The third Downtown Rogers Restaurant Week includes chefs swapping kitchens and bartenders inventing drinks.
Ozarks At Large
The world’s largest retailer is testing a new convenient store format near the home office. And as Jacqueline Froelich reports, the company aims to corner a burgeoning quick check market, offering fresher faster, but at supply chain prices. 
We speak with a visitor communications specialist with the caverns to find out what precautions are being undertaken to insure the safety of the caves bats, other caves, and visitors. A new fellowship program in Arkansas aims to stem the flow of highly skilled college graduates from the state to other areas. And, two of the longer-operating hospital systems in the state announce a merger.
The latest revenue collections by the state came in again above what was originally forecast, while one gubernatorial candidate issues his plan to put mroe funding into Pre-K programs.
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, those amphibious harbingers of spring--frogs and toads--are being counted all over Arkansas. We'll find out how the frog watch works, and if the number of frogs in the state is diminishing. And, the AMP is being prepared for its first show. The seats aren't in yet, but work is going on almost around-the-clock to meet a June 1 completion date.
This month, visitors to a bustling Bentonville square can step inside the Visitor's Bureau to take in the serene landscapes of pastel artist Judy Howard.
We meet Tom Krohn, Arkansas Regional Coordinator for FrogWatch USA. Krohn hosts free workshops across the state, training citizen scientists to become certified frog listeners. He will be in Northwest Arkansasa April 8 & 15th at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. To learn more visit Arkansasfrogsandtoads.org.There have been spies and spying in American history since before the formation of the country. Our history doctor, Bill Smith, reminds us of a few historic episodes.
In January, the Old Fort Homeless Coalition held its annual Point-in-Time Count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless people in the community. Overall, the number of homeless in Fort Smith decreased from last year, though the need for a homeless campus is still apparent.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Friday, May 30, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, Michael Tilley talks about a potential multi-billion dollar acquisition by Tyson Foods and a less-than-expected participation rate for upcoming elections in the City of Fort Smith. And, a preview of two very different ways to spend tomorrow night: the rumble of monster trucks will be in Springdale, and music from the Artosphere Festival Orchestra will be in Fayetteville.
Bishop Gene Robinson, elected in 2003 as the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church will speak at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville February 9th and 10th. He took an early retirement from his post late last year and is now a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington D.C. We speak to him by phone about his life and vocation, in advance of his visit.
"Untitled" by Kaki King
A new exhibit at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale includes many items from the University of Arkansas Museum collection.
Foxygen, a duo of 22-year-olds who've been playing music together since high school, have a new album out called "We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Love." "Ozarks at Large's" Katy Henriksen reviews the upbeat album, which she deems a perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Here's a video for Foxygen's song "San Francisco."
An audit of the state's Medicaid program that was set to be released late last week has been held until later this week. Also later this week, Governor Mike Beebe is expected to meet with state lawmakers to discuss details of a $1.1 billion dollar project that would see Big River Steel bring a steel mill to Osceola. Plus, there are more bald eagles on Beaver Lake this year, as reported by a recent survey by the Army Corps of Engineers.
"Monday" by The Sea and The Cake
Two companies announce relocation and expansion plans that will bring several hundred jobs to Arkansas. Roby Brock of Talk Business Arkansas gives us the details in his weekly update
