
Ozarks At Large

Governor Mike Beebe yesterday released the results of an investigation into the Arkansas Department of Community Correction, and that systemic problems exist within the department. Excess state revenue in October may be needed later this year, according to a state economist. Work gets underway at Fayetteville's Wilson Park, as renovations begin to the buildings at the park's pool. A longtime lobbyist for the U of A announces his retirement. And the Walton College of Business gets another favorable ranking.

We speak with Marcos Villatoro, the director of "Tamale Road," a documentary about his quest to find out more about his heritage.

Housing sales numbers for September show positive improvement in the housing market across Arkansas. Governor Beebe warns state lawmakers about the implications of defunding the state's Private Option expansion of Medicaid during the fiscal session in a few months. And Rogers-based Ozark Mountain Poultry opens a second facility in Batesville.


Becca Martin Brown tells us that the U.S. Marshals' Museum in Fort Smith will soon have a cornerstone ceremony for its hall of honor.
Here is the list for our montage on the 100th anniversary of the income tax in the United States:
1. The Beatles, of course, with Taxman.
2. John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, as the Blues Brothers, beat the tax deadline.
3. Johnny Cash sings After Taxes.
4. Robert De Niro's Al Capone thinks he can beat the tax rap in the (historically inaccurate) movie The Untouchables.
5. The Kinks' Sunny Afternoon.
6. Andy makes a reluctant partner in The Shawshank Redemption.
7. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings wonder What if We All Stopped Paying Taxes.
8. Errol Flynn challenges Claude Rains in Robin Hood.
9. A can't-miss plan is hatched by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder in the original version of The Producers.
10. Danny Kaye uses Irving Berlin's lyrics to proclaim I Paid My Income Tax Today.
Apologies to: Willie Nelson, James Brown, Billy Bragg, Johnny Paycheck and the makers of The Joe Louis Story. Maybe next time.
1. The Beatles, of course, with Taxman.
2. John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, as the Blues Brothers, beat the tax deadline.
3. Johnny Cash sings After Taxes.
4. Robert De Niro's Al Capone thinks he can beat the tax rap in the (historically inaccurate) movie The Untouchables.
5. The Kinks' Sunny Afternoon.
6. Andy makes a reluctant partner in The Shawshank Redemption.
7. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings wonder What if We All Stopped Paying Taxes.
8. Errol Flynn challenges Claude Rains in Robin Hood.
9. A can't-miss plan is hatched by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder in the original version of The Producers.
10. Danny Kaye uses Irving Berlin's lyrics to proclaim I Paid My Income Tax Today.
Apologies to: Willie Nelson, James Brown, Billy Bragg, Johnny Paycheck and the makers of The Joe Louis Story. Maybe next time.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, February 24, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large, the types of food establishments--restaurants, convenience stores, grocers, fast food businesses--that surround a school have an impact on childhood obesity. We speak to two U of A System Division of Agriculture researchers who make that claim. Plus, Habitat for Humanity Washington County completes its 50th home, Roby Brock has his Talk Business Arkansas update, Becca Martin Brown tells us What's Up, and more.
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.