Ahead on Weekend Ozarks, new outdoor workout equipment is installed, a new art exhibit opens and a new book is published.
Ozarks At Large
Jim Fairbanks’ new memoir examines his life since a diagnosis of type one diabetes.
More about the book at makesusstronger.com
In our weekly review of the headlines, we take a look at groups and organizations that are on the hook for more money, and one organization getting a sizable amount of money.
Jim Fairbanks’ new memoir examines his life since a diagnosis of type one diabetes.
More about the book at makesusstronger.com
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, an update on an agreement between Arkansas and Oklahoma to improve the Illinois River Watershed. Plus, trap shooting. Also, a tour of the second phase of construction at Fayetteville High School, a forum focused on the possibility of a growing green economy in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta Regions.
Oklahoma and Arkansas have battled for years in the press and courts about cleaning up the Illinois River, an impaired stream shared by both states. This winter they agreed to renew a pact to determine a scientific basis to clean the river. But as Jacqueline Froelich reports, Arkansas industrial interests have since issued letters to EPA requesting a suspension of the current clean water standard.
The Amazeum won't open until 2015, but Sam Dean, the director of the new science and learning museum, says that museum officials already have some idea of what the exhibits, and the building itself, will look like.
A group protesting construction of the Keystone XL pipeline in Oklahoma, including members from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and California, chain themselves to equipment at a construction site on the pipeline to prevent construction from moving forward. Officials in Central Arkansas lament a lack of access to documents related to the Mayflower Oil spill, leading to what they view as a lack of oversight. Rogers aldermen look to spend just more than $1 million on a trails project. And state officials draft a waiver that would allow the state to use federal Medicaid dollars for the state's so-called "private option" Medicaid expansion plan.
Michael Heffernan will read tomorrow night at Nightbird Books. We talk to him about his latest collection of poetry, "Walking Distance."
The state's Department of Corrections has announced it will make changes to the state's parole system following calls by Governor Beebe and others to strengthen the supervision and control of parolees in the state. While new unemployment numbers show a decline in the state's business sector, other areas have experienced growth. Opposition is mounting against the White River's designation as a National Blueway. And non-profit organizations looking to Rogers to host baseball tournaments will soon have to pay more to play.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks, raising the minimum wage in Arkansas. Plus, we have a report on regional accents.
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.