Franklin County & River Valley Coalition (FCRVC)

We are the Franklin County & River Valley Coalition (FCRVC) against the proposed prison, dedicated to preventing the construction of a new 3,000-bed prison on Mill Creek Mountain, in Franklin County Arkansas. Our mission is to stop this project, utilizing legal representation to address the issues surrounding the secretly selected site and project. The coalition is committed to ensuring that community voices are heard.

By leveraging legal representation and engaging in legislative advocacy, the coalition challenges the prison’s construction on legal, economic, social, and ethical grounds.

We aim to emphasize the long-term implications for the entire state of Arkansas. Through collaboration with local leaders, legal representation, and lawmakers, FCRVC will work to ensure that our government operates with integrity, efficiency, and transparency, and that any decisions affecting a community involve elected officials, citizens, and surrounding communities. We demand our government work for us and not against us. #FranklinCountyStrong #MovethePrison #StandWith_FCRVC #governmentaccountability

Outrage is growing in Franklin County after the Sanders administration’s secretive decision to build a state prison in the rural community. Lifelong residents Shannon McChristian and her son Jonathan Tedford, whose land borders the site, oppose the plan, emphasizing the lack of local input. Senator Bryan King criticized the $470 million estimate as fiscally irresponsible and noted the Governor’s disregard for public concerns. Senator Gary Stubblefield condemned the denial of residents’ voices. With FOIA requests denied, questions remain about why this specific land was chosen and why transparency was bypassed in the decision-making process.

Shannon Sosebee McChristian and her son Jonathan Tedford tell a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and anger as they press forward with a plan to stop a 3000-bed prison on Mill Creek Mountain in Franklin County, AR.

Help us fight for our way of life! Say no to the prison planned for Franklin County.

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Franklin County, Arkansas, is a place of natural beauty and quiet strength. Rolling hills stretch across the landscape, blanketed with forests that blaze with color each fall and bloom with life each spring. Clear rivers wind through the countryside, offering peaceful places to fish, float, and reflect. The air here feels a little fresher, the stars shine a little brighter, and the sunsets paint the sky in hues of deep, lasting warmth.

At the center of it all are the small towns of Ozark and Charleston, where folks know each other by name and wave as they pass on the road. These communities are grounded in faith, family, and tradition, fiercely proud of the simple, good life they’ve built. Humble, hard-working, and deeply connected to the land, the people of Franklin County are the salt of the earth: kind and welcoming, with a spirit rooted in resilience and love for one another. Here, life is slower, family is everything, and values run deep. Franklin County is more than a place; it’s a way of life, one that those who call it home will fiercely protect.

The Land

Franklin County, Arkansas, is a place where the land tells a story of quiet resilience and timeless beauty. Expansive fields of farmland stretch across the county, tended by generations of ranchers who rise with the sun, working with a devotion that's woven into their way of life.

The untouched hills and forests cradle hidden trails, clear rivers, and whispering woods, preserving a serenity rarely found in today's world.

Here, the land isn't just soil and pasture; it's a living heritage, cherished by those who call it home and protect its simple, breathtaking beauty.

The People

The people of Franklin County, Arkansas, are intricately woven into a rich tapestry of heritage and enduring strength. As descendants of Native American tribes, early settlers, and ranchers who have called this land home for generations, they embody a quiet determination and a profound respect for tradition. Grounded in values of hard work and faith, they cherish the land that sustains them, passing down their ways of life with immense pride. Humble, kind, and deeply connected, these genuine souls live by principles of family, community, and devotion, honoring the land that holds their shared history and dreams.

The Communities

Charleston, Arkansas

Charleston, Arkansas, holds a notable place in history as the first school district in the South to integrate, even before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling. This small, close-knit town in Franklin County blends rich history with scenic Ozark landscapes. Known for its community spirit, Charleston is home to family-friendly events, local farming, and outdoor recreation. The town’s heritage is reflected in its preserved sites and traditions, and it proudly celebrates its pioneering role in civil rights, showcasing the resilience and unity of its community.

Ozark, Arkansas

Ozark, Arkansas, nestled along the Arkansas River in Franklin County, is a town rich in natural beauty and history. Known for its stunning views from the Ozark Mountains, the town offers access to the Ozark National Forest, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Ozark boasts a deep-rooted heritage, with historical sites like the Johnson County Courthouse and the Pig Trail Scenic Byway nearby. It is also a gateway to Arkansas wine country, featuring several local vineyards. This blend of history, scenic landscapes, and local charm makes Ozark a unique and inviting community.

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