"Service Dogs of Distinction" is a non-profit organization with the goal of providing quality service dogs to veterans. We spoke with the President, Co-founder and Trainer, Don Gardner about his role and their training program.
Co-founder and trainer Don Gardner is from Arkansas and has 30 plus years of experience in training dogs. Don trained as an arms and explosives K-9 handler/trainer in England with the British military personnel. Don and his dog teams have participated in searches for Harrods of London, Marine One, NASA, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Secret Service, F.B.I., terrorism task force and many others. He believes that god gave him a gift to train dogs to help others and creating the "Service Dogs of Distinction" organization has been Don's life long dream.
Many PTSD, TBI Veterans don't drive, don't answer the phone, don't go outside in public, don't interact with strangers and resist assistance. These rescued dogs bring hope to veterans and a chance for a better life.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran suffering from PTSD, TBI or related illness and are in need of a service dog or would like to make a donation or get involved please contact them at:
We had a great time at the Konsplosion 2018 our local comic con held in Fort Smith at the Fort Smith Convention Center. We want to thank everyone who came out and supported Konsplosion 2018 and everyone who stopped by our both to chat with the Crew!
We hope everyone enjoys the free Disney Storytelling Books for kids and young adults that were handed out. We want to also thank Brooke Shock organizer of the Konsplosion for providing a great family friendly event. We are so happy with your continued support of the local comic con... Konsplosion!!! Check out the video below of the the crew at Konsplosion.
We had a chance to speak with award-winning voice actor Quinton Flynn.
Award-winning voice actor, Quinton Flynn was the one of the guest at Konsplosion in the Fort Smith Convention center. Quinton is best known in gaming as the voice behind Kingdom Heart's Axel, Reno in Final Fantasy Crisis Core, and Raiden, a controversial figure within the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Check out his interview below.
We had a chance to speak with award-winning voice actor, Quinton Flynn at Konsplosion in the Fort Smith Convention center. Quinton is best known in gaming as the voice behind Kingdom Heart's Axel, Reno in Final Fantasy Crisis Core, and Raiden, a controversial figure within the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Check out his interview below.
Quinton has also brought to life beloved characters in anime such as Iruka Sensai in Naruto, Kon in Bleach, and Marcus Damon in Digimon Data Squad. He is also well known in the industry for his skills as an impressionist and improvisationalist.
Flynn's other voice-over roles include Disney TV’s Timon, Venom in Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, Jhin in League of Legends, Kael'thas Sunstrider in World of Warcraft, Jonny Quest, The Human Torch in both Spider-man and Fantastic Four cartoons, Spider-Man in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance video game, and Shingo Shouji in Initial D. He's also portrayed the English singer-songwriter Paul McCartney in a few films.
Over the next year this series will be following the "Service Dogs of Distinction" which is a local program that is helping veterans by bringing hope for a better life. This organization is unique at finding and matching rescue dogs from shelters with veterans who suffer from PTSD and TBI and providing months of training so they can become a team. "Service Dogs of Distinction" is a non-profit organization with the goal of providing quality service dogs to veterans. We spoke with co-founder, client coordinator and trainer Marsha Wyatt about their program.
Marsha Wyatt has spent a lifetime involved with animals. She majored in Animal Science and Veterinary Technician. She began as a cruelty investigator and culminating as executive director. She spent more than 15 years working with two different humane societies. And she uses her years of experience to identifying and train dogs from local humane societies and shelters to help veterans.
Twenty-two veterans a day commit suicide. These men and women feel alone, misunderstood and devalued as human beings. In many local cases, Service Dogs of Distinction is a veteran's last resort because Department of Veteran's Affairs does not provide nor reimburse veterans for service dogs.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran suffering from PTSD, TBI or related illness and are in need of a service dog or would like to make a donation or get involved please contact them at:
We had a chance to catch up to The Nerveless Nocks all American Stunt and Thrill Show at the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair. Morgahn had a chance to speak with Michelangelo Nock President and CEO. They are performing at the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair for the rest of the week. Check out the interview below.
