Free Range Conversations

Coley McCabe and Thom Shepherd

Coley McCabe and Thom Shepherd

Beach Country Duo Bringing Hits, Fun Times To ‘Rison in the Fall’

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
RISON - Thom Sheppard and Coley McCabe, the dynamic duo known as Thom and Coley, are gearing up for a performance at 35th annual Rison in the Fall Festival.The couple will be bringing their unique blend of country, folk, and 'Beach Country' music to the stage, Saturday, Oct. 18.
(Herald File Photo)

(Herald File Photo)

Rison Shine, Mayor Initiating Clean Up of Unkempt Properties in Downtown

News Staff
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
RISON - At the third meeting as part of a series of communityfocused efforts, Rison Shine has set two dates to clean up properties along the main routes of Rison with hopes to make them more attractive to visitors.Clean-up dates have been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 4.
BEST OF SHOW AT THE FAIR IS A POSSIBILITY - Vickie Padgett poses with her cross stitch art which won her a Best of Show ribbon at the Cleveland County Fair in 2024. Fair President Roy Phillips and Fair Manager John Appleget explain the entry process, judging system and how points equate to ribbons and monetary prizes in this week's episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast. This year's fair is set for Sept. 16-20.

BEST OF SHOW AT THE FAIR IS A POSSIBILITY - Vickie Padgett poses with her cross stitch art which won her a Best of Show ribbon at the Cleveland County Fair in 2024. Fair President Roy Phillips and Fair Manager John Appleget explain the entry process, judging system and how points equate to ribbons and monetary prizes in this week's episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast. This year's fair is set for Sept. 16-20.

County Fair Hoping for Another Increase in Entries; Explains Prize Payouts

News Staff
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
RISON - With the annual Cleveland County Fair kicking off next month, Fair President Roy Phillips and Fair Manager John Appleget joined the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast.
MIDNIGHT SOUTH ON MUSIC & BBQ - Arkansas-based country band Midnight South will perform at the Rison BBQ Cook-Off Saturday, Sept. 6. Pictured are members J.L. Jones, Matt Sammons, Billy Lowe and Darin Davis. Jones and Sammons joined a call for the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast to talk about the event, their history, and barbecue favorites. (Photo Courtesy of Midnight South)

MIDNIGHT SOUTH ON MUSIC & BBQ - Arkansas-based country band Midnight South will perform at the Rison BBQ Cook-Off Saturday, Sept. 6. Pictured are members J.L. Jones, Matt Sammons, Billy Lowe and Darin Davis. Jones and Sammons joined a call for the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast to talk about the event, their history, and barbecue favorites. (Photo Courtesy of Midnight South)

BBQ Cook-Off Revival, Concert Gaining Interest Across State

News Staff
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
RISON - Rison Shine Community Development will kick off the fall season and fair month with the Rison BBQ Cook-Off Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.
HAUNTED COURTROOM - Paranormal Investigator Larry Flaxman recently explored the 114-year-old Cleveland County Courthouse in an paranormal investigation. He details his findings in the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast. Flaxman said he experienced a first in his 30-plus year career, where a ghost box device recorded distinct footsteps inside the courtroom. Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings and Clerk Brandy Herring participated in the podcast episode.

HAUNTED COURTROOM - Paranormal Investigator Larry Flaxman recently explored the 114-year-old Cleveland County Courthouse in an paranormal investigation. He details his findings in the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast. Flaxman said he experienced a first in his 30-plus year career, where a ghost box device recorded distinct footsteps inside the courtroom. Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings and Clerk Brandy Herring participated in the podcast episode.

Paranormal Investigator Flaxman Declares Courthouse 'Haunted'

News Staff
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
RISON - Is the Cleveland County Courthouse at Rison haunted? Paranormal investigator Larry Flaxman thinks it is.