Russellville Junior High School teacher Mickey DuVall says his greatest challenge as a math teacher is not necessarily teaching algebra. It is convincing students that they are capable of learning it.

That focus on confidence, persistence and problem-solving has helped earn DuVall recognition as one of 15 finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year award.

Listen to our conversation with DuVall.

Pope County Chief Deputy Shawn Harris says Tuesday afternoon’s jail disturbance involved about six inmates, but authorities believe only two or three were actively participating.

Harris said inmates flooded the cell block, damaged a surveillance camera and telephone, and claimed they had weapons. Everyone complied when officers entered, and a search found no weapons. No officers, jail employees or inmates were injured.

The incident was under control within about 20 minutes. Investigators will review surveillance video to determine who started the disturbance and who damaged county property. Charges could follow.

🎙️ Hear from Harris and read the updated story at the same link:

Good news for local communities!

Pope County could soon be distributing new AEDs to Atkins, Dover, Hector, Pottsville and Russellville after receiving grant funding from Arvest Bank.

AEDs can be lifesaving during sudden cardiac emergencies — and having updated equipment nearby can make a huge difference when seconds count.

Pope County jail officials say mental-health needs are becoming a growing issue inside the detention center.

Capt. Rowdy Sweet told county officials the jail is seeing more inmates dealing with mental-health concerns, addiction and withdrawal — and officers are often the ones left trying to manage situations they aren’t licensed to handle.

The county is now looking at expanded mental-health services for inmates, with officials saying it could help both inmate care and county liability.

Russellville’s new recycling drop-off center is getting closer to opening.

The bins are in place at 1801 S. Knoxville Ave., but city officials say they’re still waiting on a few final pieces for the gate before the site can officially open.

Once it’s ready, the city plans to roll out an education campaign showing what can — and can’t — go in the recycling bins. Glass recycling will also be available year-round.

Deja vu?

A proposed incentive tied to a future Texas Roadhouse project in Russellville is headed back to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval.

The $58,810 agreement would reimburse Russellville TR LLC for eligible site-development costs. Supporters say the city could recover that amount in less than a year through new sales-tax revenue, while critics have questioned whether economic-development money should be used for a restaurant project.

The full council is expected to take up the issue next week.

Russellville officials are considering a temporary data center committee and a moratorium on data center projects through Jan. 1, 2028.

Mayor Fred Teague emphasized there is no current data center project before the city. Council members say the proposal is about setting “guardrails” now, before any company comes forward.

Good news on Prairie Creek: bridge components are now being installed, and Russellville officials say the project is still moving toward a goal of finishing before school starts.

City leaders also talked about traffic headaches downtown, especially around Commerce and Main, while Parkway remains closed. Public Works says they’re still adjusting the signal timing and working through the detour issues.

The city is asking about moving road-closed signs closer to the actual work area to help access for nearby businesses like Stoby’s and Jean’s Simple Treats.

The Texas Roadhouse incentive agreement got a 4-2 vote from the Russellville City Council — not enough for a final approval.

Mayor Fred Teague said he hopes the developers bring the item back in July, when the two members absent Thursday would be in attendance.

But the developer says it is up against a property-closing deadline.

Read what happened at Thursday’s meeting: https://www.rivervalleyradio.com/texas-roadhouse.../

💛 “Let’s build a support system to help you know that you aren’t alone.”

For new and expecting moms, postpartum depression and anxiety can make hard moments feel permanent. They are not.

We spoke with Christy Renfroe of ChoiceCare about free local support for River Valley families — and about the Safe Haven Baby Box at Russellville Fire Station No. 3, a private emergency option meant to protect newborns when a parent feels out of options.