Missouri State University Ozarks Studies

16/06/2018

Are these the worst cities to live in? Study looks at quality of life across the U.S.

We made the top ten! -- of worst cities to live in. The Ozark region's largest city is one of the nation's worst to live in, according to this study. At least we're ahead of St. Louis. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/06/13/50-worst-cities-to-live-in/35909271/

24/7 Wall St. created an index with measures in eight categories -- crime, economy, education, environment, health, housing, infrastructure, and leisure -- to identify the 50 worst cities to live in.

14/06/2018

Why Aesthetes Should Consider a Trip to Bentonville, Arkansas, and the Ozarks | Architectural Digest

Aesthetes. Athletes. Whoever. They're all welcome in the Ozarks. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/bentonville-arkansas-and-ozarks-design-travel-guide

This once-derided region is now rife with travel-worthy art and design, first-rate dining, and sublime natural beauty

13/06/2018

Hillbilly Hellraisers: Federal Power and Populist Defiance in the Ozarks

If you missed part one of Mike Doyle's interview with historian Blake Perkins on the subject of his book, "Hillbilly Hellraisers," you can catch part two tomorrow at 1:00 on "Arkansas Roots" on KASU radio, kasu.org. https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/48brm8tn9780252041372.html

How Ozark residents have seen and lived resistance to the federal government

01/06/2018

The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters died out decades ago. Now, it's being revived

Sorry we didn't get this posted before the spring meeting, but here's an interesting piece on the revival of an Ozarks classic. https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/05/30/discovery-defunct-society-ozarkian-hillcrofters-leads-its-revival/656023002/

After Curtis Copeland's discovery, people interested in the Ozarks joined him to help his project.

30/05/2018

Asa Hutchinson (1950–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Did you know? When Hickory County native and Polk County resident Mike Parson replaces Eric Greitens as governor of Missouri on Friday, it will mark the first time in more than sixty-one years that Missouri and Arkansas have simultaneously had governors who are natives of the Ozarks. Way back when it was Phil Donnelly (Laclede Co., MO) and Orval Faubus (Madison Co., AR). We look forward to the development of Missouri's online encyclopedia, but for now here's a sketch of Arkansas's current governor, a native of Benton County: http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=4517

William Asa Hutchinson first gained national attention as the youngest district attorney in the nation in 1982. He went on to represent the Third District of Arkansas in Congress as a Republican from 1997 to 2001, resigning his post on August 6, 2001, to become the director of the Drug Enforcement A...

25/05/2018

Another Ozarks history/murder book on the way, from author Connie Yen.

25/05/2018

Remembering Ella

On the way are a couple of new books on real-life Ozarks murder stories. Here's one of them, from author Nita Gould. https://www.rememberingella.com/

23/05/2018

Bald Knobber, the Movie Premiere

Premiering at Branson's Mansion Theater on June 3, "Bald Knobber, The Movie". https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3431128

The premiere showing of Bald Knobber, the Movie at the Mansion Theater, Branson, MO

23/05/2018

OPT and KSMU Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Ozarks Watch Video Magazine with Radio Features

Some snippets from past shows: http://ksmu.org/post/opt-and-ksmu-celebrate-20th-anniversary-ozarks-watch-video-magazine-radio-features

In this segment, Ozarks Watch Video Magazine host, Jim Baker, talks with historian, Ed McKinney, and radio broadcast historian, Wayne Glenn, about a

22/05/2018

Opera in the Ozarks announces 2018 summer season

'Tis the season, almost. https://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2018/05/09/opera-in-the-ozarks-announces-2018-summer-season/

There are 19 performances scheduled at Opera in the Ozarks’ mountainside venue at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs and three Sunday matinees at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale.

