Ozarks At Large

Arkansas ends its fiscal year with a surplus of several million dollars, but lawmakers have no firm plans yet of how to spend the money. Ongoing highway improvements mean some road closures and delays over the holiday weekend. And, students at UALR react to the interest rate hike that went into effect this week on Stafford student loans for low income students.




The United States Supreme Court decision regarding the Voting Rights Act means changes for Arkansas.
The popular resort town of Eureka Springs is a prime Ozarks vacation spot filled with pretty B&Bs, cottages and cabins for overnight guests. But as Jacqueline Froelich reports, some say a glut of tourist accommodations and vacation rentals are dislocating residents, forcing them to live out of town.
Arkansas home sales are up by 10 percent according to the Arkansas Realtors Association. The half-cent highway sales tax kicks in this month and will continue for the next ten years. The Fort Smith Fire Department honors one of its own who rescued a child from a 30-foot utility shaft. And a familiar term to Fayetteville residents: construction zone.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
On this edition of Ozarks, a conversation with photographer and author Tim Ernst. Also, giving the gift of a free family portrait to those in need.
Tyson Foods announced declining income in its third quarter earnings call, a section of Lake Fayetteville trail could potentially be moved, three Razorbacks move on to semifinals in London, and more.
“Steeplechase” Charlie Parker
Extracting methane from shale preserves locked deep underground in north Central Arkansas requires tremendous amounts of water, diverted from streams and rainwater catchments. But what is the effect on aquifers during prolonged drought?
Fifty years ago, the Delta was the economic engine for Arkansas. Skip Rutherford, the Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, says it is still an important part of the state.
For more information, visit talkbusiness.net.
“Rowing Song” by Patty Griffin
Thousands of people are expected to attend the third annual “Community Block Party” at the First United Methodist Church campus in downtown Springdale this weekend.
For more information, visit the church's website here.
The staff at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Academy of the Arts is already noticing the end of summer. Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell says this semester offers more than any previous term.
Audition dates for upcoming ensembles at UAFS Academy include:
Teen Theater, Scrooged, The Musical: August 14, 16, 21, 23 6-8pm.
Teen Honor Choir and Teen Jazz Vocal: August 23, 5-8pm and August 25 9am-noon
Instrumental music auditions for grades 4th and up: August 23 5-8pm and Augustr 25th 9am-noon.
For more information, visit the academy's website here.
“Discus” by Inoran