The Nerveless Nocks Legendary All American Classic Thrill and Stunt Show Family!
The Nocks are pioneers in the thrill show industry, producing nostalgic and state of the art thrill and stunt shows that date back to the early 1900s. The Nerveless Nocks have performed on The Ed Sullivan Show with The Beatles, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, 4 World Fairs, Epcot, Disney World, Six Flags Parks, Universal Studios and with the rock group Metallic. The show is filled with dare devil acrobatics that will captivate your audience and the whole family will enjoy. The Nocks are a nine generations circus family and includes a father son act in the steel ball. You can read more about the famous family by going to their website nervelessnocks.com. If you haven't seen their act stop by the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair September 21st through the 29th.
Photo Gallery
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Proud Media Sponsor of Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair
Konsplosion will be held in the Fort Smith Convention Center on Friday, September 28th through Sunday, September 30th. We are so excited about Konsplosion's special guests this year! Check them out below! Quinton Flynn Voice Actor
An award-winning voice actor, Quinton Flynn is best known is gaming as the voice behind Kingdom Heart's Axel, Reno in Final Fantasy Crisis Core, and Raiden, a controversial figure within the Metal Gear Solid franchise. He has also brought to life beloved characters in anime such as Iruka Sensai in Naruto, Kon in Bleach, and Marcus Damon in Digimon Data Squad. He is also well known in the industry for his skills as an impressionist and improvisationalist. Flynn's other voice-over roles include Disney TV’s Timon, Venom in Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, Jhin in League of Legends, Kael'thas Sunstrider in World of Warcraft, Jonny Quest, The Human Torch in both Spider-man and Fantastic Four cartoons, Spider-Man in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance video game, and Shingo Shouji in Initial D. He's also portrayed the English singer-songwriter Paul McCartney in a few films. Samantha Inoue-Harte
Voices, Stunts and FX Makeup
Samantha Inoue-Harte is a established entertainment veteran. She is a producer and partner at Animetropolis. She is a 16 year voice actress in over 40 Japanese anime and video game titles. You may know her work from: Final Fantasy Unlimited, Sakura Wars, Samurai X, Tekken the Motion Picture, Trinity Blood, Sin City, Grindhouse, Planet Terror and Idiocracy.
Phoenix Down Performance Art Group
Phoenix Down is a variety of multi-propped entertainers. Prepared to be in awe with inspiring LED experience creating thrills, illusion and wonder! An experience you don't want to miss. Check out NirkDaKirk, Solomon, Whitelight, Blackout, Rayecoon and Moose O'Malley.
Japanese Student Assoication
Dance Group
The Japanese Student Association is a Student-led organization at the University of Arkansas. The JSA provides opportunities for Students of the U of A to interact with Japanese culture and meet new international friends! Their goal is to connect all students of the U of A with Japanese culture in a fun and educational manner! At Konsplosion this year, the JSA's dance group will perform one of their traditional Japanese dances Soran Bushi, a traditional Japanese fisherman dance from Hokkaido, Japan. Aubrey Stephens Writer
Aubrey Stephens is a retired teacher from Mississippi. He has Masters degrees in both theater and history, with certification in English, science, and special education. He is also a marine veteran and former military officer. He has acted, written, directed, created set designs and construction for over 200 theatrical shows. Since his retirement, he has edited for Pro Se Press and been published as a writer. He enjoys swapping stories of the many sci-fi/fantasy conventions.
Dale Kesterson
Writer
Dale Kesterson has been creating stories and putting them on paper since the age of seven, and she wrote, produced, and acted in her first play at age twelve. An avid Star Trek fan, she founded a Trek club and ended up running a convention. In addition to writing (Time Guards series, Tales of the Interstellar Bartenders Guild), Dale is a seasoned traveler who is also a professional photographer; she lives in Kansas with her husband and their four hairless cats.
