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.
Ozarks At Large
Ahead on this edition of Weekend Ozarks, we'll hear wedding bells in our Sunday Morning Montage, and we'll talk about talking about faith. And, we visit two different buildings in downtown Fayetteville that have been around for about three-quarters of a century.
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.
A 2014 Artoshpere exhibit actually grows with help from the community. We visit one of six locations of these unique terrariums.
In our "What's in a Name?" series, we learn about George Peabody, the namesake of the UA's Peabody Hall Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, we conclude our series of conversations with candidates in primary races with GOP Congressional candidate Bruce Westerman. We also welcome Barrett Baber back into the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio to hear a new take on one of his songs.
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks: in an effort to facilitate further business success in Arkansas, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission has launched a new website, ArkansasFavorsTheBold.com. We'll have a conversation with Grant Tennille, that organization's executive director. Plus, the Fourth Congressional District, geographically the largest in the state is in the midst of a heated Republican race this primary season. We have part one in a series of conversations with each candidate.
In our "What's in a Name?" series, we learn about George Peabody, the namesake of the UA's Peabody Hall 
Planting and cultivating home vegetable gardens takes hard work and certain investment—in seeds, starts and soil amendments. And protecting that investment from varmints can also be expensive. One no-cost solution? The pallet.Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, many local businesses have received their starts as a mobile vendor before moving into a bricks and mortar location. A long-time Fayetteville store is doing the opposite now. We talk with Sidney of Sidney's Emporium. Plus, the cycle of Artosphere: artworks of festivals past are removed to make way for the new. And we learn three things about the Peace Corps and more.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, a roundtable discussion on workforce education in the state. And, and an effort to expand the footprint of Gulley Park.
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
