Lone Star Deep Dive

Tonya Kleuskens

5.0 (1)
POLITICS

Welcome to Lone Star Deep Dive! We believe that when we take the time to talk to one another, we often find connections that lead to a better understanding of our communities, our state, our nation -- and ourselves. Join us on a journey to explore the intersection of passion, personality and public policy.

MAY 10

Episode 36: Floyd Hartman

In Episode 36, Tonya talks with Floyd Hartman about his life in the Texas Panhandle, including his service to the City of Amarillo and his recent post at The RANGE. He serves as the Principal Investigator for Water Stewardship with The RANGE, "an industry-led innovation in research and development, forging strategic industry and education partnerships, prioritizing workforce development, and ensuring a healthy, secure, and dependable supply of food, fiber, and fuel." Floyd Hartman is a third‑generation, lifelong resident of Randall County. He grew up with a strong farming background that shaped his work ethic and commitment to community. For more than three decades, he has built a career in municipal water supply and public service, including over 25 years in executive leadership roles and service as Interim City Manager for a city of more than 200,000 residents. His work has focused on infrastructure, water resource management, and collaborative governance, along with long-standing involvement in regional and state water planning efforts. Community service has always been central to his life, from church and youth sports to broader civic engagement. Floyd has been married to his wife Terrie for 42 years, and they are proud of their three children and eight grandchildren. He holds a Masters of Public Administration-Government Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education/Business Administration; these degrees, as well as his extended career in public service, is what qualified him highly to work at The RANGE. His service to the community comes from a career of dedication and includes the following: Board Member, Panhandle Water Planning Group (Region A) · 2015–2025 Chairman, Region 1 Upper Red River/Canadian Flood Planning Group · 2020–2023 Member, Panhandle Legislative Advisory Committee on Water Resources · 2025–Present Member, American Water Works Association – Texas Section Member, Texas Water Utilities Association · Since 1995 Retired Volunteer Firefighter, City of Canyon · 1994–2003 DIVE DEEPER! THE RANGE Amarillo Water Utilities Texas A & M University: The Future of Produced Water Recycling Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District Region 1, Canadian-Upper Red Flood Planning Region

33 min
MAY 3

Episode 35: Laurie Higgins-Kerley

In Episode 35, Tonya invited Laurie Higgins-Kerley onto the podcast to explore how her nonprofits, Dove Creek Equine Rescue and Led by Horses, have become a place where horses and humans heal together — and how anyone experiencing difficulty can find comfort and resilience in equine therapy. Laurie Higgins-Kerley is the Founder and Executive Director of Dove Creek Equine Rescue (DCER), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she established in 2012 in Canyon, Texas. Inspired by her own profound healing with horses following the loss of her husband in 2008, Laurie built DCER into a thriving rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to giving horses - who have experienced abuse, neglect, or surrender - a second chance at life. Under her leadership, Dove Creek has grown into a place where horses and humans heal together, each animal’s journey back to health mirroring the resilience and renewal she witnesses every day in the people who come alongside them. In 2017, Laurie earned her Equine-Assisted Coaching certification through the Academy of Coaching with Horses and founded Led By Horses, an equine-assisted coaching program at Dove Creek Equine Rescue. She has since received another certification from the EAL Academy in 2022 focusing on team building and is currently in the Equus Academy certification program with Kelly Wendorf. Drawing on horses’ extraordinary capacity to reflect human emotion and behavior with complete honesty and without judgment, Led By Horses creates transformative experiences for women veterans, first responders, grief groups, and corporate teams. Participants consistently describe breakthroughs in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and authentic leadership - discovering, through relationship with a horse, who they are when the noise of the world falls away. Laurie brings over two decades of experience as a retreat facilitator, holistic healing practitioner, and certified yoga teacher to everything she does. Her work is grounded in earth-based and indigenous wisdom traditions, and she holds a deep belief that healing is not a destination but a living, unfolding relationship, with ourselves, with the natural world, and with the horses who so generously show us the way. She makes her home in Canyon, Texas, with her husband Greg and their dogs and cat- where the high plains sky and the herd at Dove Creek remain her greatest teachers: "Our Vision is to heal the heart of humanity through authentic partnership with horses.” DIVE DEEPER! Dove Creek Equine Rescue

59 min
MAY 1

Is Nuclear Right for Texas

In Episode 34, Tonya joins the League of Women Voters of Dallas for their webinar, "Is Nuclear Right for Texas?," which took place in March 2026. This online event featured two professionals from the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS): Diane D’Arrigo and Tim Judson. They share their research and concerns about leaning on nuclear power as an environmental choice for Texas’ growing power needs. Diane D’Arrigo, Radioactive Waste Project Director, NIRS: Diane's main area of expertise is radioactive waste and radiation issues. In addition, she has considerable international experience. Diane has closely followed so-called “low-level” nuclear waste issues for decades, as well as national and international moves to deregulate nuclear waste that would allow it to be made into everyday household items and be dumped as regular trash. She has been with NIRS since 1986 and has a degree in chemistry and environmental studies and work experience in analytical chemistry and biological research. Tim Judson, Executive Director, NIRS: Tim joined NIRS in September of 2013 as the Associate Director, and he has served as Executive Director since 2014. Tim leads the organization's work on nuclear reactor and climate change issues, and he has written a series of reports on nuclear bailouts and sustainable energy. Tim also serves as chair of the Board of Citizens Awareness Network, one of the lead organizations in the successful campaign to close the Vermont Yankee reactor. He's also co-founder of the Alliance for a Green Economy. DIVE DEEPER! Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS) League of Women Voters Dallas

