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.
Here is the list we'll call the "Congratulations Christina and Sam" montage:
The Marvelettes sing Going to the Chapel.
Luke and Laura get married on All My Children and live happily ever after. Just kidding, it was a soap opera.
Billy Idol pumps his fist to White Wedding.
Miss Piggy and Kermit come *this close* to marrying.
The Fifth Dimension and Wedding Bell Blues.
Steve Martin panics in the remake of the Father of the Bride.
Fred Astaire dances on the ceiling in Royal Wedding.
The ending of Four Weddings and a Funeral with Andie McDowell and Hugh Grant.
Sarah Harmer sings Open Window (the Wedding Song). Best song with wedding in the title, by the way.
Apologies to: Peter, Paul and Mary, Sex and the City (first movie), Wedding Crashers, Buddy Holly, and about one million other movies and songs. Maybe next time.
Members of the Arkansas Bar Association gathered in the state capitol yesterday to protest the influx of dark money, or out-of-state contributions from unknown sources and agendas, in the state's judicial elections. Plus, the USDA says that global climate change is having, and likely will continue to have an effect on agriculture in the country and in Arkansas.
"Bring Me Your Cup" by UB40
Our final conversation with a candidate in next week's primary election is with Bruce Westerman. He's seeking the GOP nomination for the 4th Congressional District.
The final tour for the Trey McIntyre Project stops in Fayetteville tonight.
"Quidditch World Cup" by Patrick Doyle
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Media, says the weekend is full of activities designed for the youngest among us.