A new fellowship program in Arkansas aims to stem the flow of highly skilled college graduates from the state to other areas. And, two of the longer-operating hospital systems in the state announce a merger.
Ozarks At Large
The latest revenue collections by the state came in again above what was originally forecast, while one gubernatorial candidate issues his plan to put mroe funding into Pre-K programs.
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, those amphibious harbingers of spring--frogs and toads--are being counted all over Arkansas. We'll find out how the frog watch works, and if the number of frogs in the state is diminishing. And, the AMP is being prepared for its first show. The seats aren't in yet, but work is going on almost around-the-clock to meet a June 1 completion date.
This month, visitors to a bustling Bentonville square can step inside the Visitor's Bureau to take in the serene landscapes of pastel artist Judy Howard.
Becca Martin Brown, with Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says there is a wide range of music (some of it free) this week.
It was a year ago this week that an oil spill created a major disruption in an Arkansas town.
Spring break is over; let the deluge of spring events begin.
We meet Tom Krohn, Arkansas Regional Coordinator for FrogWatch USA. Krohn hosts free workshops across the state, training citizen scientists to become certified frog listeners. He will be in Northwest Arkansasa April 8 & 15th at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. To learn more visit Arkansasfrogsandtoads.org.
The Walmart AMP's topping off ceremony was Monday, now the rest of the work takes place.
A wet March led Arkansas farmers to plant crops late, but it hasn't necessarily hurt this year's harvest. Plus, the Bentonville School District proposes a traffic study to project what traffic will be like in Centerton once the district's second high school is open for classes.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, a look at the increasing educational accountability standards placed on the nation's 5-year-olds. Plus, Michael Pakko discusses the state's economy, and more.
Another ballot initiative group is moving forwarrd with petitions after the state's attorney general approved the wording of its measure, which would raise the minimum wage in Arkansas to $8.50. Booneville Community Hospital starts the new year with a new name and new management. Fayetteville is set to be recognized as a compassionate city. Thirteen Arkansas counties are declared disaster areas after the early December ice and snow storm. And with a budget set, the Sebastian County Quorum Court and Fort Smith Board of Directors agree on amenities to be placed in the future Ben Geren Aquatics Park.
"Nicolas Cage" by The Great Wild
Millions of newly insured Americans will be seeking medical care, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act starting this month. And with a projected shortage of primary care physicians to serve them, new research indicates that nurse practitioners may help fill the gap. We hear from a national association board member as well as Dr. Anna Jarrett, an acute care nurse practitioner and professor of nursing at UA-Fayetteville.
Roby Brock, from Talk Business Arkansas, examines a recent poll of some of Arkansas top business officials.
If the weather allows, the second weekend of 2014 will be full of indoor and outdoor events.
"Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider, Go" by Trentmoeller
The inaugural Ozark Mountain Music Festival is all indoors in Eureka Springs. And it has a fun nickname, too.
Schedule Includes:
Friday, 1/24
6 p.m. Barefoot Ballroom -- HonkySuckle
8 p.m. Ozark Room -- Wink
10 p.m. Barefoot Ballroom -- 3 Penny Acre
Saturday, 1/25
Balcony -- Hogscalders
2 p.m. Ozark Room -- Pearl Brick
4 p.m. Ozark Room -- Tyrannosaurus Chicken
6 p.m. Barefoot Ballroom -- SxRex
8 p.m. Ozark Room -- Ben Miller Band
10 p.m. Ballroom -- National Park Radio
MIDNIGHT JAM -- Ron Landis and Chuck
Sunday, 1/26
NOON- Bloody Mary Morning Show Ozark Rooms -- Handmade Moments
"Dream of the Future" by Carter Burwell