Shows
Speaking of ArkansasPending plans promise major changes in the ways Fayetteville, Rogers developIn Fayetteville, city leaders are nearing decisions about rezoning the former U.S. 71B (College Avenue/Nelson Hackett Boulevard/South School Avenue) to promote high-density residential development along that corridor, which today doesn’t allow residential buildings in most areas. In Rogers, city leaders are preparing for continued growth with a comprehensive rezoning and street plans for the city. On Today’s edition of Speaking of Arkansas, host Greg Harton speaks with Britin Bostick, long-range planner, city of Fayetteville; John McCurdy, director of community development, city of Rogers; and Joe Rexwinkle, deputy director of community development, city of Rogers. Our disc...
2024-07-1147 min
Speaking of ArkansasIs a regional jail the answer to overcrowded county jails?Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins says it’s time to look into the potential benefits of a regional jail for Northwest Arkansas. Deakins, a former Quorum Court member who took office as county judge in January 2023, discusses that idea as well as his proposal for a new form of zoning in Washington County. In this edition of Speaking of Arkansas, host Greg Harton speaks with Deakins about his desire to explore the regional jail concept that has, over the course of many years, generally been treated as a nonstarter among county and law enforcement leaders.
Washington County’s de...
2024-03-2950 min
Speaking of ArkansasArcheology in Arkansas and threats to historical preservationMarch is observed as Arkansas Archeology Month. In this episode of Speaking of Arkansas, host Greg Harton speaks with Dr. Mel Zabecki, the state archeologist in Arkansas since 2021. She’s only the third person to hold that position since it was created in 1967. The interview covers how Zabecki went from archeological digs in Egypt to promotion of preservation in Arkansas. We discuss her views on threats to historical preservation arising from development, the harm posed by amateur treasure hunters scouring lands for souvenirs or private collections and the kind of people who might want to consider careers in archeology.
Additional lin...
2024-03-0845 min
Speaking of ArkansasOwning an electric vehicle in Northwest ArkansasSept. 22-Oct. 23, 2023, is recognized by advocates of electric vehicles as National Drive Electric Week. Perhaps there’s no better time to visit with someone who has chosen to drive an electric car.
Gary Berger of Bentonville is the founder and a board member of the Tesla Owners Club of Arkansas, a group that advocates for electric vehicles overall and doesn’t require members to own a Tesla or any electric vehicle.
In this edition of the Speaking of Arkansas podcast, host Greg Harton discusses Berger’s experience owning an electric vehicle and many of the commen...
2023-09-2229 min
Speaking of ArkansasThe new $37 million Fayetteville police headquartersOn this episode of Speaking of Arkansas:
A new police headquarters in Fayetteville
Fayetteville Police Chief Mike Reynolds, in a tour of Fayetteville's new $37 million police headquarters, describes some of the building's key features and how they apply to the law enforcement demands and expectations of the 21st century.
Join host Greg Harton to discover more about a building Reynolds says will give Fayetteville a boost in recruiting new officers and training their entire force.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nw...
2023-04-2135 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSpeaking of Arkansas - Civic Love in Eureka Springs, ArkansasJust how much do you love where you live? To what extent does that love extend to fellow residents who profess to love the same place you do? Does it affect the way you interact with people who hold different perspectives than you?
Questions like that have inspired Main Street Eureka Springs to devote the month of August to what it's calling "civic love," with a series of events examining what love of where one lives looks like and whether people can take steps to grow the love and pride they feel for the place they call home.
On this episod...
2023-01-2733 min
Speaking of ArkansasCivic love in Eureka Springs Just how much do you love where you live? To what extent does that love extend to fellow residents who profess to love the same place you do? Does it affect the way you interact with people who hold different perspectives than you?
Questions like that have inspired Main Street Eureka Springs to devote the month of August to what it's calling "civic love," with a series of events examining what love of where one lives looks like and whether people can take steps to grow the love and pride they feel for the place they call home.
On this episode of...
