The latest was Friday, when paramedics gave plasma and red blood cells to an elderly man who suffered serious blood loss from a traumatic injury. EMS Director Micah Piker explains how the program is giving patients precious extra time to get the care they need.

Then we have a little fun with our Russellville Rapid Fire! 🌳🍟 Find out his favorite local spots, biggest traffic headache and which long-gone restaurant he'd bring back.

🎥 Listen to our full conversation and get to know your new Ward 2, Position 1 council member!

New businesses, a new walking trail, early voting numbers, and one big question: Where in the world is our fall rain?

There’s a lot happening around the River Valley, and we’re catching up on it all in today’s morning briefing!

Here’s what’s on the rundown:

A new walking trail for Dover: The city has been awarded $179,000 to build its first walking trail at City Park. We look at what’s planned and what it will mean for the community.

Business buzz around Russellville: Ulta Beauty has quietly opened its doors ahead of this weekend’s grand opening! We’re also talking about Chick-fil-A’s remodel, the latest on Braum’s, and other businesses making moves around town.

Early voting update: Voters are heading to the polls ahead of the November 3 general election. We’ll take a look at the latest early voting totals and how things are shaping up locally.

Where’s the rain? We’re well into October, but the River Valley is still waiting for some much-needed rainfall. We’ll check the forecast and see whether there’s any relief in sight.

Grab your coffee and spend a few minutes catching up on what’s happening right here at home!

River Valley Record is your independent, digital-first source for local news across Russellville, Pope County, Yell County, and the surrounding Arkansas River Valley.

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.

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

Arlon Turney, 28, of Atkins was arrested Wednesday afternoon after a pursuit lasting more than 30 minutes ended when his car crashed into a culvert on Griffin Flat Road. He then ran into a hay pasture before officers took him into custody.

Here's the kicker: Turney was already wanted on a felony fleeing charge from an August pursuit that started on the very same road and also ended with him running from officers. He escaped that time.

We've put together a breakdown of Wednesday's chase using police radio traffic, along with details of Turney's earlier case.

👇 Read the full story:

https://www.rivervalleyradio.com/atkins-man-wanted-in-earlier-fleeing-case-arrested-after-high-speed-pursuit-through-pope-conway-counties/

Pipes has taught more than 300 people this year, and she says one of the best parts has been watching classmates turn into friends. Mode is now offering beginner classes, open play, special events and more as Pipes grows the business beyond mahjong into a broader hobby space.

Witt explains the new camera-based technology being installed at some of Dardanelle’s busiest stoplights — and why the cameras are not Flock cameras or license plate readers.

He also discusses a new sidewalk project along Quay Street, work underway on the city’s water tower, and an upcoming ARDOT public meeting on the planned widening of Highway 7 from the Arkansas River bridge to the Highway 22 intersection.

The conversation also touches on Dardanelle High School’s recent “A” school rating and other positive developments around the community

Dardanelle Primary also made a jump from a C to a B, while district leaders say the focus is on spreading the same high expectations and strong instructional practices across every campus.

Misty Hale talks with Superintendent Dr. Jamie Burris about student growth, supporting English learners and what goes into maintaining an A year after year.

John Schneider had plenty of stories to tell ahead of his return to the River Valley — from growing up going to small-town fairs and meeting heroes like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty to The Dukes of Hazzard, his country music career and why General Lees tend to just show up wherever he goes.

And yes, he plans to find a corn dog while he’s here. 🌭

Schneider will meet fans from 1–4 p.m. Saturday at the Hughes Community Center before performing at the Pope County Fair at 8 p.m.

Campbell, a longtime River Valley musician and songwriter, says the show will mix original music with country favorites from the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s that helped shape him and the band.

He also talks with River Valley Radio about his songwriting roots, appearing on “Star Search,” life as a working musician and why the words behind a song still matter so much to him.

Danville took a 19-18 lead with 3:27 left Friday night, but the Wildcats answered fast. A big Hudson McAlister-to-Cayden Manrique pass set up McAlister’s go-ahead touchdown, and Easton Pruitt sealed the 24-19 win with an interception on Danville’s final possession.

💪 “These kids do not have an ounce of quit in them.”

