
Ozarks At Large

Republican leaders of Arkansas' legislature met with the media yesterday to discuss their plans to shore up the state's Medicaid system during the upcoming legislative session. Fort Smith looks to purchase property for a new recreational facility, the first of its kind in the city. And Fayetteville is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the nation.

If your new year's resolutions include shedding a few extra pounds or rocking out Becca Martin Brown has a couple of suggested activities for you.
Kevin Jones is a professor of english and rhetoric at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, but his new book uncovers parts of the city's history, using pictures from postcard to tell the story. Ozarks at Large's Timothy Dennis spoke with Dr. Jones about the book.
A new program in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas aims to address teacher shortages in Arkansas schools by placing fellows in classrooms as early as fall 2013. Ozarks at Large's Christina Thomas speaks with the program's director Benton Brown and faculty director Gary Ritter.
Mitchell Communications Group announced late last week that it had been acquired by Dentsu, a 111-year-old firm founded in Japan with headquarters in Tokyo and New York City. Just a few hours after the announcement Ozarks at Large’s Kyle Kellams talked to Elise Mitchell, the founder and CEO of Mitchell Communications.
The newest member of Arkansas's Congressional delegation justifies his opposition to President Obama's nomination of Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense. A former Arkansas Congressman announces his intentions to run for governor in 2014. And the current governor urges more Arkansans to become organ donors.

Becca Martin Brown is excited about a new book club, which will look at some interesting art artifacts at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large, we take a closer look at soybean research in the Natural State. Plus, we mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
Tyson Foods announced declining income in its third quarter earnings call, a section of Lake Fayetteville trail could potentially be moved, three Razorbacks move on to semifinals in London, and more.
“Steeplechase” Charlie Parker
Extracting methane from shale preserves locked deep underground in north Central Arkansas requires tremendous amounts of water, diverted from streams and rainwater catchments. But what is the effect on aquifers during prolonged drought?
Fifty years ago, the Delta was the economic engine for Arkansas. Skip Rutherford, the Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, says it is still an important part of the state.
For more information, visit talkbusiness.net.
“Rowing Song” by Patty Griffin
Thousands of people are expected to attend the third annual “Community Block Party” at the First United Methodist Church campus in downtown Springdale this weekend.
For more information, visit the church's website here.
The staff at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Academy of the Arts is already noticing the end of summer. Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell says this semester offers more than any previous term.
Audition dates for upcoming ensembles at UAFS Academy include:
Teen Theater, Scrooged, The Musical: August 14, 16, 21, 23 6-8pm.
Teen Honor Choir and Teen Jazz Vocal: August 23, 5-8pm and August 25 9am-noon
Instrumental music auditions for grades 4th and up: August 23 5-8pm and Augustr 25th 9am-noon.
For more information, visit the academy's website here.
“Discus” by Inoran