Missouri State University Ozarks Studies

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...

11/02/2018

A family's stories: King Davis family subject of photo exhibit

Didn't see this in time to get you to the premiere, but the exhibit should be up for a while. Intriguing story of one of the last African-American communities in the rural Ozarks. https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/02/08/familys-stories-king-davis-family-subject-photo-exhibit/319269002/

Davis was an African-American farmer who owned over 1,000 acres in Wright County in the early 1900s.

10/02/2018

Book TV Fayetteville Arkansas, Feb 3 2018 | Video | C-SPAN.org

C-SPAN's Book TV in Fayetteville. https://www.c-span.org/video/?440640-1/book-tv-fayetteville-arkansas

C-SPAN's Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) make a stop in their '2018 LCV Cities Tour' in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to feature the history and literary life of the community.

10/02/2018

The famous and sometimes dubious Ozark Hillbilly Medallion

Who knew there were so many honorary hillbillies? http://ccheadliner.com/opinion/the-famous-and-sometimes-dubious-ozark-hillbilly-medallion/article_5085ea7c-0844-11e8-a9d7-c76f760a35ca.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share

MOzarkers have long had a love-hate relationship with the stereotypical and dismissive term “hillbilly.” Once used derisively, and now used as a marketing tool by area businesses who cater to

09/02/2018

Book TV Springfield Missouri, Jan 6 2018 | Video | C-SPAN.org

C-SPAN spent a lot of time in the Ozarks before and after Christmas. In case you missed C-SPAN's Springfield weekend last month, here's a link to the network's Book TV programming. https://www.c-span.org/video/?438751-1/book-tv-springfield-missouri

C-SPAN's Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) make a stop in their '2017 LCV Cities Tour' in Springfield, Missouri, to feature the history and literary life of the community.

01/02/2018

An 'epidemic of despair' is killing white people in the Ozarks, experts say

The latest on the state of the post-industrial Ozarks. http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2018/01/24/epidemic-despair-whites-ozarks-dying-greater-rates/1051913001/

31/01/2018

Ozarks Noir: Why pop culture loves rural Missouri

Is any publicity good publicity? And how about "Ozarks noir"? Just good fiction, or cultural slandering? http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/books/article196716564.html

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is the latest piece of pop culture set in the Ozarks. Others: Netflix’s “Ozark,” “Gone Girl” and “Winter’s Bone.”

24/01/2018

Restoration to begin on Ozark Mill

Interesting news in historic preservation. http://ccheadliner.com/news/restoration-to-begin-on-ozark-mill/article_ebce6cb2-0073-11e8-b722-9b37babb8c8e.html

“Finally.” That word seemed to be a central theme on various Facebook posts Jan. 17 after noted conservationist and Ozarks native Johnny Morris announced plans to begin efforts to restore

22/01/2018

USPS considers reopening Zanoni post office | Ozarks Alive

Another interesting story from the region's busiest and best chronicler. What's the most important institution for a rural community's survival and identity? http://www.ozarksalive.com/usps-considers-reopening-zanoni-post-office/

12/01/2018

Some love for the Ozarks: ‘Best new attraction’ and one of the top cities to visit

Worth the wait? Reckon so. Wonders of Wildlife named best new attraction of 2017 by USA Today. Better than the Evel Knievel Museum and Elvis Presley's Memphis. http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article193980654.html

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum in Springfield was named the country’s best new attraction by USA Today, and Branson was named among best places to visit in the world by The New York Times.

09/01/2018

Ozarks couple pleads guilty to trafficking ginseng

We don't see a lot of headlines for "sang" arrests -- or for the arrests of septuagenarian couples. http://www.ky3.com/content/news/Ozarks-couple-pleads-guilty-to-trafficking-ginseng-467466153.html

The case dates back to 2013.

09/01/2018

Seems fitting on the 8th of January to mention that 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the release of Jimmy Driftwood's first RCA album, the one that featured his original version of "The Battle of New Orleans". The archives at the University of Central Arkansas, Jimmy's alma mater, houses a massive collection of his papers and items. http://uca.edu/archives/m98-02-jimmy-driftwood-collection/

18/12/2017

Dogpatch USA Documentary Film

Coming this spring -- a documentary recounting the colorful quarter-century of Dogpatch, USA. Look for the premiere in Harrison in May 2018 and follow the doc's progress at https://www.facebook.com/DogpatchUSA.documentary/.

This Dogpatch USA Documentary film focuses on the historical significance, highlights, community influence, attractions and features.

