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 86 - Upgrading Phone and Internet Lines, Expanding Fiber Across Cleveland County

    2 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    Episode 86 - Upgrading Phone and Internet Lines, Expanding Fiber Across Cleveland County

    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.

    26 phút
  2. Episode 85 - The Voice in Chaos: Recognizing 911 Dispatchers as First Responders

    21 THG 4

    Episode 85 - The Voice in Chaos: Recognizing 911 Dispatchers as First Responders

    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."

    47 phút
  3. Episode 84: Estate Planning is the Gift of Peace, with Attorney Elaine Kneebone

    14 THG 4

    Episode 84: Estate Planning is the Gift of Peace, with Attorney Elaine Kneebone

    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.

    22 phút
  4. Episode 83: The Pioneer Crafts Festival Returns This Weekend

    7 THG 4

    Episode 83: The Pioneer Crafts Festival Returns This Weekend

    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!

    29 phút
  5. Episode 82: Cleveland County's $5.6 Million Investment Fund Explained

    1 THG 4

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

    25 THG 3

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

    18 THG 3

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

    27 THG 2

    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 phút
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Giới Thiệu

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.

Thông Tin

  • Nhà sáng tạo
    Cleveland County Herald
  • Năm hoạt động
    2024 - 2026
  • Tập
    86
  • Xếp hạng
    Sạch
  • Trang web chương trình
    Free Range Conversations