
Ozarks At Large

A new report released yesterday by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation finds that Arkansas had the fourth-highest rate of immigrant population in the United States during the first decade of this century. But while the state's immigrant population remains below the national average, the report also says that the growth has been beneficial to the state's economy.
Governor Mike Beebe urges Republican state legislators to look at all possible solutions to shore up the shortfall in the state's Medicaid system, though he stated he is against using one-time budget surplus funds to close the gap. The city of Fayetteville looks into selling a bit of land in an effort to clear an eyesore in the name of new commerce.
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.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, how the Office of Human Concern is helping low-income residents stay warm this winter. Plus, a conversation with a cast member of I Love Lucy Live on Stage.
Most Saturday mornings, a certain rural Huntsville resident, can be seen at the Madison County Recycling Center sorting plastics, cardboard and cans—faithfully doing his civic environmental duty. But what makes this recycler special? He’s a dog. Jacqueline Froelich reports.
"Butterflies" Chris Titchner and the Sunday Rain Dog
Theater Squared will offer its final full production its 8th season with Hamlet.
Last month, Irish blues singer Hozier released his "From Eden EP."
Here is the list of clips for our montage to the Nutmeg State:
1. Judy Garland and Bing Crosby sing Connecticut.
2. Connecticut native Gary Burghoff in his role as Radar on the TV series M*A*S*H.
3. Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis get acquainted in Beetlejuice...a movie set in Connecticut.
4. New Haven-born Moby performs Extreme Ways.
5. William Bendix promotes the 1949 film version of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. (written by one-time Connecticut resident Mark Twain).
6. Jane Curtain, another Connecticut native, on Saturday Night Live.
7. All About Eve starring Bette Davis, set in....Connecticut.
8. Another movie set in the state: Christmas in Connecticut.
9. And another set in the Constitution State; The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.
10. Karen Carpenter, a native, sings We've Only Just Begun.
An exhibit at the Shiloh Museum fir Ozark History showcases a mans collection of his own toys from the 1930s and 40s.
"'All of Your Toys" The Monkees