Send us Fan Mail

Episode Description: John Berry | Rural Texas Politics, Early Voting & Issues That Matter

Jack County Republican Party Chairman John Berry joins Olney On Air for a conversation about early voting, Republican turnout, and the issues shaping political conversations across rural Texas.

From inflation and property taxes to school vouchers, immigration, and data centers, Berry shares his perspective on the concerns driving voters to the polls. The discussion also tackles some of the biggest challenges facing rural communities, including water infrastructure, unfunded state mandates, struggling rural hospitals, and the financial pressures facing local taxpayers.

Berry discusses the debate over education funding, the role of school choice and homeschooling, rural policing, and why he believes local control is essential to protecting the needs and priorities of small communities.

With water emerging as a major concern for rural Texas, the conversation explores the importance of water systems, state grants, and long-term planning for the future of our communities.

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Early Voting Push
• 00:39 – Local Issues Driving Turnout
• 01:09 – Trump Message and Turnout
• 03:13 – Cost of Living Frustrations
• 04:24 – Rural Texas Under GOP Rule
• 05:38 – Water Systems and Grants
• 07:40 – SB 22 and Rural Policing
• 10:02 – Vouchers and Homeschool Debate
• 15:48 – Funding Schools vs. Priorities
• 16:15 – Water as Top Priority
• 17:44 – Rural Hospitals in Crisis
• 19:52 – Hospital Bonds Pressure

🎙️ Tune in to Olney On Air for a closer look at the political issues, public policy debates, and challenges affecting rural Texans — from the ballot box to our schools, water systems, hospitals, and family budgets.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Description: Taylor Qualls | Young County Judge Candidate on Growth, Taxes & the Future of Our Communities

Young County Judge write-in candidate Taylor Qualls joins Olney On Air for an in-depth conversation about her background, her reasons for running, and her vision for the future of Young County.

A local attorney and founder of Qualls Legal, Qualls shares how her experience in family law, child advocacy, and the court system has shaped her approach to leadership and her desire to bring Young County together. At 28, she is stepping into a race for an office with significant responsibilities, from managing the county budget and emergency preparedness to overseeing county court and juvenile court matters.

The conversation tackles some of the biggest issues facing Young County, including the proposed Project Saltworks data center, tax abatements, affordable housing, workforce pressures, and the need to protect local infrastructure as the area grows. Qualls explains her approach to negotiations with developers, the importance of understanding the facts before making decisions, and how growth can benefit local communities without leaving existing residents and businesses to shoulder the costs.

Gina and Kimberly also discuss Olney’s tax increment reinvestment zones (TIRZ), economic development across Young County, keeping property taxes manageable, and the ongoing challenges surrounding mental health services and the county jail system.

Throughout the interview, Qualls emphasizes collaboration, responsible decision-making, and working with local leaders and experienced county officials to address the needs of Olney, Graham, Newcastle, and the surrounding communities.

As a write-in candidate, Qualls also explains why she is asking voters to take an extra step at the ballot box — and why she hopes to bring Young County back together.

🎙️ Tune in to this episode of Olney On Air to hear Taylor Qualls discuss her priorities, her perspective on the issues, and her vision for Young County’s future.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Olney On Air with Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder joins Olney On Air to discuss early voting turnout, voter protection efforts, and the challenges facing rural Texas. From property taxes and struggling schools to rural hospitals, Medicaid expansion, and the growing development of data centers, Scudder shares his perspective on the issues affecting communities across the state.

The conversation explores how Democrats hope to reconnect with working-class and rural voters by focusing on affordability, local control, and everyday concerns. Scudder also addresses voter misinformation and intimidation, corporate influence in state government, and the importance of ensuring Texans have a voice in decisions that affect their communities. Plus, don’t miss the lightning round featuring his road trip picks and a closing message to voters.

In this episode:

• Early voting turnout and voter representation
• Voter protection efforts and the hotline
• Misinformation and voter intimidation
• Reaching rural and working-class Texans
• Data center development and its impact on local communities
• Local control, property taxes, schools, and rural hospitals
• Medicaid expansion and corporate influence in state government
• Road trip picks and a final message to voters

Tune in to Olney On Air for a conversation about the policies, challenges, and priorities shaping the future of rural Texas.

Episode Chapters 00:00 Early Voting Check In
00:38 Turnout And Representation
02:27 Voter Protection Hotline
03:54 Misinformation And Intimidation
05:33 Reaching Rural Texas
06:59 Democrats And Working Class Roots
09:13 Data Centers And Local Strain
14:27 Local Control And Rural Hospitals
17:15 Lightning Round Road Trip Picks
19:25 Closing Message To Voters

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

📍 What happens when people from different churches and backgrounds come together around one shared message?

On this episode of Olney On Air, we sit down with the founder Verma Fobbs, Pastor Chad Edgington and Shirley Geter with March for Jesus to talk about the heart behind this community-wide movement of faith.

We learn how March for Jesus got started, what inspired the vision, and why bringing Christians together to publicly share their faith is so important to those involved.

Our guests share what the march means to them personally, how churches and volunteers work together to make it happen, and what they hope people experience when they take part.