2023-01-2733 min
Speaking of ArkansasA case for approving new taxes for the Benton County Jail expansionBenton County proposes an expansion of its jail to deal with crowding. Benton County Judge Barry Moehring, Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway and Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith are advocating for voters to approve a temporary sales tax for construction and a permanent sales tax for operation.
2022-10-1854 min
Speaking of ArkansasAn Argument Against Washington County Jail ExpansionVoters in Benton and Washington counties will be asked on Nov. 8 to support new taxes to pay for jail expansions.
This episode of the Speaking of Arkansas podcast features Sarah Moore, executive director of the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition, and Mac Mayfield, a board member of the coalition and a leader of a new group called Neighbors Against New Taxation. They oppose jail expansions in both counties, advocating instead for judicial system reforms they say can hold people accountable while also addressing the root causes of their involvement in the judicial system.
To listen to...
2022-10-0546 min
Speaking of ArkansasAn Argument For Washington County Jail ExpansionVoters in Benton and Washington counties will be asked on Nov. 8 to support new taxes to pay for jail expansions.In this episode of the Speaking of Arkansas podcast, Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder and Chief Deputy Jay Cantrell, who becomes the sheriff in January, discuss the expansion proposal in Washington County.
To listen to an argument against jail expansion in Washington and Benton Counties, visit: https://www.nwaonline.com/105againstjail/
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local n...
2022-10-0549 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSpeaking of Arkansas - Fayetteville Arts CorridorOn this episode of Speaking of Arkansas, Joanna Bell discusses her new role as the city of Fayetteville's arts and culture director as well as The Ramble, the city's voter-approved cultural arts corridor project. Join host Greg Harton, editorial page editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, as they discuss charting a path for promoting and producing the arts in Fayetteville.
2022-09-0736 min
Speaking of ArkansasCharting a path for arts in Fayetteville with Joanna BellOn this episode of Speaking of Arkansas, Joanna Bell discusses her new role as the city of Fayetteville's arts and culture director as well as The Ramble, the city's voter-approved cultural arts corridor project. Join host Greg Harton, editorial page editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, as they discuss charting a path for promoting and producing the arts in Fayetteville.
2022-09-0736 min
Speaking of ArkansasWhat's the future of the Clinton House Museum in Fayetteville? Bill Clinton's presidency ended more than 20 years ago, but he remains the first and only Arkansan to have made it to the political Mount Everest, the White House. Well before he and Hillary Clinton were residents at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., they got married inside a small brick house at 930 California Drive in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Today, the house is the Clinton House Museum, a local effort to preserve and commemorate the place where the couple joined friends and supporters to plot out the early days of Bill Clinton's political journey. A house in Hope, Arkansas, is where William Jeffers...
2022-06-1728 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteKnow the News- March 18, 2022What did it take to get the national tour of the massive Broadway hit “Hamilton” to stop in Northwest Arkansas? We’ll take you into the room where it happened on Friday’s Know the News podcast as Rusty Turner; interviews Scott Galbraith with the Walton Arts Center.
We will also preview the Speaking of Arkansas podcast with Greg Harton's interview with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.
2022-03-1827 min
Speaking of ArkansasGov. Asa Hutchinson on his final months in officeOn this episode of the "Speaking of Arkansas" podcast, Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks about:
• Sarah Huckabee Sanders, viewed as his likely replacement in 2023, and her qualities as a potential governor.
• Issues he plans to work on during his remaining months in office.
• Jail and prison overcrowding and whether Arkansas over-incarcerates its population.
• His advice on how to approach Ukraine and Russia.
• Mobile sports betting's entry into Arkansas.
• His nephew Jim Hendren's Common Ground Arkansas organization.
• Whether anti-intellectualism is an problem in Arkansas.
• Arkansas' positioning to be heavily involved in the future of transportation.
Join hosts Greg Harton and Rusty Turner of the Northwest A...
2022-03-1646 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSpeaking of Arkansas - Arkansas Governor Asa HutchinsonOn this episode of the "Speaking of Arkansas" podcast, Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks about:
• Sarah Huckabee Sanders, viewed as his likely replacement in 2023, and her qualities as a potential governor.
