Last month, freshman Trei Dudley was named the Boys and Girls Club's National Youth of the Year, making her an ambassador for the 4 million kids involved with the national organization.
Ozarks At Large
More than a thousand acres of notoriously tough terrain in Benton County will become the state's newest land preserve, and homecoming week at the UA does more than raise team spirit, for it also raised tons of food for a local food pantry. And AARP offers free defensive driving clinics for veterans this month.
Northwest Arkansas' unemployment rate dropped in the month of September, and a state economist says that the area is the strongest-performing in the state. Also, a kickball tournament to be held later this week has already raised thousands for the NWA Children's Shelter, even before the first ball is rolled. And, AARP plans to offer defensive driving courses to veterans next month.

Arkansas' child welfare system has improved over the last four years. That's according to the latest from Governor Mike Beebe. Also, construction of new aquatic and sports parks in Rogers steadily progresses, and planned expansions to the Medicaid system in Arkansas could help thousands of parents in the state.
Candidates running for the U.S. HOuse of Representatives in Arkansas' 3rd District met in a debate last night, an annual cleanup at Lake Fayetteville is scheduled for tomorrow, and a substantial amound of student-athletes at the U of A are graduating.
Last week, the museum opened a new exhibit “To Cap it all Off," showcasing hats from the 20th Century and beyond. A Matter’s Mingle is set for this evening to celebrate both the museums anniversary and the exhibit. We speak with Dr. Gaye Bland, the museum's director.
A number of Arkansas doctors have spoken out against the medical marijuana issue to be decided next month by state voters, the new Arkansas Poll was released yesterday, and the Arkansas men's golf team finishes its fall season of play.
An event to increase awareness about homelessness will soon be held in Fort Smith, Arkansas' Attorney General gives the OK for the city of Fayetteville to give money to the University of Arkansas, and the Arkansas Department of Health is preparing for flu season.
The local down-tempo dream pop band SW/MM/NG plays an all-ages show with Portland, Ore., polyrhythmic pop act BRAINSTORM at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville Monday. "Ozarks at Large's" Katy Henriksen has this preview.
Web Exclusive: A Few More Minutes With SW/MM/NG
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, February 24, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large, the types of food establishments--restaurants, convenience stores, grocers, fast food businesses--that surround a school have an impact on childhood obesity. We speak to two U of A System Division of Agriculture researchers who make that claim. Plus, Habitat for Humanity Washington County completes its 50th home, Roby Brock has his Talk Business Arkansas update, Becca Martin Brown tells us What's Up, and more.
Becca Martin Brown has some (but not all) of the suggestions for warm-weather music here.
The winning slogan will be included in a logo and outreach materials. Slogans must be five words or less and include a form of the word recycle. Entry forms and more information on the contest can be found on ADEQ’s website, under the Hot Topics section on the homepage.
John Brown University will host a series of art workshops this summer.
The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services points to a handful of reasons as to why employment and unemployment numbers in the state keep improving. The Arkansas Supreme Court grants a stay on a Pulaski County Circuit Court ruling that allowed same-sex marriages to occur in the state last week, and Arkansas Tech's board of trustees approves tuition increases for the coming academic year.
"The Machine" by Garage A Trois
A study released by Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families says that the state’s juvenile detention system is broken. But as Jacqueline Froelich discovered, two Northwest Arkansas detention centers have found a fix.