"The Spotlight" provides conversations with community leaders about the Arkansas River Valley area, current events, and helpful tips when buying or selling your home.
Musician, Tik Tok famous, husband, father, ATU extraordinaire. All of these are adjectives that accurately describe Ryan Taylor. Hear his story of frowing up a pastor's son to having one of his songs played on The Edge! It's a great story today on The Spotlight!
Clarksville, Arkansas has a LOT going on right now, and the people here to talk about are ones who help make it all happen. Jessica Gunn and Matt Bewley sit down for part two of their interview on The Spotlight.
Clarksville, Arkansas has a LOT going on right now, and the people here to talk about are ones who help make it all happen. Jessica Gunn and Matt Bewley sit down for part one of their interview on The Spotlight.
Strikers' Bowling Alley owner Holten Lee spared some of his precious time to talk about the renovations at the bowling alley, plus, an interesting science behind bowling balls. Trust me, you're going to want to hear this!
Born in 1924, Jock Davis has seen a little bit of everything. After surviving the Depression and serving in World War II, Mr. Davis did what so many of his generation did: helped rebuild the country. His book, "Brothers Four," documents the harrowing story of the four Davis brothers' service to their country. Fellow veteran Len Cotton is dedicated to telling Mr. Davis's story, and honoring the heroes who shaped our country. Hear their story today on The Spotlight.
Arkansas Tech University Director of Athletic Communications Daniel Gallegos discusses his role in shaping the image of Arkansas Tech athletics.
Mike Stringer stops by The Spotlight to discuss the auto industry, coming up in Russellville and more!
Bethany Bratton of the CASA Fifth Judicial District returns to The Spotlight to discuss advocacy for foster children.
Mental health is an increasingly important topic and Meagan Beerman joins The Spotlight to discuss it.
Daniel and Korri Freeman decided to go all-in on their dreams of art. Now, their downtown business is central to the area's success, thanks to their belief in themselves and each other. Hear their story today on The Spotlight.
Nathan George is a downtown Russellville mainstay with Joshua's Fine Jewelry. On top of being a bedrock of downtown, he also was a rock star and former state representative candidate. Listen to his fascinating conversation today on The Spotlight.
Caitlin Pyle has learned her voice as an artist. After years of hardship and finding herself, Pyle discusses her forthcoming album ad overcoming adversity today on The Spotlight.
2022 Arkansas Country Music Association nominee Ryan Harmon stops by to discuss. the country music scene locally and the influence of Arkansas Tech and the late professor Anthony Caton.
Some Guy Named Robb has many musical identities, and on this episode he discusses the adventures of Indie Boy.
The director of tourism for the city of Russellville stops by to discuss the big happenings in the river valley for 2022.
Main Street Russellville' Danielle Housenick lays out her plans for 2022, and tells us about some very exciting show announcements!
River Valley Food 4 Kids Executive Director Josh Dunbar stops by to lay out a challenge to Danielle Housenick and talk about 2022.
Associate pastor at Journey Church and active community advocate Jeff Piker is once again trying to revolutionize the community, as the 100 Families initiative comes to Russellville. Hear about it today on The Spotlight.
Dr. Mark Gotcher has spent his life educating students and serving others. He believes he's been called to the river valley, and as the new superintendent of Dardanelle Schools, he gets to remain in his called area. Hear his incredible story today on The Spotlight.
Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones returns to The Spotlight to discuss the need for a new detention center in Pope County.
Nolan Edwards has seen it all in the river valley. From starting About Magazine or serving for Main Street Russellville, Edwards is a river valley staple. Hear his conversation with Brent Preddy and Brad Niemann today on The Spotlight.
Brent Preddy has been in real estate for fifteen years, and he's never really done it the way everyone else did. That sort of maverick attitude has helped him build a unique business powerhouse. Hear how he did it today on The Spotlight.
Mayor Richard Harris has seen a tumultuous four years in office, dealing with the unprecedented situations caused by the huge floods, the controversial casino issue and the COVID-19 pandemic. As he announces he will not seek a second term, hear what he believes the next mayor needs to be successful and how he plans to accomplish things now without added political pressure.
Kylie Birge from the Department of Children and Family Services and Eddie Shaffer from Home Church in Dardanelle discuss the two entities unique partnership while trying to make a difference in children's lives.
Growing up in a realtor's home is no easy task, and Abby Niemann is no stranger to that. Living in the home of the best agent in Russellville had its perks, but had its drawbacks as well. Hear her story today on The Spotlight.
Jeremy Haymes spent his life doing two things well: cooking and prison ministry. His story is a fascinating one, from spending his 18th birthday in prison doing ministry work, to the opening of his wildly popular Gunslingin Burger restaurant, Jeremy has see a little of everything.
If you've ever been to a car show in the area, chances are Kevin Suter helped with it. His community service is unmatched, as is his affinity for cool cars. His story is a fascinating one, and that's today on The Spotlight.
Tom Kamerling's voice is one of the most iconic in the river valley. From Taco Tuesday to the legendary morning show with Johnny Story, or his calls from the play-by play booth or public address, Kamerling has made himself an icon in Russellville. His fascinating story can be heard today on The Spotlight.
Local jewelry designer Abbi Balch is recognized as one of the best in the entire business. Her start in the business came as a surprise, and her success was astounding. On top of being a minister and a mom, Abbi has found her place in the community. Hear her story today on The Spotlight.
Dr. Chris Housenick is a respected professor of political science at Arkansas Tech University. His love of chili and Dungeons and Dragons are not his only unique traits however. He is also the "First Gentleman" of Main Street Russellville. Hear his story today on The Spotlight.