The Arkansas CW
The Arkansas CW Crew
Meet the Arkansas CW Crew, Jeremy, Morgahn, and Devante! Plus, free giveaways and chance to win prizes! The Arkansas CW is the home of well received shows such as Flash, Riverdale, Arrow, legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Black Lighting, Supernatural, The 100, Charmed and All American. You will also find other shows like...Family Guy, Bob's Burger, American Dad, The Cleveland Show and King of the Hill. There is so much more going on at the convention! For more information on other guest click here! _______________________________________ This is one Konsplosion you don't want to miss out on! Get your tickets now, Click here! For other information about events at Konsplosion go to konsplosion.com
40/29, KHBS/KHOG-TV, The Arkansas CW and MeTV Arkansas, along with the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross, are partnering to host the “Florence Relief Telethon” on Thursday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. The telethon is a special appeal for donations to assist disaster relief efforts for the people in the Mid-Atlantic states, and the surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Florence. The hurricane has led to devastating flooding, displaced families, and damaged homes. Volunteers will staff phones at 40/29, The Arkansas CW and MeTV Arkansas for viewers to call in and easily donate to disaster relief.
If you are unable to call during the telethon and want to help, other ways to donate include:
Texting: Making a $10 donation by texting “FLORENCE” to 90999. Online: You can go online and make a donation by going to the website listed here: www.redcross.org Calling: Call in donations at 1-800-RED CROSS. Blood Donation: If you wish to donate blood visit the American Red Cross website to find a collection location or blood drive near you. Red Cross website.
The Arkansas CW is a proud media sponsor of the specialty entertainment at the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair September 21 through the 29th at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith!
The Nerveless Nocks all American Stunt and Thrill Show, including the globe of death… Plus, family friendly circus thrills with a comedy twist, Allez-OOPs!
The Nerveless Nocks Legendary All American Classic Thrill and Stunt Show Family!
The Nocks are pioneers in the thrill show industry, producing nostalgic and state of the art thrill and stunt shows that date back to the early 1900s. The Nerveless Nocks have performed on The Ed Sullivan Show with The Beatles, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, 4 World Fairs, Epcot, Disney World, Six Flags Parks, Universal Studios and with the rock group Metallic. The show is filled with dare devil acrobatics that will captivate your audience and the whole family will enjoy.
Allez-OOPs!
Rob & Miss Jane bring back classic vaudeville acts with a comic twist. They invite the audience to play with them as they waltz on glass bottles, skip on sky-high stilts and even tame the terrifying TIGER BABY! *Blending circus thrills, deft pacing and spontaneous comedy, this family friendly dialogue-free spectacle will engage all audiences and be a guaranteed crowd favorite with their comic sight gags and visual humor. *TIGER BABY may or may not be a figment of your imagination. Come watch the show and find out!
NWA Fashion Week Fall Shows will be held on September 20th through the 22nd at Drake Field |in Fayetteville. Doors will open at 6:30 pm with the shows starting at 7:15 pm. This season NWAFW will be expanding their programming with a new partnership with The Idle Class Magazine and the addition of a new educational student designer showcase. STUDENT DESIGNER SHOWCASE On Thursday September 20th, the non-profit organization supported by NWA Fashion Week, the Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum, launches its year-long run of educational programming with the Student Designer Showcase. Students from across the state are invited to show their collections on the runway and gain hands-on experience from behind the scenes fashion show production. AAFF is able to launch its pilot educational program with the help of a generous grant from the Walton Family Foundation. DESIGNER RUNWAY SHOWS Friday and Saturday night shows will feature new designer talent from across Arkansas, with designers never before seen on the NWAFW runway, as well as some of our fan favorites from past seasons. Both nights will include looks from local boutiques keeping you up to date on the latest Fall trends in stores. Ticket sales from NWAFW help fund the development and production of opportunities for creative producers in fashion and design in Northwest Arkansas. Thursday September 20th AAFF STUDENT DESIGNER SHOWCASE Dasia Rose (Arkansas Fashion School) Robbie's Era (Arkansas Fashion School) SkyBlue by Abby Alba (Arkansas Fashion School) Jam (University of Arkansas AMPD) Cottonistas (University of Arkansas AMPD) Friday, September 21st RUNWAY SHOWS A. Brook’s Designs and Apparel (Fayetteville) Exclusive Company (Fayetteville) MarleyMack Unique Boutique and Gifts (Fayetteville) Felix Bui (Austin) Don Morphy (Dallas) Elizabeth Koerner (Bentonville) Fox Trot Boutique (Fayetteville) Damned 2 Divine (Fayetteville) Hubbard Clothing Co. (Fayetteville / Bentonville) INKJNK ft. Gean Lee (Bentonville) Saturday, September 22nd RUNWAY SHOWS Richie Clark Clothing (Little Rock) Christian MICHAEL (Kansas City) Herron Hats (Little Rock) A’Lyece Lenae Designs (Little Rock) Hubbard Clothing Co. (Fayetteville / Bentonville) RGene featuring O’Faolain (Little Rock) Ellen Elaine (Fayetteville) Suite One (Fayetteville) 22nd Element Clothing & Accessories (Little Rock) Korto Momolu (Little Rock)
Don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of movement with Jessica Lang Dance. Thursday, Sept. 20th at 7pm at Walton Arts Center. Creating and performing the work of celebrated choreographer Jessica Lang – renowned for her visionary scenic collaborations with designers and artists, and her genre-bending contemporary ballet style – this New York City-based dance company’s compositions resist categorical definition. For more information click here!
