 feet, including a new 30-mile gravel route near Johnny Cash’s birthplace.

New this year is the Wheels Unlimited Showcase at the historic Pioneer Village, featuring 13 vehicle classes from antique tractors to motorcycles. The village will also host a community festival with live music by Laura Caroline, food trucks, and local non-profits.

Proceeds from the $50 registration fee support local charities. Cyclists can register online at RunSignUp.com or on-site starting at 6 a.m.

In this edition of Free Range Conversations, Bruce Grubb of Cleveland County Telephone discusses the major county-wide transition from aging copper landlines to a high-speed fiber optic network. The existing copper plant, installed in the late 1980s, is roughly 40 years old and is becoming obsolete. This transition is necessary to eliminate electromagnetic interference and provide clearer, more reliable service regardless of a customer's distance from the office.

Cleveland County recently made history by officially reclassifying 911 dispatchers as first responders. This resolution mirrors a national push to recognize emergency telecommunicators as life-saving professionals rather than clerical workers. Erica Best, Communications Coordinator with 27 years of experience, describes her team as the "first first responders" and the "voice during the chaos."

Despite its rural reputation, Cleveland County’s five-person team handled over 4,000 emergency calls last year. Approximately 50% were medical emergencies where dispatchers provided critical instructions before help arrived. This requires "tactical calm," as Best notes: "If we continue to be calm during chaos, then they stay calm."

In a tight-knit community, the job is often deeply personal. Best recalled a poignant accident on Highway 63 where she stayed on the line with a trapped man, leading him to spiritual peace in his final moments. "Those are the things that people don't know," she shared.

Supported by departmental leadership and a "heart of service," this new classification ensures these "unseen" professionals receive the recognition and resources they deserve. As Best concludes: "I love this county. They are my people, and my job is to take care of them."

For many, the phrase "estate planning" conjures images of dusty law offices and uncomfortable conversations about the inevitable. However, in a the latest episode of Free Range Conversations, experts and community members gathered to reframe the topic as a vital tool for family harmony and personal agency in advance of a workshop set for this Thursday. Elaine Kneebone, an Arkadelphia-based attorney specializing in wills, trusts, and elder law, the discussion highlighted that planning is less about the end of life and more about protecting those who remain. Joining Kneebone on the podcast are co-hosts Britt Talent and Douglas Boultinghouse, along with special guests Austin Compton, Cleveland County’s Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent; and Extension Homemakers Council members Jenny Wright and Loletia Terry.

Get all the details on this year's Pioneer Crafts Festival in Rison, plus the inclusion of a free Homesteading Conference at the event this Saturday!

One of the questions that voters presented to the candidates in during the political forums leading up to the election for Cleveland County Judge was how they would utilize the $5.6 million the county has in its so-called “investment fund.” That fund actually consists of three separate funds: a solid waste fund, an ambulance fund and the “nursing home” fund, which was started with the money the county received for selling its nursing home license. While that much money is enticing for a small county like Cleveland County, there are state laws that regulate how that money can be spent. In this week’s Free Range Conversation podcast, Herald publisher Britt Talent and Douglas Boultinghouse sat down with Cleveland County Treasurer Angie Kimsey to get a true picture of how that money can and cannot be used.

The 4th Annual Handicapped Barbie Drive is a grassroots effort led by Stacy Walz, Suzanne Lawson, and her daughter, "Fancy Nancy," to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Inspired by Walz's niece, Cali—who has a rare chromosome disorder—the project aims to ensure children in medical care feel seen and celebrated. By providing toys that reflect the children's own experiences, the drive helps reduce the anxiety and fear often associated with hospital stays.

The second annual Bobby Lee Terry Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, May 2, at Harbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff, growing from a simple idea among friends into a community-driven event. Organized by Keden Shrum and Cordero Fuentes, the tournament honors Terry’s love of golf while raising funds for local athletics. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Last year’s inaugural event raised about $2,500 for the Woodlawn baseball program. This year, proceeds will benefit the Rison Booster Club, with a focus on baseball and softball improvements. Organizers emphasize that the event’s purpose remains rooted in remembering Terry and supporting local youth. A Woodlawn native, Terry was known for his passion for golf and baseball, often playing daily with a group of local golfers. His family said the tournament was an unexpected but meaningful tribute that brings the community together.

The four-man scramble tournament has expanded to 22 teams and will include new features such as live scoring and online registration. With strong sponsor support and growing regional participation, organizers hope the event becomes an annual tradition centered on fellowship, remembrance and community support.

The Arkansas State Library Board is withholding over $1 million in state aid due to pending standards and unrelated audit issues. This existential crisis threatens Cleveland County’s library, which faces a $9,000 deficit and the loss of regional support for summer reading, e-books, and bookmobile services. Regional Director Clare Graham warns these "community anchors" are vital for digital literacy and connectivity. Advocates urge residents to voice their support for their local library.