12/12/2017

Heritage USA Plans for Dogpatch USA

The new owners of old Dogpatch may be serious about this. At least the production values are solid. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwY1Tg2nqlw&feature=share

Heritage USA Ozarks Resort, plans for Dogpatch USA in Marble Falls, Arkansas, 45 minutes south of Branson. HeritageUSA.com (Preliminary plans. May be subject...

12/12/2017

Arkansan, civil-rights reporter Roy Reed dies

Though technically from the Ouachitas, he spent almost forty years in the Ozarks and wrote a terrific biography of one of the region's most famous and controversial figures, Orval Faubus -- among many other accomplishments. So we'll claim, and miss, Roy Reed. http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2017/dec/11/arkansan-civil-rights-reporter-roy-reed-1/

One of Arkansas' foremost journalists died Sunday night.

08/12/2017

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

You know what anniversary we mark today? Okay, that too, but it's also the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove, one of the largest Civil War battles in the Ozarks. Take time to read William Shea's "Fields of Blood" one of these days and make a point to visit the terrific state park commemorating the battle. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield/

To contact the park:  479-846-2990 Recognized nationally as one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park&n...

07/12/2017

Two oldest structures on their original foundations west of the Mississippi River located in northern Arkansas - Talk Business & Politics

Here's an interesting piece on some old structures in the southeastern part of the Ozarks. A lot of work has gone into preserving and studying these buildings. https://talkbusiness.net/2017/12/two-oldest-structures-on-their-original-foundations-west-of-the-mississippi-river-located-in-northern-arkansas/

Historic preservationist Joan Gould loves to search the off-beaten paths and back roads in Arkansas. She was on one of these adventures in northern Randolph County near the town of...

07/12/2017

Plans for Former Dogpatch Theme Park to Become Resort

Seems like we've heard this one before. http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/plans-for-former-dogpatch-theme-park-to-become-resort/876087292

JASPER, Ark. -- Dogpatch USA may be returning, as a conservative entertainment company is now leasing the land.

01/12/2017

HBO Documentary 'Meth Storm' Explores Drug's Scourge In Rural Arkansas

If you missed HBO's new documentary, "Meth Storm" (set in Van Buren Co., Arkansas), it's coming on again late tonight -- and probably several more times in the coming weeks. http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2017/11/27/documentary-meth-storm-arkansas

Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson talks with filmmakers Brent and Craig Renaud about how a potent form of meth and a lack of economic opportunity are devastating one community.

14/11/2017

Come out Sunday and talk "Hardball in the Hills" with MSU's Brooks Blevins -- at the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville, Ark., 2:00.

08/11/2017

Howard Wight Marshall will discuss his new book Friday night at 7:00 in the Meyer Library Auditorium on the MSU campus. Music provided.

07/11/2017

Arts Profile: Missouri's Ozarks scene of historical novel

A good article on novelist Steve Wiegenstein and his new novel. He'll be signing books at Neighborhood Reads in Washington, MO, Thursday evening. http://www.lakenewsonline.com/news/20171102/arts-profile-missouris-ozarks-scene-of-historical-novel

Wiegenstein’s latest novel, “The Language of Trees,” whisks readers to Madison County and Missouri’s eastern Ozarks.

05/11/2017

Rare McCloud rainbows in Crane Creek get an unusual ally: A new bridge

Trout aren't indigenous to the Ozarks, and most are stocked. The Crane Creek rainbows are an example of a population that reproduces in the wild -- and have been doing so since the 19th century. http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2017/11/02/rare-mccloud-rainbows-crane-creek-get-unusual-ally-new-bridge/727448001/

03/11/2017

The end of baseball season got you down? Relief is on the way. Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 19, at 2:00. MSU's Dr. Brooks Blevins will be talking about the history of baseball in the Ozarks in "Hardball in the Hills" at the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville, AR. Free and open to the public.

02/11/2017

World War I draft resisters hid out in isolated Ozarks canyon

Interesting article and destination. For a more thorough treatment of World War I draft resistance, however, see chapter 3 of J. Blake Perkins's new book "Hillbilly Hellraisers." http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/world-war-i-draft-resisters-hid-out-in-isolated-ozarks/article_73d15347-ba16-540c-b24c-9f935c6e6e2e.html

COMPTON, Ark. — On Arkansas Highway 43, past Grubb Springs but just before Possum Trot, a gnarled forest road cuts off to the east.