
Ozarks At Large

The Washington Regional Medical Center board of directors accepted an offer by the Fayetteville Public Library to purchase the former City Hospital property for $2 million. Arkansas's U.S. Senators are hopeful about passing a farm bill when Congress reconvenes next month. The state's new voter ID law is being implemented by the Arkansas Secretary of State's office. Siloam Springs joins the list of area cities holding a special sales tax election this year. And the Northwest Arkansas metro area makes another list, this time for being one of the top real estate markets for wellness and wealth in the country.
Even though the 2013 minor league baseball and college football season aren't over (or even begun in the case of football) this week 2014 schedules were released.

Roby Brock talks to Kyle Kellams about possible political repercussions following the resignation of State Senator Paul Bookout.
Opposing sides give their views on the safety of oil pipelines. Central Park-Morning Star Elementary in Bentonville is named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School, while the Sebastian County Quorum Court appoints members to the Hartford School Board. And the city of Fort Smith replaces a record number of sidewalks this year.


Becca Martin Brown from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers says you can find entertainment here…and away.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, a task force on race is working in Harrison to discuss the past, present and future of that city. And a student organization at the University of Arkansas is working to make sure a small town in Belize will have an ample supply of safe water in the future.
Members of the Arkansas General Assembly selected a new Speaker of the House yesterday, and state officials assess Governor Mike Beebe's proposed 2013 budget. Also, Fayetteville Public Schools get thousands of federal dollars to help expand a program designed to bring locally farmed food to the cafeteria. And in Fort Smith, city administrators discuss the city's own budget for next year, which will include money for sidewalks.
"Prove It All Night" by CMH Musicians
Michael Tilley, from TheCityWire.com, addresses a busy week. There was positive news on housing prices and hospitality tax collections, Wal-Mart released earning numbers and there was intrigue at the State Capitol.
Many gathered yesterday in the Epley Building for Health Professions on the University of Arkansas campus as the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing received the George M and Boyce W Billingley endowed chair. The school also welcomed Dr. Pegge Bell as its new director.
Fayetteville is one of the cities worldwide hosting an event in support of people displaced by the violence in Syria.
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says the Lights of the Ozarks are turned on tomorrow night . . . and then the holiday cascade begins.