Read the full game story, stats and hear from Coach Tyler Gilliland:

https://www.rivervalleyradio.com/hector-answers-late-holds-off-danville-24-19-to-stay-unbeaten/

That focus on confidence, persistence and problem-solving has helped earn DuVall recognition as one of 15 finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year award.

Listen to our conversation with DuVall.

Pope County Chief Deputy Shawn Harris says Tuesday afternoon’s jail disturbance involved about six inmates, but authorities believe only two or three were actively participating.

Harris said inmates flooded the cell block, damaged a surveillance camera and telephone, and claimed they had weapons. Everyone complied when officers entered, and a search found no weapons. No officers, jail employees or inmates were injured.

The incident was under control within about 20 minutes. Investigators will review surveillance video to determine who started the disturbance and who damaged county property. Charges could follow.

🎙️ Hear from Harris and read the updated story at the same link:

Pope County could soon be distributing new AEDs to Atkins, Dover, Hector, Pottsville and Russellville after receiving grant funding from Arvest Bank.

AEDs can be lifesaving during sudden cardiac emergencies — and having updated equipment nearby can make a huge difference when seconds count.

Capt. Rowdy Sweet told county officials the jail is seeing more inmates dealing with mental-health concerns, addiction and withdrawal — and officers are often the ones left trying to manage situations they aren’t licensed to handle.

The county is now looking at expanded mental-health services for inmates, with officials saying it could help both inmate care and county liability.

The bins are in place at 1801 S. Knoxville Ave., but city officials say they’re still waiting on a few final pieces for the gate before the site can officially open.

Once it’s ready, the city plans to roll out an education campaign showing what can — and can’t — go in the recycling bins. Glass recycling will also be available year-round.

A proposed incentive tied to a future Texas Roadhouse project in Russellville is headed back to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval.

The $58,810 agreement would reimburse Russellville TR LLC for eligible site-development costs. Supporters say the city could recover that amount in less than a year through new sales-tax revenue, while critics have questioned whether economic-development money should be used for a restaurant project.

The full council is expected to take up the issue next week.

Mayor Fred Teague emphasized there is no current data center project before the city. Council members say the proposal is about setting “guardrails” now, before any company comes forward.

City leaders also talked about traffic headaches downtown, especially around Commerce and Main, while Parkway remains closed. Public Works says they’re still adjusting the signal timing and working through the detour issues.

The city is asking about moving road-closed signs closer to the actual work area to help access for nearby businesses like Stoby’s and Jean’s Simple Treats.

Mayor Fred Teague said he hopes the developers bring the item back in July, when the two members absent Thursday would be in attendance.

But the developer says it is up against a property-closing deadline.

Read what happened at Thursday’s meeting: https://www.rivervalleyradio.com/texas-roadhouse.../

For new and expecting moms, postpartum depression and anxiety can make hard moments feel permanent. They are not.

We spoke with Christy Renfroe of ChoiceCare about free local support for River Valley families — and about the Safe Haven Baby Box at Russellville Fire Station No. 3, a private emergency option meant to protect newborns when a parent feels out of options.

“If you win, you fill just the last part of the year, and I think that that would be a disservice to Bill.”

Phillips said Teeter worked hard in the race and that she wants him to have the opportunity to begin learning the job during the interim period.

“At the end of the day, if he does good, we all do good,” Phillips said. “It is best overall for District 44 if I just let him have this and get him in there and prepared.”

We are awaiting a response from the Arkansas Secretary of State's Office on whether that means the runoff will be cancelled or continue forward regardless.

City leaders will consider an agreement Thursday that would split future operating costs for the facility, along with a grant tied to recycling signs and educational materials.

Also on the agenda: a Texas Roadhouse development agreement, drainage projects, parks purchases and tennis court resurfacing.

Finance Committee meets at 5:30 p.m., followed by City Council at 6 p.m.

Misty Hale talks with Yanci Walker, a pharmacist at C&D Drug Store who has helped organize and build consensus around the issue.

Mooney explains who qualifies, how the pickup sites work, why families need to register in advance, what kinds of meals children will receive and why parents should not feel guilty about using the program if it helps their household. The conversation also covers mobile meal sites, food allergies, keeping meals safe in the Arkansas heat and the broader need for summer food support across the River Valley.