• Issues he plans to work on during his remaining months in office.
• Jail and prison overcrowding and whether Arkansas over-incarcerates its population.
• His advice on how to approach Ukraine and Russia.
• Mobile sports betting's entry into Arkansas.
• His nephew Jim Hendren's Common Ground Arkansas organization.
• Whether anti-intellectualism is an problem in Arkansas.
• Arkansas' positioning to be heavily involved in the future of transportation.
Join hosts Greg Harton and Rusty Turner of the Northwest...
2022-03-1646 min
Speaking of ArkansasClimate change and Fayetteville's response: Will all cities need to prepare for "climate resiliency?"Will climate change adversely affect Northwest Arkansas so much that cities need specific plans for the meteorological, environmental and ecological effects? Fayetteville City Council member Teresa Turk believes so, and now isn't necessarily too soon to map out a strategy. The City Council recently adopted a resolution she offered to build "climate resilience" into the city's future. It will set aside $100,000 next year for the city staff or a consultant to draft a new chapter of city code to inform future city actions that impact environmental and ecosystem issues; to expand the footprint of lands of high ecological value; and t...
2021-12-2229 min
Speaking of ArkansasWhat form of public transportation works best in Northwest Arkansas? As more people and businesses make Northwest Arkansas their home, regional planners and decision-makers ponder what role public transit will play. Can it become a true alternative that inspires automobile owners to leave their cars parked for the ease of letting someone else do the driving? Can a robust bus system diminish the number of vehicles on the region's crowded highways?
In this episode of "Speaking of Arkansas," host Greg Harton speaks with Joel Gardner, executive director of the Ozark Regional Transit Authority, which serves as the bus system in urban and rural areas of Washington, Benton, Carroll and Madison counties.
...
2021-08-0543 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSPEAKING OF ARKANSAS - Should armed police get out of traffic enforcement?What will it take to reduce the number of police traffic stops that devolve into a use of force, sometimes with deadly consequences? Is there a way to overcome concerns of how race and other biases affect who gets pull over by law enforcement officers? Is there a better way to serve the public's needs for enforcement of traffic laws?
In this episode of "Speaking of Arkansas," Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial editor Greg Harton visits with Dr. Jordan Blair Woods, a law professor and criminologist at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Dr. Woods proposes creating local and state agencies focused...
2021-04-2739 min
Speaking of ArkansasSPEAKING OF ARKANSAS - Should armed police get out of traffic enforcement?What will it take to reduce the number of police traffic stops that devolve into a use of force, sometimes with deadly consequences? Is there a way to overcome concerns of how race and other biases affect who gets pull over by law enforcement officers? Is there a better way to serve the public's needs for enforcement of traffic laws? In this episode of "Speaking of Arkansas," Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial editor Greg Harton visits with Dr. Jordan Blair Woods, a law professor and criminologist at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Dr. Woods proposes creating local and state agencies...
2021-04-2639 minSpeaking of ArkansasWilliam Harris InterviewWilliam Harris, who lists a variety of past jobs before moving to Fayetteville and working as an author, is running for the mayor of Fayetteville. In 2016, he ran for Washington County constable in District 2. The mayor’s race also includes candidates Ron Baucom, Lioneld Jordan and Tom Terminella. Baucom did not respond to requests for an interview.
2020-10-2140 minSpeaking of ArkansasTom Terminella InterviewTom Terminella is a real estate developer making his second run for the office of mayor. The mayor’s race also includes candidates Ron Baucom, William Harris and Lioneld Jordan. Interviews with Harris and Jordan can be found here [insert hotlink to mayor interviews landing page]. Baucom did not respond to requests for an interview.
2020-10-2132 minSpeaking of ArkansasLioneld Jordan InterviewLioneld Jordan is running for a fourth consecutive term as mayor of Fayetteville, a position he’s held since he first took office in 2009. Prior to that, Jordan served as a member of the City Council, beginning with his first term in 2001. The mayor’s race also includes candidates Ron Baucom, William Harris and Tom Terminella.
