Paragould Podcast

Jessie Huffine Blevens on Running for City Council and Growing Up on a Dairy Farm

Jessie Huffine Blevens says she wants to give back to her community. Listen to her take on where we are as a city and where she would like to help lead us. 

Administrator For the Green House Cottages of Belle Meade, Pam Diggs

Pam Diggs brings a unique perspective--having been on both sides of the hardship and loss of a nursing home. Today, Pam serves as the Administrator at the Green House Cottages of Belle Meade, which gives her regular opportunities to care for individuals and families.

The Green House Cottages of Belle Meade were only the 3rd nursing home in Arkansas to adopt the Green House model, which is revolutionizing long-term senior care.

Former Arkansas State Senator and Outreach Director for the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, Tim Wooldridge

Tim Wooldridge is a former Arkansas State Senator and now serves as the Outreach Director for the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA). 

Judge Randy Philhours Talks About Preserving the Old Greene County Courthouse, the Dr Jones Double Murder, and His Haunted House

The Old Greene County Courthouse stands as the symbol of our great city, and Judge Randy Philhours is one of the primary reasons it is still standing. Judge Philhours joins us on this episode to talk about the preservation of the courthouse, the Dr Jones double murder and what it's like living in a haunted house. 

Stan Jones Talks About Duck Hunting, Seal Team 6, and His World Famous Mallard Lodge

Stan Jones is the creator and owner of the Stan Jones Mallard Lodge, which was recently dubbed on the top 7 hunting lodges in the United States. Stan reveals how the lodge got started and the secret sauce that draws in engineers from Mercedes Benz in Germany, multiple governors and other politicians, musicians, celebrities, and even Seal Team 6 to duck hunt at his lodge here in Arkansas.

Stan also opens up about the tragic death of his wife in an automobile accident, how it impacted his kids, and how he learned to grieve. Download this episode now!

Dan Stidham Talks About the West Memphis 3, His New Book, and Personal Grief

Judge Dan Stidham serves as a Circuit Judge in Arkansas, but he is best known for representing Jessie Misskelley during the West Memphis 3 case. Judge Stidham opens up on this episode about his involvement in the case as well as the sudden loss of his own son just last year.

Greene County Tech Superintendent, Scott Gerrish

As we wrap up our month-long emphasis on education in our city, we are excited to have Scott Gerrish on the podcast. Mr. Gerrish is the Superintendent of Greene County Tech Schools and a lifelong resident of Paragould.

Scott attended elementary school at GCT and middle school at Oak Grove. The stories of the educators who poured into his life at a young age are truly inspirational. This is an episode worth sharing.

Exploring the History of Education in Paragould and Greene County with Bob Branch

Bob Branch returns to discuss the history of education in Paragould and Greene County. 

Superintendent of Paragould Schools, Dr. Nick Jankoviak

Dr. Nick Jankoviak joins us on the Paragould Podcast. Dr. J's story begins with a humble upbringing in Michigan before providence moved him and his wife to Paragould. He now is at the helm of the Paragould School District with a servant's heart and a passion for the welfare of the kids in our city.

Administrator for Crowley’s Ridge Academy, Terry Austin

Terry Austin is a life-long resident of Paragould and a graduate of Crowley's Ridge Academy. He now serves as CRA's Administrator and chief cheerleader. 

This is part 1 of our 4-part series focusing on education in Paragould.