20/05/2018

Ozark Mountain Daredevils release first new album in 21 years

One of the region's all-time greatest contributions to the world of music -- back at it. https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/05/17/ozark-mountain-daredevils-release-new-album-off-beaten-path/596260002/

18/05/2018

Step Back In Time

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the grand opening of Dogpatch, USA, the backwoods Arkansas theme park based on Al Capp's popular comic strip, "Lil' Abner". Fitting then that the first feature-length documentary chronicling the park's story premiers tonight in Harrison, Ark. http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2018/may/13/step-back-in-time-20180513/

The story has to start way back in 1934, when a cartoonist named Al Capp envisioned a place called Dogpatch.

18/05/2018

The life of David Leong: From an arranged marriage in China to a place called Missouri

Part one of a story of a Springfield living legend. https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/05/16/chinese-immigrant-david-leong-arranged-marriage-wwii-springfield-missouri/401452002/?hootPostID=259c6abc2ed94785125d6f26b43133e2

David Leong emigrated from China in 1940, leaving his family behind. He started with $2, but would become a prominent figure in Springfield.

17/05/2018

OzarksWatch Video Magazine | Programs | Ozarks Public TV

The broadcast premiere of the 20th anniversary special is coming up next week on OPT. http://www.optv.org/programs/ozarkswatch-video-magazine/

This fall marks the 20th anniversary of one of our most popular programs – OzarksWatch Video Magazine. Over the past two decades, the show has brought us great interviews, beautiful locations across the Ozarks, performances from local artists, stories of our collective history, and time-honored tr...

14/05/2018

REX NELSON: Raising hell in the Ozarks

Rex Nelson on Blake Perkins's "Hillbilly Hellraisers": http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/may/13/raising-hell-in-the-ozarks-20180513/

Historian Blake Perkins begins and ends his book on the history of defiance in the Ozarks with events I remember well. He starts with a violent episode in Lawrence County that ended the life of extremist Gordon Kahl in the summer of 1983. He ends with the rise of the Tea Party almost three decades l...

12/05/2018

Marble hunting gains popularity in the Ozarks and worldwide

Time to get out your taw and mibs and knuckle down. A lot of us probably come across old marbles while gardening or doing yard work, but this fad seems a little more deliberate. http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Marble-hunting-gains-popularity-in-the-Ozarks-and-worldwide--482422201.html

Hiding and hunting marbles is an interesting and unique hobby that's become very popular.

05/05/2018

Televangelist Jim Bakker calls his Missouri cabins the safest spot for the Apocalypse

For long-term investment in the Ozarks: http://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article210538069.html

Televangelist Jim Bakker suggests if you want to survive the end of days, buy one of his Morningside cabins in Blue Eye, Missouri, near Branson. Bakker promoted the Ozarks church community on "The Jim Bakker Show" on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

03/05/2018

OzarksWatch Video Magazine | Programs | Ozarks Public TV

Twenty seasons and still going strong. http://www.optv.org/programs/ozarkswatch-video-magazine/

This fall marks the 20th anniversary of one of our most popular programs – OzarksWatch Video Magazine. Over the past two decades, the show has brought us great interviews, beautiful locations across the Ozarks, performances from local artists, stories of our collective history, and time-honored tr...

02/05/2018

“Dogpatch: An Average Stone-Age Community” — Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 2pm — #FilmsAtTheLyric! – The Historic Lyric Theater – Harrison, Arkansas

Just a little more than two weeks away from the premiere of "Dogpatch: An Average Stone-Age Community" at the Durand Center in Harrison. Or you can catch a matinee the following day at the Lyric on the square. http://thelyricharrison.org/2018/04/04/dogpatch-an-average-stone-age-community-saturday-may-19-2018-at-2pm-filmsatthelyric/

Tickets on sale now!Click here to choose your tickets and get the best seats! Jeff Carter Productions New Documentary:Dogpatch: An Average Stone-Age Community Saturday, May 19 at 2:00PM Jeff Carter Productions will present a new documentary on “the history, excitement and entertainment that was, a...

30/04/2018

Call for Proposals

Looking forward to the 12th annual Ozarks Studies Symposium in West Plains in September. Here's the call for proposals. https://ozarksymposium.wp.missouristate.edu/call-for-proposals.htm

The Ozarks Studies Committee of Missouri State University-West Plains seeks proposals for its 12th annual symposium to be held in the West Plains Civic Center on September 20-22, 2018. The theme of the 2018 symposium is "Social Architecture and Foundations of the Ozarks." This broad theme is intende...

