
Ozarks At Large


One Arkansas senator is pressing election officials to resolve issues with the state's voter ID law. Other legislators are pushing to prevent the state lottery commission from implementing video gambling games throughout the state. The FASTER Arkansas committee continues its push for changes in state law to allow public schools to connect to an existing, state-funded fiber optic network. And one Eureka Springs alderman is trying to move forward a decades-long debate on what to do about parking in that city's downtown area.

The first in a series of meetings looking at overhauling workforce development education in the state is held. Freidns of one Fayetteville park organize in order to potentially grow the large public amenity, and a series of meetings in coming weeks will show what's being done to mitigate the impairment of one local waterway.


Governor Mike Beebe yesterday officially issued the call for a special session of the state legislature. The Federal Reserve Bank released its quarterly Burgundy Book, which provides some insight into the health of the state's economy. hundreds of volunteers associated with World Changers are descending upon Fort Smith to help with some repairs to homes in the city. And the city of Fayetteville recently released a new Web application to help city residents find city information applicable to where they live in the city.


Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, the four men running for Arkansas governor weigh in on what they might do with the Private Option expansion if elected. And we hear from people trying to stop illegal dumping in counties across the region as well. We also hear comment from a ribbon cutting last night for a new stretch of trail in Fayetteville that will allow easier access to Mount Kessler and more.
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.