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Ozarks At Large
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Arkansas's new state treasurer is reshaping policies of the office based on input from employees of the division. The 2014 fiscal year begins today with a new budget for the state, which includes increased spending for Medicaid and higher education. Today is the deadline for public input on the state's new voter ID law. Political commentators ruminate on Tom Cotton's chances for running a successful Senate campaign against Mark Pryor. And, Benton County starts looking at building a new courts building to replace the current one, built in 1928.
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In our weekly review of the headlines, we take a look at groups and organizations that are on the hook for more money, and one organization getting a sizable amount of money.
Former state treasurer Martha Shoffner talks to reporters on her way into the courtroom in Little Rock. Some state lawmakers wonder if Arkansas can cover the cost of the so-called private option when the state has to pick up part of the cost in a few years. And UAFS gets a sizable gift to help expand the college's nursing program.
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Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, March 31, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, a preview of an upcoming grief seminar for bereaved parents. Also, Fort Smith releases an annual report on its homeless community.
Dave Baer made the drive from near Ponca to the Carver Center for Public Radio for his first visit to Ozarks at Large. He talks about writing songs and plays a couple as well.
Still no House vote on the Private Option, though a House committee forwarded a Senate bill to leave the Lt. Governor's office vacant until November, and Axciom made it's third and potentially final round of layoffs, expected to save the company between 20 and 30 million dollars.
"Hope Springs Eternal" by Capecaillie
More than 200 Arkansas public schools this winter received a piece of a $7 million dollar cream pie, under the Arkansas School Recognition and Reward Program. As Jacqueline Froelich reports, two of the schools are in Huntsville’s District.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (www.agfc.com) is looking at buying a 42-acre plot of land north of Jasper to expand operations.
The Butterfield Trail Elementary Archery Team came in first place in a recent regional tournament. We meet the 24 member team during an after school practice as they prepare to head to the state tournament.