The plans for the Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery in Centerton began in the middle of the Great Depression, long before large man-made lakes were part of the landscape in northern Arkansas. The hatchery has been a part of Benton County for years, but in coming ones a replacement could be built near Highfill.
Ozarks At Large
A spokesman for Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin says that the office should be able to use outside counsel that questions the office's compliance with the state's Freedom of Information Act. Benton County officials continue to assess damage done by recent floods, with the cost of said damage estimated at $5 million and rising. The same rains that caused damage in Benton County has given a rare opportunity to floaters of the Buffalo River. And while yesterday's elections resulted in a runoff next month in Springdale, voters in Paris and Huntsville approved more taxes in their own cities.
Ahead on Ozarks: trying to weigh all of the factors that could have an effect on Arkansas’ economy for the rest of 2013 and into 2014, including home sales, employment numbers, civic infrastructure, the Farm Bill and more. Roby Brock hosts a roundtable to discuss the state of the state’s economy. Plus we continue our series on what the Affordable Care Act may mean for Arkansas with a report about how an insurance company is preparing for change. And our monthly wrap up of visual arts in the region.
A Facebook group for artists becomes an organization. The works of members of the artists collective, Goop Troupe, will be on display this month at the Anne Kittrell Art Gallery at the University of Arkansas
Roby Brock, from Talk Business Arkansas, invited guests to his table to talk about what is working…and what isn’t…when it comes to Arkansas’ economy.A half-dozen insurance companies are competing to be listed on Arkansas's new Health Insurance Marketplace, a top action item under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
A contender provides us their take on selling insurance products in the new era of health reform.
Governor Mike Beebe says that while four sites are currently under consideration for a new state veterans' home, that potential still exists for other options should they arise. And, the Seville Hotel in Harrison is back on the market, some seek denied school transfer requests to be overturned in Little rock, an awareness campaign aims to decrease drivers illegally passing school buses and Mark Darr sets off another waterfall of political candidacies with his announcement that he will run for Congressman Tom Cotton's seat in Washington next year.
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks: the musical instruments that could only be made Ed Stilley. He created his guitars, mandolins and fiddles by hand…and used springs, saw blades and Dixie cups to construct them. We'll hear about a new exhibit of his instruments opening soon at Walton Arts Center and we'll hear a new song written about him, played on two of the instruments he made. Plus crystal Bridges Museum of American Art prepares for the one millionth visit and an update on an ambitious effort by the Old Fort Homeless Coalition.
Still on the Hill will curate (and perform at the launch of) a new exhibit of instruments made in unique Ozarks style.
From Dickson Street and beyond, the week is shaping up to be a good one for live music, according to Becca Martin Brown of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Friday, February 14, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks: Michael Tilley from The City Wire helps us keep with the moving pieces in the puzzle that is the 2014 Arkansas election. Plus last-minute Valentine’s Day plans courtesy of Becca Martin Brown from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers and Shannon Wurst explains one inspiration for writing love songs.
Comic Book Stores and Libraries around the region will be participating in National Free Comic Book Day. 52 special editions are available this year. Ozarks at Large’s Christina Thomas visited a participating venue and has this report.
"Batman Theme" by The Ventures
Jayme Stone's Room of Wonders will be playing about Northwest Arkansas and helped us kick off Artosphere by stopping by the studio.
Fourth District Representative Tom Cotton has been making the media rounds lately, and a recent article in Politico credits the Congressman with creating interest for a possible Senate run next year. Nancy Pelosi speaks in Little Rock, Arkansas' reputation for cycling improves, and outdoor events at tonight's First Thursday in Fayetteville are cancelled because of the unfavorable weather forecast, though the indoor shows go on.
"Intro" by xx
The Arkansas legislature passed Act 1160 this session intended to blunt animal rights activist incursions on factory animal operations. Although the Arkansas measure was mostly gutted, the intent reflects a growing “ag gag” movement. (Correction: a dozen bills have been proposed this year, not all have been enacted, as originally reported).
The Devil’s Eyebrow, near Beaver Lake, is formally dedicated as a natural area tomorrow. The land is home to several native species not found anywhere else in Arkansas.