2020-10-2133 minSpeaking of ArkansasHawley Woods InterviewHawley Woods of Johnson is a Democrat running in District 88 for the Arkansas House of Representatives in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Woods is a small business owner who operates a pet-sitting and personal assistance service. Woods is challenging Republican incumbent Clint Penzo of Springdale in the District 88 race. Penzo did not respond to our requests for a recorded interview.
2020-10-1631 minSpeaking of ArkansasJohn Carr InterviewJohn Carr of Rogers is a Republican candidate in District 94 for the Arkansas House of Representatives in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Carr is an independent information technology consultant. Carr faces Democrat Jené Huffman-Gilreath for the District 94 House seat.
2020-10-1530 minSpeaking of ArkansasJene Huffman-Gilreath InterviewJené Huffman-Gilreath of Rogers is a Democratic candidate in District 94 for the Arkansas House of Representatives in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Huffman-Gilreath is shared services manager for Rogers Water Utilities. Huffman-Gilreath faces Republican John Carr for the District 94 House seat.
2020-10-1534 minSpeaking of ArkansasJosh Bryant InterviewJosh Bryant of Rogers is a Republican candidate for District 96 of the Arkansas House of Representatives in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Bryant has served since 2014 as the elected justice of the peace serving District 2 on the Benton County Quorum Court. He’s a former U.S. Marine and is a partner in a Northwest Arkansas construction company. District 96 was formerly served by Rep. Grant Hodges, who stepped down earlier this year and did not seek re-election. Brant faces Democrat Jon Comstock for the District 96 post.
2020-10-1431 minSpeaking of ArkansasJon Comstock InterviewJon Comstock of Rogers is a Democratic candidate for District 96 of the Arkansas House of Representatives in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election. Comstock is an attorney and mediator who previously served as legal counsel to Walmart Stores Inc. He served an appointed term as a circuit court judge in the 19th Judicial District West. District 96 was formerly served by Rep. Grant Hodges, who stepped down earlier this year and did not seek re-election. Comstock faces Republican Josh Bryant for the District 96 post.
2020-10-1440 minSpeaking of ArkansasDaisy Bonilla InterviewDaisy Bonilla of Bentonville is a Democrat candidate for District 93 in the Arkansas House of Representatives. A map of District 93 can be found here. Bonilla is a licensed social worker in the mental health field. She faces Republican Jim Dotson of Bentonville. Dotson declined to be interviewed.
2020-10-1428 minSpeaking of ArkansasMichael Bennett-Spears InterviewMichael Bennett-Spears of Siloam Springs is a Democratic candidate for District 87 in the Arkansas House of Representatives. Bennett-Spears is a marketing and events director at a restaurant. Bennett-Spears faces Republican Robin Lundstrum of Elm Springs.
2020-10-1433 minNorthwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteDiscussion about NW Arkansas Land Trust and land acquisitionAs the population of Northwest Arkansas grows, so does the pressure on undeveloped lands that help give the region its natural feel. And what is Northwest Arkansas if it's not full of options to experience nature?
Building up the region to handle the influx of businesses and residents is an intentional act — construction of restaurants, apartments, houses, office buildings. Advocates say the preservation of natural spaces needs to be every bit as intentional, lest Northwest Arkansas residents are willing to chart a course toward a future as a concrete jungle, as has happened in other areas with growing populations.
"Land is...
2020-04-2947 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteThaden SchoolThe Thaden School, an independent private school that opened three years ago in Bentonville, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, celebrates its move into permanent facilities on 30 acres that for 80 years served the community as the Benton County Fairgrounds.
In this edition of "Speaking of Arkansas," we interview Clayton Marsh, founding head of the school, about the school's mission "to provide a balanced and challenging education that ignites in our students a passion for discovery and learning, prepares them to succeed in college, and inspires them to lead lives of integrity, purpose and responsible global leadership."
In the podcast, we discuss what the...
2019-10-0940 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSpeaking of Arkansas - Greg Tabor, Fayetteville Police ChiefIn this edition, Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor discusses his 34-year-career at the agency he retires from on Sept. 20, 2019.
