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.
Here are the elements of our flower montage for Sunday’s show:
1. Nat King Cole singing Ramblin’ Rose.
2. A skunk named Flower, courtesy of Bambi (from the film of the same name).
3. The Statler Brothers singing Counting Flowers on the Wall.
4. Chris Cooper describes the beauty of nature to Meryl Streep in the film Adaptation.
5. The Foundations with their one big hit, Build Me Up Buttercup.
6. Poppies! From Wizard of Oz.
7. Tiny Tim sings Tiptoe Through the Tulips during his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1968.
8. The killer Venus flytrap threatens Rick Moranis in the 1986 version of Little Shop of Horrors. Yes, the Venus flytrap does produce flowers.
9. Secretariat wins the 1973 Kentucky Derby (the “run for the roses”) in record time, 1:59 2/5.
10. Lynn Anderson sings I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.
Apologies to Charlie Rose, Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand, Poison, and all the romantic comedies ever where a guy gives a gal some roses. Maybe next time.
A new poll of Arkansas voters shows growing support for expanding Medicaid in the state, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is appointing a new member to its board of directors, and more.
“Two” by: Ratatat
Michael Tilley from TheCityWire.com discusses a new poll asking Arkansas voters about topics in front of legislators.
The 12th Annual Northwest Arkansas Soup Sunday benefiting Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is this Sunday from 4 - 7 p.m. in Springdale. OAL’s Christina Thomas spoke with Laura Kellams, director of the organization’s Northwest Arkansas office.
“Twenty-Two” by: Wakey! Wakey!
Becca Martin Brown, from Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, says there are musicals in Siloam Springs and Rogers and a classic Tennessee Williams play at the University of Arkansas included in a big theater weekend.
“Room 222” by: Ion Storm