Kazha is a 3 piece rock band from Japan. Kazuha Oda, their lead Singer, informed us in our interview with her this past June at the Arkansas Anime festival in Bentonville that they would be announcing the release of their new album this fall.
Members of the band are lead singer and bassist Kazuha Oda, guitarist Hideki Matsushige and drummer Futa Sugano. Kazuha Oda has worked with world wide performers including Grammy award winner Bob James. The band's work has appeared in CDbaby top sales chart. The band's first album was released in 2010 "Overture" and released a second album "Evolution" in 2013 and their new album releases on October 2nd, 2018.
For more information on their new album go to kazha.net
“Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien,” America’s #1-Rated Syndicated Political TV Show, Kicks off New Season with more Conversations as Diverse as America
Show Airs on ABC 40/29 KHBS KHOG TV at Sunday at 5:30 am, 10:00 am or 11:30 pm.
For its 2018-2019 season premiere, “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” takes viewers into the most bedrock of U.S. industries – dairy farming – and the most futuristic – artificial intelligence (AI). It will also address presidential politics, as Soledad interviews Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti about his White House ambitions. First, the show travels to Wisconsin, which lost more than 500 dairy farms in 2017. Correspondent Jessica Gomez talks to farmers, many of whom voted for President Trump, about how the Administration’s tariffs are uprooting their livelihoods and impacting their outlook on the forthcoming elections. Then, Soledad visits Boston to talk to MIT PhD, Rhodes and Fulbright scholar, and Algorithmic Justice League founder Joy Buolamwini about the Brave New World of Artificial Intelligence. The increasingly intuitive technology is permeating every aspect of our lives including our job searches, auto-insurance coverage, healthcare, exposure to legal risks, our information flow and our privacy. Ms. Buolamwini’s concerns about algorithmic bias in AI led IBM to change their coding practices. “Part of ‘Matter of Fact’s’ mission is not simply to follow the headlines, but to provide stories and voices that are fresh. This week’s show exemplifies that,” said Jillian O’Brien, “Matter of Fact” executive producer. “Our launch show really hits the mark for the themes that viewers can expect on ‘Matter of Fact’: fresh voices, unique stories, and an engaging anchor who will make viewers feel like they’re part of the conversation and not a passive observer.”
