Free Range Conversations

Cleveland County Herald
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Free Range Conversations is just that! Conversations with no limitations from Cleveland County and the southern region of the state of Arkansas. Hosted by the Cleveland County Herald.

  1. Episode 82: Cleveland County's $5.6 Million Investment Fund Explained

    2D AGO

    Episode 82: Cleveland County's $5.6 Million Investment Fund Explained

    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.

    47 min
  2. Episode 81: Representation Matters, the 4th Annual Handicapped Barbie Drive

    MAR 25

    Episode 81: Representation Matters, the 4th Annual Handicapped Barbie Drive

    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.

    21 min
  3. Episode 80: Bobby Lee Terry Memorial Golf Tournament Returns for Second Year

    MAR 18

    Episode 80: Bobby Lee Terry Memorial Golf Tournament Returns for Second Year

    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.

    34 min
  4. Episode 79: Cleveland County Library Faces Funding Crisis Amid State Aid Delay

    FEB 27

    Episode 79: Cleveland County Library Faces Funding Crisis Amid State Aid Delay

    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.

    27 min
  5. Episode 78 - Everything About the 2026 Primary Election

    FEB 24

    Episode 78 - Everything About the 2026 Primary Election

    Get all the info on voting precincts, what's required to vote, who the candidates are and more in this episode of Free Range Conversations!

    37 min
  6. Episode 77: Candidate Rickey Spencer Shares His Motivation to Run for County Judge

    FEB 13

    Episode 77: Candidate Rickey Spencer Shares His Motivation to Run for County Judge

    Rickey Spencer, candidate for Cleveland County Judge, joins the final episode of the Meet the Candidate Series to talk about his campaign.

    22 min
  7. Episode 76: Judge Candidate McClellan Wants To Use Grant Experience To Improve County

    FEB 4

    Episode 76: Judge Candidate McClellan Wants To Use Grant Experience To Improve County

    Republican Stephen McClellan is running for Cleveland County Judge, leveraging his extensive background in emergency management. Having secured over $5 million in past grants for infrastructure and public safety, McClellan emphasizes aggressive grant acquisition to improve roads and broadband. He identifies population loss—dropping from roughly 8,900 to 7,300 residents—and a rising median age of 44 as critical long-term threats. To combat this, he proposes youth engagement programs and local economic incentives. His platform also includes increasing transparency via regular road reports, sourcing local gravel to cut costs, and maintaining the county’s $1.6 million investment fund for fiscal stability.

    28 min
  8. Episode 75: Jim Houston Talks 'Thinking Outside The Box' for County Judge Campaign

    JAN 23

    Episode 75: Jim Houston Talks 'Thinking Outside The Box' for County Judge Campaign

    Candidate Jim Houston sits down to talk about his campaign for Cleveland County Judge, and what he hopes to bring to the county if elected.

    45 min
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Free Range Conversations is just that! Conversations with no limitations from Cleveland County and the southern region of the state of Arkansas. Hosted by the Cleveland County Herald.

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