Our interview includes his thoughts on the challenges of being a law enforcement officer, the changing nature of law enforcement, leadership and the community he’s served since 1985.
Other editions of “Speaking of Arkansas” as well as other podcasts from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette can be found at nwaonline.com/podcast. You can also subscribe to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s podcasts through Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcast and other popular podcast apps.
Additional information about the Fayetteville Police Department can be found...
2019-09-1255 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteBeaver WatershedBeaver Lake has been the water supply for much of Northwest Arkansas for nearly 55 years. But without steps to protect it, its capacity to deliver high-quality drinking water to the region could be challenged.
In this edition of “Speaking of Arkansas,” host Greg Harton speaks with two advocates for protecting Beaver Lake and its watershed from pollution, whether it’s in the form of erosion that causes sediment in the lake or chemicals and trash attributed to a growing population and changing land uses.
Alan Fortenberry is former chief executive of the Beaver Water District (https://www.bwdh2o.org)
Clell...
2019-06-0751 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteCitizens Climate LobbyThe Citizens Climate Lobby’s push for a carbon fee and dividend system to reduce climate change
Members of the organization Citizens Climate Lobby stopped by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette offices to visit with our editorial board about their hopes for federal legislation to establish a fee and dividend structure to encourage the reduction of carbon-producing activities.
Editorial page editor Greg Harton visited with two members in our Fayetteville podcast studios for the latest edition of “Speaking of Arkansas.”
For additional information about the Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s stance, visit the organization’s Carbon Fee and Dividend Policy and FAQs at https://c...
2019-05-3037 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteArkansas Sentor Tom Cotton InterviewArkansas' U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton is spending part of his April Senate recess traveling around Arkansas. He recently visited the offices of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in downtown Fayetteville and joined Greg Harton, editorial page editor, and Rusty Turner, editor, for an episode of "Speaking of Arkansas."
Our discussion touched on immigration, the report from the special counsel on Russian meddling in U.S. elections, the senator's efforts to eliminate illicit drugs from China and unwashed poppy seeds, and health care.
The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's collection of podcasts can be found at http://www.nwaonline.com/podcast. You can...
2019-04-2535 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteInterview with Washington County Sheriff Tim HelderFor several years now, longtime Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder has advised other county leaders the county jail, with a capacity around 700 inmates, is operating in "crisis mode" due to overcrowding.
Only the Quorum Court, which consists of 15 elected justices of the peace, can authorize expansion of the jail, a project that would likely require an increase in the county sales tax. The cost to add about 500 beds is around $38 million.
In this edition of "Speaking of Arkansas," Greg Harton and Rusty Turner of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette interview Sheriff Helder about a $38 million expansion proposal that has stalled in...
2019-04-221h 01
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSpeaking of Arkansas - UA Chancellor Joe SteinmetzJoe Steinmetz became the University of Arkansas' sixth chancellor of the Fayetteville campus three years ago. In this edition of the "Speaking of Arkansas" podcast, host Greg Harton is joined by Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Editor Rusty Turner for a conversation with Steinmetz on a wide range of issues related to the university:
• Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on campus and in the state's business community.
• A planned arts and design district in south Fayetteville.
• Safety on campus, ranging from sexual assault to concealed handguns to the tragic, recent death of a student struck by a car as she walked in a c...
2019-02-2646 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteSpeaking of Arkansas - Arkansas Governor InterviewIn the inaugural edition of a Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette podcast called "Speaking of Arkansas," Greg Harton, editorial page editor, and Editor Rusty Turner are joined in our podcast studio by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is about to have his own inauguration into a second four-year term as Arkansas' chief executive.
The governor speaks to the upcoming legislative session, the allocation of funding for an underground fire fouling the air in Bella Vista, the hiring of two former state legislators from Northwest Arkansas into full-time jobs with the state and his just-named pick to fill a vacancy on the Arkansas Highway...
2019-01-0244 min
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-GazetteStephanie Orman interviewEditorial editor Greg Harton interviews Bentonville mayoral candidate Stephanie Orman.
2018-11-281h 01