30/04/2018

The new issue of OzarksWatch Magazine is out, just in time to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft's adventure in the Ozarks.

25/04/2018

Wallop'n Monsters: Eve of the Ozarks

A little something fun. http://kuaf.com/post/wallopn-monsters-eve-ozarks

Listen Listening...

15/04/2018

Andy Ostmeyer: Searching for the real American value along an Ozarks river

Rivers of the Ozarks, then and now, changes and challenges. http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/lifestyles/andy-ostmeyer-searching-for-the-real-american-value-along-an/article_c5bed82e-2c23-58bd-80fa-854e7a90b619.html

WELCH SPRING — Maybe it would have been better if ’possum hadn’t been on the menu.

10/04/2018

Fall '18. Back in the classroom after a five-year hiatus. Tell your favorite MSU undergrad.

09/04/2018

Living Ozarks: Celebrating Our Ecology and Culture in Words and Music

Tonight in the PSU Theater at MSU. https://calendar.missouristate.edu/viewevent.aspx?eventid=98059&occurrenceid=185694

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, April 09, 2018 - Plaster Student Union, Robert W. - Room: Theater

02/04/2018

Sense of Community

If you missed KSMU's week of programming on Firearms in the Ozarks, here you go: http://ksmu.org/programs/sense-community

From poverty concerns to major policy decisions, this series dives beyond the headlines to provide in-depth coverage of issues facing people and

25/03/2018

Why Bank of the Ozarks is changing its name - Tampa Bay Business Journal

And just when Jason Bateman was giving the regional name a little cachet. Apparently the folks down at headquarters don't watch Netflix -- or maybe they do. https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/03/16/why-a-bank-with-a-big-tampa-bay-presence-is.html

The bank is rebranding to reflect its growing footprint.

22/03/2018

A black woman won her freedom in court. Then Springfield’s founders beat her in a street.

Greene County, MO archivist Connie Yen, one of the first students in MSU's Ozarks Studies program when it started back in 2010, discovered the long-forgotten story of Milly's suit for her freedom and the mistreatment she endured because of it. Read it here: https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2018/03/21/springfields-founder-incited-1836-mob-beat-free-black-woman-ransacked-governors-ho-court-records-sho/732398001/

An archivist, a librarian and a historian shed light on rediscovered court documents involving Springfield's founder and a free black woman.

22/03/2018

First edition of ‘Ozarks’ now available

A new glossy magazine for the Ozarks. Now what to call it? http://harrisondaily.com/ozarks_magazine/first-edition-of-ozarks-now-available/article_a8634430-2313-11e8-8d8c-435f5e625e59.html

It seems spring is just around the corner and we are all excited about getting back outdoors to resume the activities that make the Ozarks such a perfect place to

20/03/2018

Dogpatch Documentary Film Premiere Event and Showing | Buy Tickets | Ticketbud

The premiere of the documentary, "Dogpatch U.S.A.: An Average Stone-Age Community", will be at the Durand Center in Harrison, Ark., May 18. https://ticketbud.com/events/2bc1532c-23fe-11e8-83e9-1f0d04aea7fd

Dogpatch Documentary Film Premiere Event and Showing - May 18, 2018 at Harrison, AR 72601, USA. Find event and ticket information on Ticketbud.

09/03/2018

Why a white town paid for a class called ‘Hispanics 101’

The Ozarks received an influx of Louisiana folks after Katrina. More geographically unlikely, but perhaps there could be a Maria influx as well. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/why-a-white-town-paid-for-a-class-called-hispanics-101/2018/03/07/ca37a44a-1cd1-11e8-ae5a-16e60e4605f3_story.html?utm_term=.1b0f9d6c5981

Branson, Mo., teaches the town’s employers how to lure workers from storm-ravaged Puerto Rico.

