
Ozarks At Large



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.



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.



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.
Even though the lovers' holiday isn't yet here, Becca Martin Brown has another activity.
"I Love You Period" by Dan Baird
The fiscal session of the Arkansas legislature continued yesterday, with talk about the Private Option and NOT talk of dealying Common Core implementation. The Washington county Sheriff's Office moves its enforcement and investigation divisions into the same space after remodeling 10,000 square feet of the department's east annex. The search for a missing Arkansas Forestry Commission pilot ended sadly yesterday. And Walmart is the latest in a string of multi-million dollar donors to the new Arkansas Music Pavilion under construction in Rogers.
"I Don't Believe It's Through" by Greg Laswell
Roby Brock from our content partner Talk Business Arkansas asks Governor Beebe questions submitted online by Arkansans.
When the Federal Communications Commission opened up licensing opportunities for thousands of new independent low-power non-commercial FM radio stations in 2010, several dozen Arkansas groups applied. In northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville Community Radio appears to have made the cut. We meet Joe Newman, station manager, and volunteers Olivia Hines and Moshe Newmark.
"Koud Edhaz Ernin" by Tinariwen
Becca tells us where we can go to make crafts for our valentines.