Becca Martin Brown, with Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says free talks this week will cover Ozark living, the Spiro Mounds and give you a chance to hear Newbery-Medal winning author Christopher Paul Curtis.
Ozarks At Large
Members of industry, government and education gathered yesterday for a career and technical education Summit in northwest Arkansas. The goal of the event was to determine how to meet the needs of the area's growing economy.
Music, cell phones and fishing are all being used to help raise money, food and awareness for area nonprofits.


Governor Mike Beebe yesterday issued a line-item veto on a tax exemption for sand used in oil and natural gas drilling. The state's top economist says that the latest unemployment numbers show positive growth in the state's economy. And the Siloam Springs board of directors is set to consider a liquor-by-the-drink ordinance.
Becca says a trash pop group and an Italian soprano are some musicians you can hear in northwest Arkansas this week.
Roby Brock, from our content partner Talk Business Arkansas recently talked with Tyson Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Donnie Smith.
Tyson Foods responds to issues raised in the new book The Meat Racket.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Friday, May 23, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, we take a look at a new study that analyzes high school graduation rates in Arkansas. Also Dick Johnson stops by the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio.
The U.S. Interior Department has unveiled a national strategy to combat a plague threatening cave bat populations across the United States, including in Arkansas. The plan’s release coincided with a major conference held in Little Rock, May 17th. Jacqueline Froelich reports.
“Afai Bowon” by King Sunny Ade
Tonight there will be a meeting at Fayetteville City Hall to discuss an effort to create a local food directory.
Those interested in the NWA Local Food Guide can email localfoodguidenwa@gmail.com.
Here are some examples of current food guides from around the country:
www.buyappalachian.org
www.lanefood.org/locally-grown.php
www.localtable.net/farm_guide/index.php
www.buylocalshenvalley.org
Becca reports from New Orleans on things to do in NOLA and Northwest Arkansas.
“Tipitina” by Professor Longhair
Wayne Bell, author of Culture Club for www.fayettevilleflyer.com previews the upcoming Tony Awards.
To hear more from this conversation, click here.
“Overture” by The King and I Orchestra
While in town to perform at the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series, Austin-based musician Patricia Vonne stopped by the studio for a chat and castanet lessons.