06/03/2018

The Lost Cave of the Ozarks

The region gets its own computer game. Even if you're not a gamer, this'll be interesting. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rubbergardener/the-lost-cave-of-the-ozarks

Explore the forgotten history and deepest, darkest secrets of The Lost Cave of the Ozarks.

04/03/2018

Oil painting exhibit celebrates Ozarks

Painting a found home in the Ozarks. https://www.westplainsdailyquill.net/features/arts_and_entertainment/article_82951548-1e69-11e8-ab01-1395d956f79d.html

The Willow Springs Arts Council will present an exhibit of original oil paintings by Ozark artist Lee Copen from March 10 through 24 on the second floor of the Ferguson

28/02/2018

Reclusive Ozarks Commune Operates Under Veil of Violence

Unexpected? Troubling? Interesting, to say the least -- and not your typical story out of the Ozarks. http://kuaf.com/post/reclusive-ozarks-commune-operates-under-veil-violence#stream/0

The Purple People have inhabited the reclusive Nahziryah Monastic Community, deep in the Ozarks wilderness of Marion County, for more than 20 years. Led by

23/02/2018

Historian Talks Hillbilly Hellraiseres

Very late notice, but if you happen to be in NW Arkansas this afternoon stop by and see and hear Blake Perkins talk about "Hillbilly Hellraisers". https://news.uark.edu/articles/41015/historian-talks-hillbilly-hellraiseres

J. Blake Perkins, assistant professor of history at Williams Baptist College, will give a lecture on Ozark defiance at 4:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in Gearhart Hall Auditorium, Room 26.

22/02/2018

Old-time Ozarks music gathering | Ozark County Times

It'll be worth fighting the weather for -- Gainesville on Saturday morning. http://www.ozarkcountytimes.com/news-local-news/old-time-ozarks-music-gathering

Old-time Ozarks music gathering Wed, 02/21/2018 - 1:37pm admin The Ozark County Historium in Gainesville will host an old-time music get-together at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. The event, honoring Ozarks gatherings such as the McClurg music jam, pictured here, will begin with a discussion about old-t...

20/02/2018

Answer Man: Where exactly is 'the Ozarks'? Reader has lived here 55 years and doesn't know

Just where is the Ozarks, anyhow? Everyone has an opinion. https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/02/18/answer-man-when-people-say-ozarks/338906002/

Are you trying to tell me that part of Kansas and maybe even Illinois is part of 'the Ozarks'?

15/02/2018

How Armadillos Ended Up At Lake Of The Ozarks (And Three Incredible Abilities That Help Them Survive)

Money washers for the Mexican drug cartels -- and armadillos. The Lake of the Ozarks continues to draw visitors from way down south. https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/lake_news/how-armadillos-ended-up-at-lake-of-the-ozarks-and/article_389b18b8-10fc-11e8-8e7e-771710f92172.html

Native to the rainforest, these critters have some bizarre abilities.

15/02/2018

Three Events to Celebrate Opening of Opera in the Ozarks Archives

Most of us may prefer our music opry style, but there are other things going on in the Ozarks. Here's one that's been going on for a long time -- long enough to build an archival collection. https://news.uark.edu/articles/40915/three-events-to-celebrate-opening-of-opera-in-the-ozarks-archives

The University Libraries, the Department of Music and the Opera in the Ozarks are partnering to host a three-part series of events to celebrate the opening of the Opera in the Ozarks archives.

13/02/2018

A Few Stories From The Ozarks

You can never get enough of Marideth Sisco. http://ksmu.org/post/few-stories-ozarks#stream/0

TOH 2-18 This is Marideth Sisco for These Ozark Hills. Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday we were welcoming in the New Year, and now February has come up

13/02/2018

PB native's photos document Ozarks society, culture

From the other side of the region -- that is, from the perspective of the Springfield Plain. https://www.semissourian.com/story/2483779.html

"We catched fish and talked, and we took a swim now and then to keep off sleepiness," is a quote from Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It is also the inspiration for Poplar Bluff native Kayla Huett, who uses photography to document the essence of life in rural Missouri...