We also talk about the importance of unity among local churches, reaching people outside the walls of the church, and creating an event where the entire community is invited to come together in faith.

Whether you've participated in March for Jesus before or you're hearing about it for the first time, this conversation gives you a look at the people, passion, and purpose behind the event.

🎙️ Listen to this episode of Olney On Air and hear the story behind March for Jesus — and why they believe coming together can make a difference in our community.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

📍 Texas history comes to life on this episode of Olney On Air!

We’re joined by Justice Ken Wise of the Texas 14th Court of Appeals, but you may know him best as the creator, writer, producer, and host of the wildly popular Wise About Texas podcast.

Since launching in November 2015, Wise About Texas has grown to more than 150 episodes and two million downloads, bringing fascinating stories of the famous, forgotten, and sometimes downright surprising people and events that shaped our state.

Recorded at the Young County Museum of History & Culture’s first anniversary Chuckwagon Dinner, Justice Wise shares what inspired him to turn his lifelong passion for Texas history into a podcast and how that passion became an extension of his public service.

We also dig into his work preserving historic court records — and some of the incredible discoveries hiding inside those old documents, including a hand-drawn map connected to the San Jacinto battlefield and a handwritten settlement agreement that helped create the Texas Medical Center.

And with Young County now beginning its own effort to digitize historic records, we talk about why preserving these documents matters and what stories future generations may discover right here at home.

Plus, Justice Wise shares what has kept him telling Texas stories for a decade and why he believes history isn't just something to study — it's something that connects us.

🎙️ Listen to this episode of Olney On Air and discover a whole new side of Texas history!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Olney on Air, we sit down with Preston Crow, Director of House of Mercy Enterprises (HOME), an Olney-based Christian recovery ministry with a mission that reaches far beyond traditional addiction recovery.

Preston shares how HOME uses biblical teaching and discipleship to help individuals and families rebuild their lives, including a unique program that allows married couples with children to walk through the recovery process together. We also talk about HOME’s growing impact in the Olney community, including plans to transform the former Olney clinic into affordable transitional housing for program graduates and the exciting opportunity to utilize the historic Lovett House on Main Street for affordable housing and Bible studies.

Preston also opens up about his personal journey, his involvement with Kairos prison ministry, and why supporting people doesn’t stop when they graduate from the program.

We wrap up by highlighting two important opportunities to support HOME this year: Texoma Gives, September 3–5, including a large yard sale at 312 West Main Street, and HOME’s Annual Gala on September 12 at The Refuge, featuring brisket, a silent auction, raffles, and powerful testimonies from HOME graduates.

Learn more, get involved, or donate: houseofmercyenterprises.org

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Olney On Air, we’re shining the spotlight on The Refuge and the important work they’re doing for children and families right here in Olney.

The Refuge provides after-school care, summer camps, and summer feeding programs, giving local kids a safe and supportive place to learn, grow, and build relationships. They also make it a priority to teach children about Jesus and His grace, helping kids grow in their faith while being surrounded by caring adults and a strong community.

🌯🐷 Support The Refuge on September 3rd!

The Refuge will be hosting a fundraiser at their location featuring breakfast burritos and pulled pork sandwiches. Stop by, grab something delicious, and help support the programs that make a difference in the lives of local children.

📅 September 3rd
📍 The Refuge — Olney, Texas

💙 Want to give directly? You can support The Refuge through their Texoma Gives donation page:

👉 Donate to The Refuge : https://donorbox.org/donate-to-the-olney-christian-community-center-the-refuge

Every donation and every bit of community support helps The Refuge continue serving local kids and sharing the message of Jesus and His grace.

🎙️ Tune in to Olney On Air for our Texoma Gives Nonprofit Spotlight and learn more about The Refuge and how you can get involved!

#TexomaGives #TheRefuge #OlneyOnAir #OlneyTexas #NonprofitSpotlight #SupportLocal #CommunityStrong #GiveBack #AfterSchoolCare #SummerCamp

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Olney On Air, we’re shining the spotlight on the Olney Community Library and the important role it plays in our community.

The library is so much more than a place to check out a book. It’s a place for learning, connection, resources, and activities for people of all ages. We’re talking about the programs, services, and opportunities the library provides and why community support is so important to keeping these resources available for everyone.

🎉 Don’t miss the Olney Community Library Fundraiser!

📅 September 3rd
⏰ 12:00–6:00 PM
📍 Come out and support the library while enjoying a bake sale and auction!

It’s a great opportunity to have some fun, grab some goodies, bid on some great items, and help support a local organization that serves our entire community.

💙 Want to support the library? You can make a donation through their Texoma Gives campaign and help the Olney Community Library continue providing valuable resources, programs, and services.

👉 Donate or learn more: Olney Community Library Donation Page

🎙️ Tune in to Olney On Air to hear more about the Olney Community Library and discover how you can get involved!

#TexomaGives #OlneyCommunityLibrary #OlneyOnAir #OlneyTexas #SupportYourLibrary #SupportLocal #CommunityStrong #NonprofitSpotlight #BakeSale #Auction

Support the show