40/29 News and The Red Cross hosted a "Telethon for Texas"

40/29 and the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross partnered to hosted a “Telethon for Texas” on Wednesday, August 30^th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  They raised over $45,000 for their disaster relief efforts.

The telethon was a special appeal for donations to assist disaster relief efforts for the people in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Harvey that has led to devastating flooding, displaced families, and damaged homes.

Volunteers staffed phones at 40/29 for viewers to call in and easily donate to disaster relief. Thank you for donating!

If you are unable to call during the telethon and want to help, other ways to donate include:

Making a $10 donation by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999

Making a donation, of any amount, on the American Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Donating blood.  Visit the American Red Cross website to find a collection location or blood drive near you. 

The Crew Tour the Cox Communications Smart Home.

The Crew traveled to The Parks at Brighton , a Buffington Homes community in Bentonville, to tour Cox Communications Smart Home. The smart home, powered by Cox's broadband network, featured more then 60 connected smart devices.

Here is a list of some the the connected smart devices that where featured.

Dustin had the opportunity to talk to Curt Stamp of Cox Communications and Violinist /Composer Jason Yang. They talked about  how Jason uses High Speed internet to connect with people across the globe.

Jenna spoke with Brent Wheelbarger of Trifecta Communications, Brent explained how the internet was helping them bring a storybook to life.

Dustin sat down with Annie Kraybill of Crystal Bridges. They talked about how high speed internet allows students to access high quality arts education.

Jenna hit the kitchen with food blogger Whitney Bond.  Whitney showcased several smart devices that make life easier in the kitchen.

Dustin talked to Michael Allen of NWA 3D about the many uses of 3D Printing.

Jenna talked security with Emily from Cox Communications.  Emily highlighted a few of the many connected devices to secure your home.

40/29 News Coverage of the Eclipse on The Arkansas CW

The solar eclipse will darken the skies on Monday, August 21st.  You can catch updates on the solar eclipse with 40/29 News, updates will be aired on The Arkansas CW between 9AM and 2PM.

The eclipse will peak in our area just after 1PM. Here is a list of peak times and eclipse percentages in our area.

If you are planning on watching the solar eclipse make sure you have the proper eye protection.  Looking at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness.  Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes, you will need to purchase eclipse viewing glasses. When purchasing these glasses make sure they meet the current international standard : ISO 12312-2.

If you are unable to find these glasses don't worry, there is still a way for you to enjoy the eclipse. Click here for a step by step tutorial from The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory on how to make a pinhole camera.

Remembering Coach Broyles

The University of Arkansas will be holding a "Celebration of Life" on Saturday for Frank Broyles who passed away on Monday at the age of 92.  The celebration will start at 2pm at the Bud Walton Arena. 40/29 News will be covering the event live on both ABC 40/29 and The Arkansas CW.  The live coverage celebrating his life will begin at 1pm on Saturday.

Konsplosion announces headlining guest: Michael Copon

Konsplosion! announces headlining guest actor and producer Michael Copon! Konsplosion will be held in the Fort Smith Convention Center on September 29th - October 1st.

Michael Copon played Blue Ranger on "Power Ranger Time Force" and was one of the main leads for the movie "Universal's Scorpion King 2" and "Bring it on: In It to Win It".  He also starred in the Television series "One Tree Hill" and has played a part in many other TV series. in Konsplosion will be held in the Fort Smith Convention Center on September 29th - October 1st.

Get your tickets now! For tickets and other event information click here!

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A PROUD SPONSOR OF KONSPLOSION

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Celebrates their 25th Anniversary

This year the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is celebrating it's 25th anniversary for providing a place for wildlife rescue animals.  They have rescued 490 animals in the past 25 years and are one of the top ten destinations in Arkansas.

TCWR has become one of the nation's leading big cat and bear sanctuaries. We had a chance to talk with Co-Founder and president Tonya Smith and Assistant Curator Laurie Vandorwal. Check out their interviews below and the gallery.

All the animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge have been rescued.  They have more than 100 tigers, lions, leopards cougars and servals. Turpentine Creek receives no federal, state or city funding. They rely on donations and A small admission fee goes to the care of these animals.     

For more information on the refuge click here
Wish to donate click here

The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is located 10 minutes south of Eureka Springs on Highway 23.

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We want to thank everyone for coming out to The Arkansas CW and M&M Backpack Giveaway

The Arkansas CW and 40/29 gave away 400 backpacks in one hour.  Families were able to spin for prizes and get free hair cuts.  We want to wish our community a great school year!

