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Episode 13 takes us around Olney as we sit down with David Parkey from First State Bank, our Business of the Week! We talk about the bank, the people behind the business, and their role in our local community.

Then, we head out in person to cover the Olney Economic Development Corporation (OEDC) meeting and bring you the latest from the discussion and what’s happening in Olney.

And don’t forget to join us for the Chamber’s Mix & Mingle on Tuesday, August 18th at 6 PM at First State Bank! Come out, meet local business owners, connect with the community, and show your support for our local businesses.

🎙️ Episode 13 of the podcast — local voices, local business, and what’s happening in Olney.

#OlneyTX #OlneyOnAir #Podcast #BusinessOfTheWeek #FirstStateBank #OEDC #ChamberMixAndMingle #OlneyTexas #ShopLocal #CommunityNews

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Gina Keating talks with Dione Sims, the Democratic candidate for Texas’ 25th Congressional District, during the Young County Democratic Party’s Beans ’n Jeans gathering in Graham on July 20, 2026.

Sims is a longtime educator, pastor and community activist who worked alongside her grandmother, civil rights leader Dr. Opal Lee, in the successful campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She is also the founder and president of Unity Unlimited, a nonprofit devoted to education, unity and community engagement.

In this interview, Sims discusses why she is running for Congress and what she believes Washington must do for the rural communities of District 25. The conversation covers access to health care and mental-health services, support for rural hospitals, infrastructure, education, small businesses and the pressures facing working families and older Texans.

Sims also reflects on what she learned from her grandmother’s persistence and how the campaign for Juneteenth shaped her understanding of public service, coalition-building and lasting political change.

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In this interview recorded in December 2024, Olney Enterprise editor Gina Keating talks with D.R. Horton co-founder Terry Horton as he oversees construction of an innovative home on West Oak Street in Olney.

The house was built with light-gauge steel framing and fire-resistant foam panels designed to create a stronger, safer, and more energy-efficient structure. According to Horton, the building system can withstand earthquakes exceeding magnitude 9.3. At the time of the interview, he was testing the construction method in Olney and discussing plans to build additional homes in the community.

The conversation has taken on new relevance in 2026 as housing moves to the forefront of Olney’s concerns. The city is preparing for potential economic and population growth connected to the proposed data-center development, while a new developer-directed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone begins work intended to encourage residential construction.

Could Horton’s experiment offer one answer to Olney’s need for durable and attainable new housing? This interview looks back at a potentially important early step in the city’s effort to expand its housing supply.

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Olney On Air – Episode 12

In this week’s episode of Olney On Air, hosts Gina Keating of The Olney Enterprise and Kimberly Smith of the Olney Chamber of Commerce bring you the latest happenings from the heart of Olney, Texas.

First up, they sit down with Landon Rowe, president of the Olney Recreation Association, to talk about the major transformation taking place at the Olney Country Club. Since taking the helm in 2020, Rowe and his board have doubled membership and invested nearly $2 million in course and facility improvements— including new cart paths, a pool, lithium battery golf carts, and a full irrigation system overhaul. Now, they’re unveiling an ambitious building remodel that will add a restaurant, sports bar, cigar lounge, indoor golf simulators, and locker room-style restrooms.

Next, it’s time for the Business of the Week segment with Wil Jeske, assistant plant manager at Brazos Communications. Wil shares the cooperative’s history, breaks down how fiber internet works, and explains why it matters. He also reviews Brazos’ current service tiers—from 100 Mbps starting at $59.95/month to 2 Gbps symmetrical—and offers helpful tips to improve your home Wi-Fi, including why you should never tuck your router in a cabinet.

The episode wraps up with a community calendar featuring back-to-school events, the Young County budget hearing, and upcoming activities at the Olney Senior Cub Center.

📻 Listen now and stay connected to Olney!

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🎙️ Olney on Air – Episode 11

We've got another packed episode of Olney on Air featuring three guests who are helping shape the future of our community both on and off the field.

First, Tom Parker, Executive Director of the Olney Economic Development Corporation, joins us to share updates on current projects, economic growth, and what's ahead for Olney.

Then, Reed Mankins, the voice of the Olney Cubs, stops by to talk about the excitement surrounding Cubs athletics, the upcoming season, and what fans can expect as football returns.