1h 2m
APR 4

Episode 33: Claudia Stravato

In Episode 33, Tonya talks with Claudia Stravato about the Amarillo League of Women Voters study of Maternal Mortality & Morbidity and recent actions that have addressed concerns related to this issue. On February 2nd, The Amarillo Tribune reported on the 2024 Texas Health and Human Services report, quoting Dr. Teresa Baker, Regional Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at TTUHSC: "...in the local service area, 30% of pregnant people suffer from preeclampsia, and as high as 20% suffer from gestational diabetes; locally, seizure disorders and chronic hypertension have higher rates in our area than the rest of the state; overall, 5% to 20% of expectant mothers in our area experience one or more of these factors." Because of these high rates in the area, bringing awareness has become a priority! Claudia Stravato is currently a Political Science Adjunct Instructor of State & Local Government at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, and a former full-time faculty Political Science Instructor of State & Local Government. She earned her Master of Science in Government & Economics, and Bachelor of Science in Government & Economics from West Texas State University. Claudia did her post-grad work in Higher Education at Texas Tech University. In her earlier career, Claudia worked for Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (Texas Senate). She was also Chief of Staff for Bob Bullock’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor and Campaign Director for State Comptroller of Public Accounts, including having served as Regional Field Manager in the Texas Panhandle. Claudia’s full list of achievements and honors is extensive and extraordinary, and we were honored to speak with this 50+ year League member and local community advocate. DIVE DEEPER! Amarillo Tribune coverage: Local efforts to combat maternal depression, mortality and morbidity. Amarillo Public Health / Women’s Health Clinic: The clinic is dedicated to supporting women’s health through confidential and compassionate care by offering a wide range of services — from cervical cancer screenings and contraception guidance to Medicaid navigation and resources for pregnancy support. The clinic offers services tailored to meet the needs of women in Potter and Randall counties. The Women’s Clinic can connect individuals with many different types of resources. Staff will walk you through a personalized assessment to understand your unique needs and circumstances. From there, the clinic can connect you with the most appropriate in-house services and/or trusted community partners, ensuring you receive the guidance, care, and resources needed. ~ Located at 850 Martin Road (off Amarillo Blvd.), Amarillo, TX, 79107. Ph: 806-378-6329

37 min
MAR 22

Episode 32: League 101

In Episode 32 we offer a replay of League 101, the monthly public presentation, given by the Amarillo League of Women Voters, February 28, 2026. Kimberly Anderson, current president moderates this informative discussion among 4 Amarillo LWV past presidents. The Co-Presidents before Kimberly are Jenny Inzerillo and Michelle Hoggatt. Preceding Jenny and Michelle is Sonya Letson and preceding Sonya is Claudia Stravato.

55 min
MAR 7

Episode 31: Bryan Hummel

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1h 17m
FEB 22

Episode 30: Julie Grimes

In Episode 30, Tonya talks with Julie Grimes, General Manager of Panhandle PBS. Julie tells us about the changes to PBS as a result of the federal funding recission that took place in 2025. They also discuss Panhandle leadership among Texas PBS affiliates and how public television stations are working to protect the unique, quality programing that viewers have enjoyed for more than five decades. Julie Grimes is a Texas-native, public media leader, and former food journalist who currently serves as general manager of Panhandle PBS, where she champions locally-produced storytelling that amplifies the voices and issues of the Texas Panhandle. Before joining Panhandle PBS, she built a national reputation as senior food editor for Southern Living and Cooking Light—work that continues to inform her community-focused projects. Grimes is a frequent voice in statewide conversations about the future of public broadcasting in Texas, advocating for collaboration among stations and sustainable models to keep trusted local journalism and educational content strong.

44 min
FEB 7

Episode 29: Sheri Friemel

In episode 29 Tonya talks with Sheri Friemel about grief and resources. Tonya and Sheri go deep sharing about their loss of adult children and how they are personally changed from that moment forward, and Sheri shares about her position as Program Manager for the Amarillo LOSS team. Adopted to the Texas Panhandle, a Small Town Farm Girl and mother of three sons, Sheri Friemel graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also has Certifications in Youth Ministry, Theology, Healing and Recovery for Sexual Abuse Survivors, Discovering Spiritual Gifts and Equine Assisted Learning. After teaching and an extensive career in Youth Ministry and Pastoral Leadership and Management, she is now the Program Manager for the Amarillo Area LOSS Team with the City of Amarillo Public Health as well as an Equine Assisted Learning Coach at Dove Creek Equine Rescue. She specializes in Grief, Leadership and Crisis Response. She is honored to come along side others, as they heal, discern and discover a more purposed filled soulful journey.

51 min

Welcome to Lone Star Deep Dive! We believe that when we take the time to talk to one another, we often find connections that lead to a better understanding of our communities, our state, our nation -- and ourselves. Join us on a journey to explore the intersection of passion, personality and public policy.

Creator

Tonya Kleuskens
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

40
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© League of Women Voters of Amarillo
Show Website

Lone Star Deep Dive