
Ozarks At Large

Arkansas receives recognition for its work to combat human trafficking in the state, and several new laws go into effect today.


Amina Figarova has 12 recordings and has performed with her quintet on the main stage of the Newport Jazz Festival. Friday night she closes the KUAF Summer Jazz Concert Series at Walton Arts Center.
The annual Secchi Day on Beaver Lake is this weekend. Events include a crowd-sourced process to test the clarity of the lake.

A water trail along the Arkansas River in Fort Smith allows canoeists and kayakers a chance to experience some wilderness inside the Fort Smith city limits.

An area school district that intended to arm teachers and other staff can no longer do so, after the board that issued a private security firm license to the Clarksville School District has revoked that license. The Arkansas State Police rolls out a fleet of new, more discreet cruisers. One of Springdale's farmers' markets closes, but could potentially reopen in the future. A non-profit aimed at serving women from disadvantaged situations gets ready to open in Rogers. And a new state law taking effect tomorrow means drivers will have to move over for more than just emergency personnel.

Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Ahead on Ozarks, the New Year brings an increased need for nurse practitioners in Arkansas. And 100 CEOs have given their opinions about what they think 2014 may have in store for businesses in Arkansas. Roby Brock, from our content partner Talk Business Arkansas, has the results of that survey. Plus some of the first live music in 2014 will be inside: we have a preview of a new festival in Eureka Springs that can be attended in stocking feet.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the third annual “Community Block Party” at the First United Methodist Church campus in downtown Springdale this weekend.
For more information, visit the church's website here.
Supporters of alcohol sales in Madison County turn in petitions for a ballot measure, the drought in Arkansas worsens, Benton County government may have to begin paying for rural ambulance service and more.
“You Run Marathons” by Colossal
Michael Tilley from thecitywire.com keeps us up to date on a petition drive in Fort Smith dealing with automated trash collection and more.
You can access TheCityWire here.
If you’ve traveled winding Highway 112 through Cave Springs in Benton County, you’ve passed by a pretty little forested lake. It’s a private place, with tons of history, natural features and a secret trove of unique creatures. That’s why members of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership hope to purchase it—and install a public sanctuary.
"Gold and Silver" by Toots and the Maytals
A behemoth of a roller coaster is being constructed at Silver Dollar City. Becca Martin Brown, Features Editor at Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, gives us the specifics of the monster ride as well as a checklist of activities this weekend in the region.