Finally, Olney ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Dustin Altmiller discusses preparations for the new school year, expectations for the Cubs, the culture he's building within the athletic program, and his vision for a successful season.

Whether you're interested in community development, local sports, or supporting Olney, this episode has something for everyone.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Olney on Air!

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🎙️ Olney On Air – Episode 10

📍 We have another great episode of Olney On Air!

For our 10th episode, we’re celebrating with two important conversations about the future and well-being of our community.

This week, we sit down with Mayor Rue Rogers to discuss everything happening at City Hall and the future of Olney. We talk about the future of the city’s water treatment plant, new housing developments, downtown improvements, storm recovery efforts, parks, and where Mayor Rogers sees Olney headed over the next several years.

We’re also joined by Dr. Robert Ferow from Olney Hamilton Hospital to discuss senior suicide prevention and the importance of recognizing the mental health needs of older adults. He also shares more about the Heritage Foundation and the resources and support available in our community.

This 10th episode features important conversations about Olney’s future, community development, healthcare, and the people working to make a difference in our town.

🎧 Listen now and celebrate Episode 10 of Olney On Air! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and follow us on Facebook for new episodes featuring local news, businesses, events, and all things Olney!

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Olney Enterprise Editor Gina Keating interviews Holly Taylor, candidate for Texas Criminal Court of Appeals, ahead of the Young County Democratic Party's Beans 'N Jeans event in Graham at 6 p.m. on June 20 at North Central Texas College's Multipurpose Room. The Young County Democrats will hear from their candidates for the November midterm elections. 

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🎙️ Olney On Air – Episode 9

This week on Olney On Air, we have a great lineup of guests and conversations highlighting the people and events that make our community special!

We’re joined by Angela Lockard, Executive Director of the Senior Cub Center, to talk about the upcoming Senior Cub Center Variety Show happening this weekend. She shares what attendees can expect from this fun community event and how the Senior Cub Center continues to serve and bring people together.

We also sit down with Will and Ava Stewart to hear all about their experience at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). They share what they learned, the challenges they faced, and the memories they made during their incredible adventure.

We also talk with Dr. Caffey, Superintendent of Olney ISD, about the upcoming school year and the importance of opportunities like the NOLS trip for students. Together, we discuss what students and families can look forward to as a new school year begins.

🎧 Listen now and stay connected with Olney! Subscribe to Olney On Air on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and follow us on Facebook for new episodes every week featuring local news, businesses, events, and all things Olney!

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In this episode of Olney On Air, we sit down with two inspiring members of our community who are making a difference in very different ways.

First, we visit with Jeffry Flores, the Olney High School Salutatorian, as he reflects on his high school journey, the lessons he's learned, and what's next as he prepares for the future. Jeffry shares his advice for younger students and what it means to represent Olney with excellence.

Then, we're joined by Chris Garcia, an American Legion District Commander, Cub Scout leader, business owner and dedicated community volunteer. Chris talks about his passion for serving others, his involvement with local youth and veterans, and his vision for restoring the Cub Hut at Griffin Park into a space that can once again serve the Olney community for generations to come.

Whether you're interested in celebrating local student success or learning about a community project that's preserving a piece of Olney's history, this episode is full of inspiring conversations you won't want to miss.

🎙️ Listen now on Olney On Air and stay connected with the people and stories that make our community special.

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🎙️ Olney On Air – Episode 6: Workforce Solutions with Tracy Barrett

In this episode of Olney On Air, we're joined by Tracy Barrett from Workforce Solutions to discuss the wide range of programs and services available to help individuals, job seekers, students, employers, and families throughout our region.

Whether you're looking for a new career, searching for qualified employees, exploring job training opportunities, or wondering what resources are available to help you succeed, Workforce Solutions has programs designed to meet a variety of needs. Tracy explains how their organization connects people with employment opportunities, education and training, career development, childcare assistance, veteran services, and much more.

No matter where you are in your career journey—whether you're entering the workforce, changing careers, or growing your business—this episode is packed with valuable information about the resources available right here in our community.

🎧 Be sure to subscribe to Olney On Air on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and follow our Facebook page for new episodes every week! Stay connected with local businesses, community events, local news, and all things Olney.

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