We also want to thank everyone who help make this a successful community event! 

M&M
Germ-X
Cricket
Pediatric Dental
Designer Barber and Stylist School
Walmart
NWA Children's Hospital
Hallmark
Hubba Bubba
Reckitt Benckiser
Store of the Community
Rogers Police Department
NWA Community Clinic
Crayola

Peacemaker Music and Art Festival 2017

July 28th and 29th the The Peacemaker Music & Arts Festival.  This festival not only had a great music venue it also included a variety of art exhibits, vendors, demonstrations and performances.   

The music venue included on Friday night- Andy Frasco & The U.N., Lillie Mae, North Mississippi Allstars, Jamey Johnson, on Saturday night Split Lip Rayfield, Greyhounds, Hayes Carll, Gov't Mule.

We had a chance to check out the festival. Click below to watch a highlight from the weekend event.  

Photo Gallery

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The Peacemaker Music & Arts Festival kicks off tonight!

The Peacemaker Music & Arts Festival in Fort Smith kicks off July 28 and 29th!  Gates open at 4:30pm concerts starts at 5:30pm.  

Friday Night Line-UP  July 28th
5:30 PM   -Andy Frasco & The U.N
6:50 PM   -Lillie Mae
8:15 PM   -North Mississippi Allstars
10:00 PM -Jamey Johnson

Saturday Night Line-UP July 29th 
5:30 PM   -Split LIp Rayfield
6:50 PM   -Greyhounds
8:15 PM   -Hayes Carll
10:00 PM -Gov't Mule

For more information or tickets please go to their website at peacemakerfest.com

The Crew grabs a bite to eat at Silver Dollar City!

Jenna had the opportunity to talk to the Director of Food and Beverage, Sam Hedrick, about all of the tasty food can expect to find at Silver Dollar City.  Check out the interview below!

Go here for more information on tickets or calendar for events held at Silver Dollar City.

We made a stop at the Silver Dollar Saloon

We had a chance to swing by the Silver Dollar Saloon.  We spoke with some of the entertainers about some of the shows you can see while at the park.  Click on the interviews below.

You can click here to go to Silver Dollar website for more information on tickets and hours of operation. 

We stopped by the Blacksmith Shop at Silver Dollar City in Branson

Dustin checked out the blacksmith shop at Silver Dollar City in Branson.  He had a chance to find out about the craftsmanship that goes into making all the cool stuff in the shop.  Check out the interviews below.

You can click here to go to Silver Dollar website for more information on tickets and hours of operation. 

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Silver Dollar City Attraction Supervisor spoke with us about ride attractions at the park

Dustin had a chance to speak with Silver Dollar City's Attraction Supervisor Nick about more than 30 rides and other amusement park attractions.  Check out the interviews about their rollercoasters and other rides below.

Go here for more information on tickets or calendar for events held at Silver Dollar City.

We stopped at Silver Dollar City in Branson to see what was going on this Summer!

Over the next couple of days we will be posting our trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson.  We had a chance to see what they have going on this summer at the park.  Check out the interviews with Zachary Sims park representative and Eva  & Delilah's Bakery below.

After entering the park we hung out with the folks at Eva and Delilah's Bakery.  We even had a chance to help make some cinnamon rolls!

Silver Dollar City is located in Branson, Missouri and is a major theme park for the whole family. Not only are there over 30 rides and amusement park attractions but there is 40 shows a day. They have preserved the 1880's Ozark Culture with over 100 craftsmen demonstrating everything form glass blowing to candy making. 

Go here for more information on tickets or calendar for events held at Silver Dollar City.

Check out The Runaway Mountain Coaster in Branson!

We stopped by The Runaway Mountain Coaster Adventure Park during our trip to Branson.  The Runaway Mountain Coaster is a ride that uses natural topography of the area for a self controlled trip up the mountainside and exciting trip back down.  The Crew had a chance to try out the ride while we were there.  Check out the interview and Dustin's trip down the mountain! 

The Runaway Mountain Coaster is located at 935 MO-165 Branson MO.   You can go here for more information on the ride and operating hours.  bransonalpinemountaincoaster.com

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The Crew Checks out Fritz's Adventure in Branson

The Crew had a chance to stop by Fritz's Adventure located in Branson.  This is a family fun attraction located on the strip.  It brings the exciting and challenging outdoor adventure into a multi-dimensional indoor environment.  80,000 square feet where  you can enjoy elements of the world around you.  Check out the video of the crew and an interview with the manger below.

You can go to http://www.fritzsadventure.com/ for more information on tickets and hours of operation.

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