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The Local Insider

The Local Insider

Written by: Brian Cooper
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Brian Cooper from Coal Creek Media has long form, in-depth discussions with local business owners, civic leaders, veterans and historians to spotlight the importance of personal and local leadership.Coal Creek Media 2020 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Fighting 'Arkansas Alcatraz': The Local Rebellion Against a Massive Prison | J.B. Jackson on The Local Insider
    Apr 27 2026
    In this episode of The Local Insider, host Brian Cooper sits down with J.B. Jackson, the creator of the viral Facebook page Arkansas Alcatraz. J.B. lives right across the road from the proposed site of a massive new 3,000-bed state prison in Franklin County, Arkansas — a project backed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. What started as a local neighbor's concern quickly turned into a grassroots movement that's captured statewide attention and even national headlines. From memes and yard signs to game cameras and unexpected political pushback from conservative residents, J.B. shares the inside story of how everyday Arkansans are fighting back against what many are calling "Arkansas Alcatraz." You'll hear about the real impacts on rural communities, the surprising alliances forming, and why this battle has become much bigger than one piece of land. If you care about local voices, government overreach, property rights, or just love a good underdog story from right here in Arkansas, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to The Local Insider — where we spotlight the people and stories shaping our communities. Guest: J.B. Jackson, Creator of Arkansas Alcatraz Facebook Page
    Host: Brian Cooper
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Protecting & Rebuilding: Sheriff Jason Massey on Justice, Community, and Second Chances in Logan County
    Jul 27 2025

    Today's guest is someone who knows the meaning of community service in both word and action. Sheriff Jason Massey has been with the Logan County Sheriff's Department since 2008 and has served as our county's Sheriff since 2019.

    Under his leadership, the department has not only focused on law enforcement but also on restoring lives and reducing repeat offenses. Sheriff Massey has implemented programs that give inmates real opportunities for change, including an education initiative in partnership with Arkansas Tech University where inmates can earn their GED and develop vocational skills. He's also helped bring peer support programs to those struggling with addiction and has remained committed to youth engagement efforts through organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs and Shop With A Cop.

    A husband, father of five, and lifelong public servant — Sheriff Massey is running for re-election in 2026, and today he joins us to talk about where we've been, where we're going, and why second chances matter.

    You won't want to miss this conversation.

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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • From Engineering to the Mission Field: The Extraordinary Journey of Bill Holbert
    Feb 16 2025

    On this episode of The Local Insider, host Brian Cooper sits down with Bill Holbert—a man whose life journey has taken him from the oil fields of Odessa, Texas, to the remote jungles of Belize, and now to the heart of Booneville, Arkansas.

    Bill's story is one of adventure, dedication, and faith. After graduating high school in Basalt, Colorado, he pursued a degree in civil engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, launching a career that led him to major roles with Peter Kiewit Construction, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service and the USGS. His work took him across the country—from Texas to Alaska—where he played a critical role in infrastructure and construction projects.

    But Bill's story doesn't stop at engineering. In 1998, he met his wife Stacy, and in 2012, they embarked on a new adventure—retirement in the country of Belize. There, they lived off the grid in a cabin in "the bush," dedicating their time to teaching local students computer skills. Eventually, they returned to the U.S. and settled in Booneville to care for Stacy's mother.

    Today, Bill continues to serve his community in a new way. He and Stacy run Stacy Holbert Photo Art, capturing memories at local sports games and creating custom photo art projects for graduating seniors. Bill is also a man of strong faith, leading a Sunday school class of over 30 adults every week at First Baptist Church in Booneville.

    Join us as we dive into Bill's incredible life story—his career in engineering, his time in Belize, his passion for family, and the faith that has guided him through it all.

    Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Like, share, and subscribe to The Local Insider for more stories from the fascinating people who make our communities special.

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    1 hr and 42 mins
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