River Valley Radio

🎶 Jason Campbell and Dem Boys will take the stage Friday night at the Pope County Fair ahead of The Bellamy Brothers — and for Campbell, every song in the set has a reason for being there.

Campbell, a longtime River Valley musician and songwriter, says the show will mix original music with country favorites from the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s that helped shape him and the band.

He also talks with River Valley Radio about his songwriting roots, appearing on “Star Search,” life as a working musician and why the words behind a song still matter so much to him.

🏈 Hector is 3-0 after another gutsy finish.

Danville took a 19-18 lead with 3:27 left Friday night, but the Wildcats answered fast. A big Hudson McAlister-to-Cayden Manrique pass set up McAlister’s go-ahead touchdown, and Easton Pruitt sealed the 24-19 win with an interception on Danville’s final possession.

💪 “These kids do not have an ounce of quit in them.”

Read the full game story, stats and hear from Coach Tyler Gilliland:

https://www.rivervalleyradio.com/hector-answers-late-holds-off-danville-24-19-to-stay-unbeaten/

Blind and visually impaired veterans in the River Valley may be eligible to receive Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses at no cost through a nationwide program designed to help veterans live more independently.

The glasses can read text aloud, identify objects, help with navigation and assist with everyday tasks using voice commands. 👓

Locally, Chaplain Paul Northcut with Cross & Shield Ministries is helping connect veterans with the program — and is also looking for volunteers willing to help veterans learn how to use the glasses.

📞 Know a veteran who could benefit? Contact Northcut at 479-264-6146.

Hear from Hector head coach Tyler Gilliland as he breaks down the Wildcats’ gritty 52-40 comeback win over Conway Christian. Gilliland talks about overcoming an 18-point deficit, the toughness and conditioning that fueled Hector’s second-half surge, the Wildcats’ unconventional rushing attack and the key plays that turned the game, while also looking ahead to next week’s home matchup with Danville.

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.