River Valley Record

Misty Hale

River Valley Record covers the people, stories and issues shaping Arkansas’ River Valley. From local news and government to schools, sports, business, public safety and community events, we bring listeners clear, conversational coverage rooted in the towns we serve. Stay connected to what’s happening across Pope, Yell, Johnson and surrounding counties with River Valley Record.

  1. Oct 21

    ☀️ Morning Briefing — Wednesday, October 21, 2026

    A life sentence in a Johnson County murder trial, big academic gains for Russellville schools, a little school board controversy, and an opportunity for Arkansas Tech students to give back. We’ve got a lot to catch up on this Wednesday morning! Here’s what’s in today’s briefing: Coal Hill murder trial: A Johnson County jury found 26-year-old Colton Contant guilty of first-degree murder in the Veterans Day 2025 shooting death of Kenneth Michaels at Coal Hill City Park. Contant received a life sentence plus 15 years for a firearm enhancement. We take a closer look at the testimony, the verdict, and what happened in the courtroom. Russellville School Board: The district is celebrating significant academic improvements and recognizing seven National Merit Scholars — its largest group since 1993. Plus, the board approved a resolution involving business dealings with companies owned by board member Luke Duffield. Arkansas Tech gives back: ATU is looking for community projects for its November 14 Green and Gold Give Back. Find out how residents and organizations can get free help with outdoor projects. Dover City Council: Some exciting news came out of Tuesday night’s meeting. We’ve got a preview, with more coverage coming from River Valley Record. Deer season is here! Arkansas’s alternative firearms deer season is underway, and muzzleloading season looks a little different these days. We talk about what’s changed and the hunting opportunities ahead. Wednesday’s weather: A chilly start around 47 degrees, warming all the way to 80. Just another Arkansas fall day! Local news, from someone who’s actually there. River Valley Record is an independent, digital-first news platform covering Russellville, Pope County, Yell County, and the surrounding Arkansas River Valley. We’re bringing you local government, courts, breaking news, schools, and community stories that matter.

  2. Oct 20

    Oct. 20 Morning Briefing | Hector Fire, Murder Trial, Early Voting & Highway 7 Plans

    ☀️ Good morning, River Valley! It's Tuesday, October 20, and here's what's happening around our communities. In today's River Valley Record Morning Briefing, we're catching you up on local news, a major court case, an upcoming highway project, and the weather. 🚒 Hector house fire: A home on Pine Street was destroyed Monday afternoon as several rural fire departments worked to contain the blaze. 🗳️ Early voting is underway: Voting began Monday in Pope County. We've got information on when and where you can cast your ballot. ⚖️ Colton Contant murder trial: We recap Monday's testimony in the Johnson County murder trial and what's ahead as proceedings continue Tuesday. 🚧 Highway 7 widening: ARDOT is holding a public meeting in Dardanelle today to share plans for widening Highway 7 and hear from residents. 🌤️ Weather: A look at what to expect across the River Valley today. 📰 Read more and follow our continuing coverage: Colton Contant trial: https://rivervalleyrecord.com/colton-contant-trial-coal-hill-murder-case/ Pope County early voting: https://rivervalleyrecord.com/early-voting-pope-county-2026/ More local news: https://rivervalleyrecord.com River Valley Record is your independent, digital-first source for local news, breaking stories, government coverage, public safety, and the stories that matter to our communities. 👍 Like this video, subscribe to our channel, and follow River Valley Record on Facebook to stay connected. #RiverValleyRecord #RiverValleyNews #RussellvilleAR #PopeCounty #JohnsonCounty #ArkansasNews

About

River Valley Record covers the people, stories and issues shaping Arkansas’ River Valley. From local news and government to schools, sports, business, public safety and community events, we bring listeners clear, conversational coverage rooted in the towns we serve. Stay connected to what’s happening across Pope, Yell, Johnson and surrounding counties with River Valley Record.