
Ozarks At Large

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.
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.
Meredith Martin-Moats has this report on how some Little Rock residents have found new ways to continue gardening in the midst of a drought. You can read more of Meredith's work at her blog: The Boiled Down Juice.

Becca Martin Brown reminds us that the Tontitown Grape Festival is almost here and there is a new book will debut at this year's festival.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, February 10, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, four legislators from northwest Arkansas discuss the fiscal session that begins today in Little Rock. They’ll examine the chances the private option is or isn’t funded by the time lawmakers adjourn. We’ll also get a small preview of some of the musicians heading to Fayetteville this summer for the fifth edition of the Fayetteville Roots Festival.
Roby Brock, from our content partner Talk Business ands Politics, reports the state of Arkansas is targeting motorcyclists as potential tourists.
at end of show: "Keep on the Sunny Side" Roe Family Singers
Congressman Tom Cotton and Mark Pryor traded verbal blows late last week as each addressed the Delta Grassroots Caucus, which held its annual meeting in Little Rock. Enrollment in the state's Private Option continued to grow last month, as evidenced by a new report released by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and the University of Arkansas System moved forward with its future online university programs last week by hiring the school's first three employees.
"Shuckatoom" by American Top 40
Students begin to lose gains made throughout the academic year almost as soon as the final bell rings for summer vacation. An open forum tomorrow at the Jones Center in Springdale will address opportunities to keep students' minds active during out of school times. Many organizations will be involved, including the Arkansas Out of School Network.
Roby Brock, from Talk Business and Politics, says it was an especially busy week for economic matters in Arkansas, including Tyson Foods' attempt to acquire Hillshire Brands.
Children's House in Springdale is designed to help some of the youngest victims of abuse and neglect in northwest Arkansas.
"Twilight" by U2