
Ozarks At Large

Arkansas receives recognition for its work to combat human trafficking in the state, and several new laws go into effect today.


Amina Figarova has 12 recordings and has performed with her quintet on the main stage of the Newport Jazz Festival. Friday night she closes the KUAF Summer Jazz Concert Series at Walton Arts Center.
The annual Secchi Day on Beaver Lake is this weekend. Events include a crowd-sourced process to test the clarity of the lake.

A water trail along the Arkansas River in Fort Smith allows canoeists and kayakers a chance to experience some wilderness inside the Fort Smith city limits.

An area school district that intended to arm teachers and other staff can no longer do so, after the board that issued a private security firm license to the Clarksville School District has revoked that license. The Arkansas State Police rolls out a fleet of new, more discreet cruisers. One of Springdale's farmers' markets closes, but could potentially reopen in the future. A non-profit aimed at serving women from disadvantaged situations gets ready to open in Rogers. And a new state law taking effect tomorrow means drivers will have to move over for more than just emergency personnel.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, the New Year brings an increased need for nurse practitioners in Arkansas. And 100 CEOs have given their opinions about what they think 2014 may have in store for businesses in Arkansas. Roby Brock, from our content partner Talk Business Arkansas, has the results of that survey. Plus some of the first live music in 2014 will be inside: we have a preview of a new festival in Eureka Springs that can be attended in stocking feet.
In the span of 35 years, The Austin Lounge Lizards have released 11 albums including one this year. The band has a loyal following around the country, and when they were in Fayetteville recently, they stopped by the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio for a live set on The Pickin' Post. Here's one of the songs from that set.
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.
"Vivian Leigh's Veins" by Kaki King
Two years ago we reported on plans by the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville to establish a comprehensive support program for students with high functioning autism. Nine students are now enrolled. The UA is among two-dozen colleges offering such services.
Some kids may like athletics or marching band, but one effort in Fayetteville aims to nurture the next generation of nerds in a positive atmosphere.
"A Streetcar Named Desire" by Kenny Burrell
Becca Martin Brown gives us the details of the big food and wine week in Eureka Springs.