Wayne Bell closes out his personal entertainment picks of 2012 by discussing his favorite books and plays of the year.
Ozarks At Large
Arvest Bank announces its acquisition of several Bank of America branch banks, a famous Fort smith restaurant announces its plans for reopening, and the city of Fayetteville looks to trade paper for pixels.
On its surface, today's week in review may look like a retread of last week's, but these education stories offer a twist of innovation.

A new book collects scores of photographs of the history of Siloam Springs, including a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt.
For more on the Siloam Springs Museum, click here.
Professional baseball was in northwest Arkansas in the 1930s. The nearly-forgotten league is the subject of an upcoming book.

Here are the eleven elements of today's Christmas tree montage:
- Miles Davis' version of "O Christmas Tree"
- Mr. Wilson volunteers to cut down a tree in a 1961 episode of "Dennis the Menace"
- The Griswald Family goes a long way for the perfect tree in "Christmas Vacation"
- Brenda Lee's classic "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
- Charlie Brown selects a tiny, sad tree in the "CHarlie Brown Christmas Special"
- Tchaikovsky's "Christmas Tree" from "The Nutcracker Suite"
- Cindy Lou Who questions the Grinch
- Zuzu explains that bell ornament on the tree at the end of "It's A Wonderful Life"
- Elvis and "Blue Christmas"
- Festivus revealed on a classic episode of "Seinfeld"
- Wynton Marsalis gives "O Christmas Tree" a bit of New Orleans bounce
In a growing area such as Northwest Arkansas, schools are bound to make the news. The past week was full of education stories involving money in one way or another. Ozarks at Large’s Timothy Dennis takes a look back at a few of those stories.
Ground will be broken early this new year on a much-anticipated Northwest Arkansas highway project, known as the “Fayetteville Flyover” which will create easy access from North College Avenue to both the mall district and Interstate 540.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks: it's primary election day in Arkansas, and Roby Brock talks to three Republicans who are vying for their party's nomination for attorney general. Plus, the City of Fayetteville is looking toward the future as Baby Boomers continue to age. A new project wants the city to become an age-friendly place. And, in our monthly series on technology, we visit the VA hospital in Fayetteville, where new solar arrays aim to make the facility more sustainable.
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.