Free Range Conversations

Cleveland County Extension Agents

Cleveland County Extension Agents

County Extension Agents Highlight Local Services, Community Programs

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
RISON - In a recent episode of the "Free Range Conversation" podcast hosted by Britt Talent, Douglas Boultinghouse, and Roy Phillips, Cleveland County Extension agents Austin Compton and David West detailed the wide range of research-backed educational programs and services offered through the...
FUN AND FITNESS - Local healthcare provider Lauren Threlkeld (second from right) recently launched the Saturday Movement Club in Rison. The movement club serves as a way to prepare for the Fall into Fitness event that will be part of the Oct. 10 Rison in the Fall Festival.

FUN AND FITNESS - Local healthcare provider Lauren Threlkeld (second from right) recently launched the Saturday Movement Club in Rison. The movement club serves as a way to prepare for the Fall into Fitness event that will be part of the Oct. 10 Rison in the Fall Festival.

Threlkeld Creates Saturday Movement Club in Advance Of Absolute Health Opening

News Staff
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
RISON - For many living in small-town rural Arkansas, finding safe, approachable, and truly welcoming ways to stay physically active can sometimes feel like a steep hill to climb.
Photo Courtesy Rison EAST Lab

Photo Courtesy Rison EAST Lab

Mayor Roberts Turns Attention To LMI Survey To Secure Grants

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
RISON - The future of any small town rests on its infrastructure, but for rural communities in Arkansas like Rison, keeping the water flowing and the sewer lines clear is an uphill battle against time, inflation, and shifting government regulations.
The green truck now adorns the Rison emblem matching the water tower.

The green truck now adorns the Rison emblem matching the water tower.

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Firefighter Duo Makes 1,200-Mile Journey in Green Fire Truck

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
RISON - In a unique cross-country trek, two volunteer firefighters from Rison, Arkansas, recently embarked on an unusual 1,200-mile journey. Their mission? To drive a newly acquired, forest green fire truck all the way home from Maryland.
CRUISIN’ CLEVELAND COUNTY RIDE RETURNS - The fourth annual Cruisin’ Cleveland County Bike Ride will cruise through the county Saturday, June 6. Four of five routes will begin at the Pioneer Village in Rison, while the new expanded gravel route will begin at the Kingsland School.

CRUISIN’ CLEVELAND COUNTY RIDE RETURNS - The fourth annual Cruisin’ Cleveland County Bike Ride will cruise through the county Saturday, June 6. Four of five routes will begin at the Pioneer Village in Rison, while the new expanded gravel route will begin at the Kingsland School.

Cruisin’ Cleveland County Bike Ride Expands Routes, Activities

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
RISON — Cleveland County is gearing up for a weekend of high-energy recreation and southern hospitality as it hosts the fourth annual Cruisin’ Cleveland County Bike Ride on Saturday, June 6.
FIBER OPTIC EXPANSION - The orange line above represent where Rally Networks is extending its fiber optic network in Cleveland County. While customers will be able to connect to fiber optic internet service through the expansion, Cleveland County Telephone is also converting its land line telephone service from copper to fiber optic to provide a more reliable phone connection with better clarity.

FIBER OPTIC EXPANSION - The orange line above represent where Rally Networks is extending its fiber optic network in Cleveland County. While customers will be able to connect to fiber optic internet service through the expansion, Cleveland County Telephone is also converting its land line telephone service from copper to fiber optic to provide a more reliable phone connection with better clarity.

Local Land Lines Being Upgraded to Fiber

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
RISON - Rally Networks, the parent company of Cleveland County Telephone, has announced that it will be upgrading the service lines to all of its telephone customers from old copper lines to new fiber optic lines.
THE FIRST FIRST RESPONDER - Communications Coordinator for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department Erica Best is one of the first voices someone will hear in the moment of a crisis. Best shares her experiences over nearly 30 years as a dispatcher in the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast, streaming now.

THE FIRST FIRST RESPONDER - Communications Coordinator for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department Erica Best is one of the first voices someone will hear in the moment of a crisis. Best shares her experiences over nearly 30 years as a dispatcher in the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast, streaming now.

Voice in the Chaos: 911 Dispatchers Recognized as First Responders

News Staff
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
RISON - In a move that mirrors a growing national effort, the Cleveland County Quorum Court recently passed a resolution officially declaring 911 dispatchers as first responders.
Pioneer Crafts Festival 2026

Pioneer Crafts Festival 2026

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Pioneer Crafts Festival To Be Held Saturday

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
RISON - The Pioneer Crafts Festival is set for this weekend with the annual Beans & Greens Supper starting at 5 p.m. Friday, April 10, and the festival itself kicking off at 9 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free.