The Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace begin enrolling residents for coverage yesterday, though demand was so high it made it difficult for many to access the Web site for the exchange. The effects of the federal shutdown are still being weighed, including the shutdown of National Wildlife Refuges and the eventual impacts on research at the University of Arkansas. And a statewide prescription drug take-back program grows with sixty more drop-off locations added across the state yesterday.
Ozarks At Large


From fishing for a cure, cycling at Hobbs State Park and more, there are several opportunities to get out and enjoy the fall weather.
Maser, an artist from Ireland, was back in Arkansas to work on another new piece of public art.

Governor Mike Beebe speaks about potential effects the federal government shutdown will have on Arkansas, while the state Department of Health works out a deal with the USDA to keep a nutrition program running for now. And the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace begins open enrollment today even with the federal government shutdown in place.
Tonya Lewis Lee helped bring Christopher Paul Curtis' novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham to Tv this month. Tonight the film is being shown, for free, at Bentonville High School and today we talked with Ms. lee about the project that premiered earlier this month on the Hallmark Channel.


Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Monday, March 10, 2014
On this edition of Ozarks, an accusation over teaching creationism at school is raising questions regarding charter authorization in Arkansas. Plus, problems caused by pythons in the Everglades.
Two groups announce intentions to file suit to block a new law that they say would make it more difficult to circulate petitions to get initiatives on the general election ballot. Two area schools get recognized, one for ESL proficiency and the other for overall achievement. And the Joe Martin Stage Race gets underway, with cycling traffic set to peeve some motorists on certain area roads this weekend.
Arkansas has one of the highest rates of prescription painkiller abuse among 12- to 25-year-olds. Tomorrow's Prescription Drug Takeback Day, with disposal centers set up across the state, aims to reduce the problem.
The fifteenth-annual living history tour of Oak Cemetery is Sunday. Portrayals of Fort Smith's past residents, prominent and not, all tell a story of the city's history.
Becca Martin Brown tells us that several odd or out of the ordinary events are taking place in the coming week.