Tourism

Wayne Woods, the longtime cheerleader for Arkansas tourism and former CEO of advertising giant CJRW, has died at the age of 77 after an illness.

A new report from Heartland Forward shows that outdoor recreation in Arkansas is an increasingly important part of the state’s economy. The study shows outdoor recreation directly accounts for 2.5% percent of Arkansas GDP.

Recent shifts in immigration policy are creating some concern for parents of adopted children. On today's show, Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth talks with parents and an adoption attorney. Also, we learn the growing importance of outdoor recreation for Arkansas’ economy. Plus, a rare bird is generating excitement in Carroll County.

Talk Business and Politics' Michael Tilley Joins Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams to discuss headlines from this past week around the Arkansas River Valley.

The Buffalo National River is preparing to update its river management plan, and officials are seeking your input on its future. Until this Sunday, Sept. 15, interested parties may visit the National Park Service’s website to answer questions like ‘What makes the Buffalo National River special to you?’ Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis reached out to interpretive ranger Casey Johannsen to learn what’s changed since the park’s first management plan was introduced nearly 40 years ago.

Giants dressed in service station uniforms or topped with cowboy hats used to loom over Route 66. The fiberglass behemoths were designed to lure tourists. Most are gone now, but this weekend, a new Route 66 giant will be assembled in Galena, Kansas, outside Gearhead Curios. Yesterday, Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams asked the owner about the new giant and about what we might find inside Gearhead Curios.

On today's show, a charter school in Benton County hopes to heal the wounds of childhood trauma. Also, Sean Mason comes to Walton Arts Center this weekend with a whole host of musical influences in tow. Plus, a new giant will be guarding over Route 66 soon.

Bentonville Restaurant Week begins on Sunday, Aug. 18, and runs through Aug. 24. Ozarks at Large's Daniel Caruth spoke with Visit Bentonville about the upcoming events and the results of a recent restaurant study.

In this edition of Talk Business and Politics, Michael Tilley and Kyle Kellams discuss the rise of Van Buren's tourism, an ongoing audit regarding Fort Smith Animal Haven overcharging the city and trouble with selecting a new Fort Smith library director.

On today's show, a fundraiser in Springdale for rebuilding in Maui. Plus, a commemoration for Dickson Street. Also, We’ll also spend time with Michael Tilley from Talk Business and Politics and Courtney Lanning reviews the new animated film “The Boy and the Heron."