Arkansas is ranked near the bottom in terms of states' residents being connected to the Internet. We look at the implications this might have for education, and efforts to try and bridge the digital divide.
Ozarks At Large
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks: Kory Montgomery and his guitar inside the Firmin Garner Performance Studio. He'll play two original songs and talk about a life lived a lot on the road. Plus guides are getting ready to help people navigate the new state health insurance marketplace as the enrollment period approaches. And a student-designed sex education week at the University of Arkansas begins Monday. We'll hear from some of the organizers who say they want the week to be for students and created by students..Kory Montgomery calls northwest Arkansas home, but he tours often. While he was in town recently, he came to the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio.
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, has a schedule of events if you welcome Bikes, Blues and BBQ’s arrival…and a schedule for getting away from town, too.
As many as 500 “In-Person Assister Guides” are completing training and setting up offices so that they can be ready, October 1st, to enroll eligible consumers into the new state Health Insurance Marketplace, as prescribed by the new Affordable Health Care Act. We talk with regional supervisor, Dale Ramsey as well as with Carroll County IPA Guide, Charlisa Cato (pictured).
Michael Tilley, from The City Wire, says the latest Compass Report figures show some good news for both the Fort Smith region and Northwest Arkansas.The FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Roadshow is coming to the area next week, and Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel approves another proposed ballot measure and rejects two for next year's election.
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, FEMA and the American Red Cross are familiar names when it comes to emergency relief organizations, but have you heard of the Mennonite Disaster Team? We meet the Ozarks Mennonite team, as well as the brothers behind Two Brothers Canoes in the latest installment of our "Locally Made" series.An American Girl fashion show takes place at the Arts Center of the Ozarks, one of only a few non-profits are chosen nationally for the fundraiser. Becca Martin Brown has more.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Ahead on Weekend Ozarks, a conversation with Arkansas photographer Tim Ernst. Also, singer/songwriter Joe Pug pays a visit to the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio.
The city council will consider buying just more than four acres for the city's fourth fire station. Plus, the Private Option compromises were discussed at the Political Animals Club in Little Rock.
"Mambo Meixcano" by Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkestra
Open enrollment for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act ends March 31st. And if you don’t have minimal essential coverage of any kind, you will be penalized. And as Jacqueline Froelich reports, how much depends on your income level.
Meanwhile, a push to raise the Arkansas minimum wage, and a separate effort to increase workforce programs get underway in the state. Roby Brock has that story and more in his weekly update.
The Arkansas Agriculture Department has recently revamped its program that connects local farmers to interested consumers, including an upcoming App.
Louis Jordan is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Still, many Arkansans might not know about their native son. Stephen Koch, the host of Arkansongs, has written a new book about him.