On this episode of the River Valley Breakfast Show, Grant Merrill talks with Wilbers about why the Russellville job caught his attention after retirement, the memories his family has tied to Russellville High School, and what excites him about building the girls basketball program from junior high through the high school level.

Wilbers also talks about working with Russellville High School Principal Ben Goodman, the potential he sees in the current players, and the importance of developing young athletes early.

🏀 Why Wilbers decided to return to coaching

🌪️ What drew him to the Russellville Lady Cyclones

📚 Building a program from junior high up

💪 What he sees in the current players

🎙️ A conversation with one of the River Valley’s most accomplished coaches

Subscribe to River Valley Radio for more local interviews, sports, news and community conversations from across the River Valley.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding a public workshop today on its proposed Lake Dardanelle Shoreline Management Plan update.

This is the rulebook for things like private docks, shoreline paths, vegetation clearing and protected areas around the lake.

The meeting is come-and-go from 4 to 7 p.m. at the USACE Russellville Site Office, 1598 Lock and Dam Road in Russellville.

Are you planning to attend? We’d love to hear what questions or concerns people have about the proposed changes.

Learn more here: https://www.rivervalleyradio.com/corps-seeks-public.../See less

Gray said he was contacted about the issue around 4 a.m. Sunday. He got on his side-by-side and began driving around town looking for the source of the leak while also getting city staff involved.

By about 7 a.m., Gray said he had returned to City Hall and was receiving a growing number of calls from residents.

“I was a little nervous and kind of scared,” Gray said.

The mayor said he began posting video updates online to keep residents informed while crews worked to identify the problem.

Gray said the leak was found in a six-inch main. According to Gray, when the infrastructure was installed, the line had been placed next to concrete fragments that appeared to be from an old foundation or sidewalk. Over time, the concrete damaged the line and eventually knocked a large hole in the main.

Residents at higher elevations were the first to lose pressure, Gray said. The city’s water tank was also depleting as Atkins, which provides water to Pottsville, worked to keep water flowing into the system.

Gray said the city’s public works director arrived around 9 a.m., and the leak was located by about 9:30 a.m. Repairs were completed by about 6 p.m. Sunday.

A precautionary boil order was issued for the schools, Gray said, and is expected to be lifted.

Gray said the incident showed the importance of communication between city officials, employees and residents.

“We’re just trying to be transparent and open,” Gray said. “It takes a community. My staff and I can’t do it alone. We have to do it together as a community.”

Gray also praised city employees who worked through the day Sunday to find and repair the leak.

“We have some really, really fine people that really care about what we’re doing,” Gray said.

Gray said he later took several city workers out to eat after the repair was finished.

Tribble was recently appointed to Position 1 on the Dardanelle School Board after the seat became vacant because of a resignation. She had already run for the position earlier this year, receiving 49.7% of the vote in a three-candidate race.

Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the race will go to a runoff in November.

Tribble has called Dardanelle home for the past 12 years. She is a wife, mother of three children in the Dardanelle School District and a higher education professor.

She said education has been at the center of both her professional life and her personal life. Her background includes work in student success, leadership development and educational program development at Arkansas Tech University.

Tribble is also active in local community service. She is the founder and president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Dardanelle Primary School and serves on the board for the River Valley Adult Learning Alliance and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

But it is wrapped inside a much larger story.

A husband found dead in a Harmony home.

A death certificate that calls it a homicide.

A mother-in-law later found unconscious beside an alleged confession note.

A house fire eight months later.

And now, a Johnson County jury has answered one question in that tangled story.

LaRenda Lee Vick was convicted in May 2026 of theft of property valued at more than $25,000 after prosecutors said she defrauded State Farm by claiming personal property was destroyed in a fire, even though witnesses said many of those items had already been moved out of the home.

The home burned on Sept. 19, 2023, in the Harmony community near Clarksville. It was the same home where Vick’s husband, William Vick, had been found dead months earlier.

Vick was sentenced to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. Prosecutor Jeff Phillips said the State made a point to try Vick only on the charge it believed it could prove, and not on the other suspicions surrounding the case.

William Vick’s family told River Valley Radio the verdict felt like a step in the right direction, but not the end of the story.

You can listen to full story hear or read the full story, including the background on the homicide investigation, the property disputes and the State Farm case, now at rivervalleyradio.com.