Matt Ketchum had a germ of an idea. "I want to create an interview show where we highlight non-profits but play video games." The idea is now in its fourth season, has featured everyone from aldermen to American Idols. His story is a fascinating one, and you can hear it here on The Spotlight.
Kelly Davis is a fixture of Arkansas Tech University. The long-time color commentator for the Arkansas Tech Wonderboys and former Alumni director shares his thoughts on life, grandchildren and ATU today on The Spotlight.
On The Spotlight today, Raul Torres, executive director of the Main Street Mission discusses the holiday plans for the mission, as well as his plan for 2022. That's today on The Spotlight.
One evening, Caitlin and Brooke Pyle decided to do a "dumb little TikTok dance." When they woke up the next morning, it had been seen over 1 million times. Since then, the girls have amassed over 40 million views and counting. Hear their story of becoming "TikTok famous" today on The Spotlight.
On a special Veteran's Day edition of The Spotlight, Sergeant First Class John T. Reinold discusses the difficulties of adapting to life post-war, what he saw, and how you can help.
Russellville native Jeff Allen wasn't looking at a career in radio, but it just kind of happened. Since that time, he has seen some of the biggest names, traveled to Sturgis, and claimed the number one spot in radio in Arkansas. Hear this and how he was a small part in one of the biggest moments in radio history today on The Spotlight.
Sharpe Dunaway has seen it all in radio. From working on the infamous Magic 105, to having a station bear his name right here in the river valley, Dunaway made his way through life through wacky shenanigans and top professionalism. Hear his story today on The Spotlight.
Steve Pyle is used to doing things in an unconventional way. His church, Journey Church, has broken the mold again with a completely unorthodox model bent on serving the community. Hear about it today on The Spotlight.
MMA enthusiast and instructor, history teacher, guitar player and video editing connoisseur Brian Wilson is a man of many talents and interests. Today, he shares with Drew a little about music, MMA, life and more.
HELP Network Executive Director Sarah Burgener and local car enthusiast Kevin 'Kevo' Suter join the show today to talk about their respective efforts to help the community.
Between the 1930's and the 1970's, the Latimore House in Russellville was listed in "The Green Book," a place where traveling African-American families could find safe haven. Now a group of people in the area are trying to preserve the history. Hear about their efforts today on The Spotlight.
Sam Strasner is quintessentially Arkansas Tech. As voice of the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns, he's seen it all since 2002. Today he shares his story of Arkansas Tech and raising a family on The Spotlight.
Cass Housely is a legend on ATU's campus. As an instructor, or even holding down the presidential suite at Buerkle field, Cass Housely's wild influence can be felt throughout the campus. Hear her story today on The Spotlight.
Leading up to the "Sam Allnight" Music Festival, Sam Allbright and friends stop by to discuss their new album.
Tarshawn Whitehead makes a difference everyday as the unit director of the Dardanelle Boys and Girls Club. Hear him discuss his calling at the Boys and Girls Club today on The Spotlight. Plus, LA Rams Hall of Famer Eddie Meador!
River valley natives and Nashville superstars Nik and Sam have made it big in Music City, but they didn't forget where they came from. Today they talk about their beginnings in Russellville, plus a special live performance!
Credit: Music by Nik and Sam "Black Dirt Tennessee"
River Valley natives Nik and Sam stopped by "The Spotlight" to discuss moving from the river valley to Nashville. Plus a special performance!
State Senator Breanne Davis stops by The Spotlight to discuss the work life balance of being a politician and a mom.
Imagine being responsible for the entire brand of a university. Carrie Phillips has that responsibility, and the know-how to do it. As a Russellville native, she understands the need to message correctly but also the culture of the community. She discusses that and her upbringing today on The Spotlight.
United Way representatives Rashad Woods and Nikki Stone discuss "Havana Nights" and more on "The Spotlight."
Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones discusses his law enforcement career, early life and the rock star life he almost pursued.
Chris George joins The Spotlight to discuss Food on the Mount while Danielle Housenick discusses Main Street Russellville.
From battling personal problems to the pandemic, Coach Mark Downey's return to Arkansas Tech began rough. Hear how he turned his life around and found greater purpose today on The Spotlight.
Zac George has traveled around the world as a professional singer. His Yell County roots never traveled too far behind him. Hear his incredible story plus how his life has changed that time in today's edition of The Spotlight.
Pete Kelly has a long line of influence from a thirty year career at ATU. Hear his story about education, coaching and humble beginnings on this edition of The Spotlight.
A river valley radio legend, Randy Hendrix has seen it all. Hear his remarkable story today on The Spotlight.
Robb McCormick is a man of all trades; musician, skateboarder, husband and father. Today on The Spotlight, Drew discusses Robb's early days, how he found out he wanted to do music full-time, his love for God, and some fun stories along the way!
2020 Russellville Citizen of the Year Jimmy Streett stops by The Spotlight to discuss matters of downtown, community involvement and positive things moving forward for Russellville.
Yell County Arkansas native Evan Barnes has found tremendous success on the Major League Fishing circuit. He discusses his success with passion for his pastorate on this episode of The Spotlight.
A 100-year flood and COVID-19 were just two of the major challenges that faced Dardanelle mayor Jimmy Witt faced in his first two years. Now into the middle of first term, Mayor Witt is optimistic about the future.
Russellville, Arkansas Mayor Richard Harris joins Drew on The Spotlight to discuss economic development plans for Russellville and some big things coming to the city.
The Voice of Arkansas Tech University for nearly twenty years, Sam Strasner has seen it all. Hear his thoughts on ATU's response to COVID, stories about bad press boxes and more!
From Yell County to American Idol, Ryan Harmon has seen a lot in his musical journey. Listen as he discusses his career, life in the valley, and plays the title track from his latest album!