Ozarks at Large

We pay a visit to the new culinary institute, named Brightwater, that's currently under construction in Bentonville. We also hear from two state legislators about potential prison reforms that could be addressed by the state legislature in 2017. And, we hear highlights from yesterday's meeting of the Arkansas Public Service Commission regarding proposed changes for net metering rates for alternative energy producers in the state.

We get a preview of a panel that aims to explain the ballot initiatives facing Arkansas voters in November. Also, we speak with a local bladesmith who will be featured on a national reality show focused on that trade. And, our Militant Grammarian returns to demystify the rules regarding prepositions.

On today's program, we hear why certain utilities are in favor of changes that would see small-scale solar energy producers pay more surcharges to utilities, while alternative energy advocates stand in opposition. Also, we explore the laws regarding traffic stops, and we learn what is and isn't required of those who have been stopped.

We hear highlights from a topping out ceremony at the new Northwest campus of Arkansas Children's Hospital, and we speak with the playwright, director, and artistic director of a play new to northwest Arkansas that will be staged at 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville this weekend.

We hear why clowns, acrobats, and wire walkers will soon be in Springdale, we hear about three grandmothers living in the Buffalo River Watershed who are appealing the wastewater permit for a controversial swine breeding farm, and we learn the latest on how state lawmakers aim to trim millions of dollars from the state's Medicaid budget and how mental therapy covered by the program will be affected.

Roby Brock weighs in to give some analysis of the candidates' performances at last night's Presidential debate. Also, we learn about a program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that issues microloans to help fund youth agricultural ventures.

We hear how some providers of end-of-life care in northwest Arkansas are beginning to offer hospice services for children. Also, we learn about how some in Bentonville are getting fit this week, and we get the latest poll numbers regarding several issues in Arkansas, including medical marijuana.

We sit down with multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins to talk about old-time music, cultural awareness, Andy Kaufman, and his career with The Carolina Chocolate Drops and Rhiannon Giddens. Also, Roby Brock gives us context for the Presidential race as it enters the home stretch with two of his political observers.

We learn how a shortage of volunteers has caused the Arkansas Crisis Center to reduce hours for its suicide prevention hotline. We also learn about the famed Fulbright Triptych, the creator of which, Simon Dinnerstein, is in northwest Arkansas to talk about the 40-year-old masterpiece.

John Two-Hawks stops by the KUAF studios to talk about his new album, and to give us a sample of the music contained on that album. Also, we learn about one organization taking part in the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ motorcycle rally that works to create a safer environment for abused children.