Dotty Oliver in 2011 at the Arkansas Community Arts Cooperative in Little Rock. Dotty Oliver, founder of the Arkansas Free Press, passed away in Little Rock on Mon., May 29, 2017. Oliver started the Little Rock Free Press on April 20, 1993. She turned it into the Arkansas Free Press 12 years later. For those that remember Spectrum Magazine, it was the forefather for what became known as one of the most colorful and spirited publications in-state. Oliver first worked as the sales manager for Spectrum. When she took full possession of it, she renamed it the Arkansas Free Press. The Arkansas Free Press came out in newspaper style and was available for free alongside Nightflying at most of the popular establishments. It was lovingly dedicated to "news for the rest of us." For many years, publishing and business continued as usual. When the oil spill happened in the gulf, Oliver went to cover it. Besides contributing to hundreds of national pieces, she was the first to break news of the FEMA trailers. In 2010, Oliver made a public statement regarding her health and began with chemotherapy treatments. Even in her health struggles, she continued to write and advocate for causes dear to her heart. In 2011, after working with Oliver in conjunction with the Arkansas Community Arts Cooperative, Tracy Crain took on the role as managing editor, posting an online arts segment of the Arkansas Free Press in cooperation with Oliver. "Dotty was an opinion maker and a strong voice in the Arkansas community. Her efforts helped shape arts and create artist opportunity in ways that continue to manifest today," Crain said. "Because of Oliver's advocacy, Arkansas is a better place." Since Oliver and Crain initiated their working partnership, the poems and features continue to arrive from all over the world. In 2011, when the site was first built, Oliver is the one who provided the logo, still in use today. It is the original one from the print publication. "She also wanted to contribute content regarding her gulf experiences," Crain said. "She talked about that a lot with me." With Oliver's cooperation, The Arkansas Free Press has continued as an independent online news source, dedicated to "news for the rest of us." Since it was launched by Crain and Oliver in Feb. of 2011, the number of site visitors continue to grow. "As of today, the count has surpassed 4.5 million. We have consolidated both www.arkansasfreepress.net and www.arkansasfreepress.com into one website. Readers can type in either address to locate content," Crain said. "The online site houses more than 4,000 articles that have been contributed by writers, artists, musicians and other interested parties. We have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and have featured exclusive content and interviews on artists such as Eddie Money, Bob Seger, James Taylor, Rick Springfield, Styx and others throughout the years. We have also worked in partnership with the Arkansas State Fair, Verizon Arena, and Riverfest and many others to bring all the best in music news to the state." Oliver's influence on Arkansas publishing during the last two and a half decades has been extensive. On behalf of the Arkansas Free Press, we take a moment to recognize not only the founding member of this publication, but the tireless contributions she has made from the most humanitarian of motives. The Memorial & Funeral Services for Dotty Oliver will be held at the Whitewater Tavern in Little Rock, Friday June 2, 2017 between 5p.m.-7:30p.m. "There will be bands playing, handouts regarding her work and life, and a book to sign," Phyllis Oliver, said. "That night was originally a fundraiser for Dotty, organized by Mary Matthews. It will now serve as the official Memorial event. All are invited to attend." A tribute is also being held at the Rural War Room on May 30, 2017 at 10p.m. To connect with the Arkansas Free Press, please join us at ARFreePress @twitter. We are also online at www.facebook.com/pages/Arkansas-Free-Press/203017989714199 . The Arkansas Free Press operates as a volunteer cooperative. News submissions are always encouraged at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it