What began five years ago in the very venue where we hosted the first-ever Meet the Candidates Town Hall returned on November 18, 2025—and it served as a powerful reminder of something important: people still want to hear the truth. People still want to listen to and interact with prospective candidates. And the proof was unmistakable in the crowd of 283 people who filled the room last night, with candidates traveling from across the State of Arkansas and from within the four counties in our coverage area.
With that said, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this event such an enormous success.
First, to our RN Network team:
Joey Bolin, our incredibly talented chief photographer;
Cassi Coben, who greeted and guided each candidate with professionalism and grace;
and RNN owners, Jason and Lesli Baggett, for ensuring every detail was handled exactly as it should be.
To Mansfield First Assembly of God Pastor Les Elmore and his precious wife Teresa—thank you for blessing us with a heartfelt invocation. To the Boy Scouts Troop 330 for proudly posting the colors, and to the incredibly talented Scout Stubbs for her beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. And to Bill Coben—his love for God, his love for Country, his leadership, and his passion made him the perfect person to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I also want to thank Gun Owners of Arkansas—President Gary Epperson, Vice President Leah Herron, and Jessica Ree—for their role in honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Gary Stubblefield. It was a privilege to have Senator Stubblefield’s daughter, Amber Sullivan, in attendance. Senator Terry Rice’s remarks, delivered on behalf of Senator Ron Caldwell, were heartfelt, emotional, and deeply meaningful. We could certainly feel the presence of our beloved friend and late senator smiling down.
Now…the food. The food was the rave of the night—and that credit belongs to the multi-talented former Scott County Judge James Forbes. He may have played a little joke on me about the dates and nearly made me fall out of my chair, but he is one amazing man, and I’m proud to call him my friend.
Speaking of food, Angela Hunsucker was an absolute Godsend. Cut from the same cloth—strong, independent women who rarely ask for help—she stepped into a servant’s role with a servant’s heart and made sure everyone was taken care of. I appreciate her more than words can say.
I am also incredibly grateful for our team of panelists: Ryan Norris, James Forbes, Jessica Ree, Justin Story, and Natalie Kengla. And our timekeeper, Lance Stinson, who had the enormous task of keeping everything moving on schedule.
To our Emcee, Don Cloud Davis—I cannot say enough good things about him. Don worked closely with me to ensure this event was fair, balanced, and timely. He is truly gifted at what he does and an incredible human being. I am so thankful for him.
To our lead sponsor, Americans for Prosperity – Arkansas State Director Ryan Norris. Ryan is one of the most intelligent, sincere, and genuine individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. It has been an honor partnering with him, and I look forward to future endeavors. I also want to thank AFP-AR’s Cameron Kehler for his support and attendance.
To all of our co-sponsors — Gravel & Grit, Senator Terry Rice, the late Senator Gary Stubblefield, the Scott County Republican Committee, State Representative Matt Duffield, Gun Owners of Arkansas, the Scott County Farm Bureau Federation, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, and Angela Hunsucker — as well as to the candidates for office: Curtis Varnell (State Representative), Ashleigh Buckley (Circuit Court Judge), Ted Tritt (State Senate), Wade Dunn (State Senate), Ronni Young (State Representative), Brian Cooper (State Representative), Crystal Malloy (State Representative), Brad Simon (State Senate), Tyler Barham (Prosecuting Attorney), Mike Jones (State Representative), and Brent Montgomery (State Representative) — thank you for investing in this event and in your communities.
Candidates in attendance were:
City of Waldron Mayor:
Konnor McKay
City of Waldron Alderman (Ward 2 Position 2):
Jimmy Rinker
City of Waldron Alderman (Ward 3 Position 1):
Doyle Dickens
City of Waldron Alderman (Ward 3 Position 2):
Misty Mitchell
Scott County Circuit and County Clerk:
Taylor Carpenter-Steele
Logan County Clerk:
Amanda Anhalt
Sebastian County JP 2:
Kendall Beam
Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector:
Tammie Brown
Sebastian County Assessor:
Zach Johnson*
Sebastian County Coroner:
Ricky Boles
Circuit Court Judge Division 1 in Sebastian County:
Michael Wagoner
Prosecuting Attorney 15th judicial district (Scott, Yell, Logan and Conway Counties):
Tyler Barham
District 28 Senator:
Bryan King *
Commissioner of State Lands:
Christian Olson
Scott County Treasurer:
Teresa Scantling
Supreme Court Justice:
Nick Bronny
Scott County Tax Assessor:
Sarah Wilson
Sheri Thompson
Scott County Judge:
Brian Jones *
Logan County Judge:
Ron Redding
Bryce Cobb
Brent Anderton
Logan County Sheriff:
Jason Massey *
Michael “Mickey” Huber
Scott County Sheriff:
Mark Chapman
Jason Daggs
Randy Shores *
Sebastian County Sheriff:
Wyatt McIntyre
John Miller
Circuit Court Judge Division 5 in Sebastian County:
Ashleigh Buckley
Gunner DeLay
District 52 State Representative:
Crystal Malloy
Brent Montgomery
Kristain Thompson
Mike Jones
District 46 State Representative:
Brian Cooper
Dr. Curtis Varnell
Ronni Tate Young
District 26 Senator:
Ted Tritt
Brad Simon
Stacie Smith
Wade Dunn
Adam Watson
Secretary of State:
Cathy Harrison
Bryan Norris
*denotes incumbent
To each and every candidate who showed up for the biggest job interview of your life—you made no excuses. You rearranged your schedules, and your lives to be there. Your commitment did not go unnoticed. Running for office is not easy. Speaking in front of a packed auditorium is not easy. Answering unscripted questions is not easy. But you did it—and I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you.
To the citizens and voters of our four-county region—WOW, did you ever show up. As one candidate said last night:
“Campaigning can certainly be tiring, but nights like this make every mile worth it.
In a world where technology often pulls us apart, events like this remind us how important real conversation is—listening, learning, and understanding each other. That spirit was alive and well tonight, and I walked away feeling encouraged and optimistic about our future.”
Events like these are nothing without WE THE PEOPLE. Thank you for your tremendous attendance and participation.
Lastly, I have to brag on the Mansfield School District. Superintendent Joe Staton, along with the maintenance staff and administrators, were all hands on deck to ensure the venue was prepared, the microphones were working, and all technology needs were met. Superintendent Staton went above and beyond anything we could have asked for, and we are extremely humbled and grateful for him and for the district’s willingness to support this event. Their efforts made a tremendous difference.
Our goal has always been—and will continue to be—to provide news and relevant information to the citizens we serve. This event has grown exponentially over the years, and that growth is a testament to the devotion of the people and to everyone who invested their time and talents to make it one of the most valued town hall events in the State of Arkansas.
Thank you. — TT
(all photos courtesy of Joey Bolin Photography)