About 40/29, KHBS/KHOG-TV
KHBS/KHOG-TV, an ABC affiliate owned and operated by Hearst Television Inc., has been operating in the Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers DMA for over 45 years. KHBS/KHOG-TV’s local and ABC network programming continues to be seen on the station’s primary over-the-air channels, 40.1 and 29.1, as well as Cox Cable channel 7 and HD channel 2007 and ATT U-verse channel 29/40 and HD channel 1029/1040. On DISH Network KHBS is available on channel 40 and KHOG is available on 29. DirecTV viewers can find the station on channel 40 and 29. The ABC station is also cleared on Diamond Net on various channel positions. The station’s web address is www.4029tv.com
About Soledad O’Brien
Soledad O’Brien, host and producer of MATTER OF FACT, is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist. She is CEO of Starfish Media Group, a multi-platform media production and distribution company. O'Brien has produced non-scripted programming, dozens of documentaries, and presented live events, concert specials, and award shows on numerous platforms, including CNN, Nat Geo, HBO, NBC, MSNBC, A&E Network, and Lifetime. She currently reports for HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” regularly contributes to the PBS NewsHour and WebMD, and serves as host and Executive Producer of both Mysteries and Scandals on Oxygen and “Who Shot Biggie & Tupac?” on FOX. She is the author of two critically acclaimed books and winner of multiple Emmy awards, the George Foster Peabody Award and the Alfred I. DuPont Award. O’Brien and her husband also created the PowHERful Foundation, which helps get young women get into and through college. Follow her on Twitter: @soledadobrien.
The Crew had a chance to check out Sharky’s Modern Mexican Kitchen, a fast-casual restaurant chain based in Westlake Village, California that just openeed its first location in Arkansas. They held their Grand Opening on August 22nd and presented a check to the Arkansas Children's Hospital . Sharky's has 30 locations on the west coast, this will be the first Sharky's east of Las Vegas. We had a chance to talk to the owner and check out one of the most popular dishes. Check it out below.
Interview with Sharky's Co-Franchise Owner Kevin Betts
Cooking with General Manager Mathew
Sharky's is located at 3000 Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers. Grand Opening Cermony
The CW had a great showing at the Teen Choice Awards, including a dominate performance by "Riverdale", which won all 10 awards it was nominated for. Congratulations to all the winners, below is a list of all the winners!
Choice Drama TV Show:Riverdale Choice Drama TV Actor:Cole Sprouse — Riverdale Choice Drama TV Actress:Lili Reinhart — Riverdale Choice TV Villain:Mark Consuelos – Riverdale Choice Action TV Show:The Flash Choice Action TV Actor:Grant Gustin — The Flash Choice Action TV Actress:Melissa Benoist — Supergirl Choice Comedy TV Actor:Jaime Camil — Jane the Virgin Choice Comedy TV Actress:Gina Rodriguez — Jane the Virgin Choice Breakout TV Star:Vanessa Morgan – Riverdale Choice TV Ship:Cole Sprouse & Lili Reinhart – Riverdale Choice Liplock:Cole Sprouse & Lili Reinhart – Riverdale Choice Hissy Fit:Madelaine Petsch – Riverdale Choice Scene Stealer: Vanessa Morgan – Riverdale Choice Male Hottie:Cole Sprouse – Riverdale
Noah Davis stopped by our sister station ABC 40/29's Studio to talk about this upcoming American Idol Auditions. The Arkansas CW Crew had a chance to speak with Noah about his experience on American Idol and upcoming Auditions in Little Rock on September 12th. Check out what he had to say below.
Noah Davis (of Royal, Arkansas) had his audition go viral and was among the most viewed auditions ever on American Idol. Noah was best known for his exchange with Katy Perry about the term "Wig" and dream of owning an alpaca. Even though Noah was cut before Top 24 he returned during the finale of Season 1 and was presented with an alpaca by Ryan Seacrest and Lionel Richie. (Photo: Noah Davis on left and Katy Perry on right-photo provided by American Idol)
Don't miss out on your chance to try out for American Idol. Click here American Idol Auditions for more information and where to find a city near you.
Follow the Crew as the take you on adventure through Silver Dollar City. "Do The Ozarks-Silver Dollar City" 30 minute special is brought to you by McLarty Daniel, Silver Dollar City, Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. It will air this Sunday at 10 am on the Arkansas CW. Check out the video below.
Here is a list of where you can find The Arkansas CW in our area.
Co-founder and trainer Don Gardner is from Arkansas and has 30 plus years of experience in training dogs. Don trained as an arms and explosives K-9 handler/trainer in England with the British military personnel. Don and his dog teams have participated in searches for Harrods of London, Marine One, NASA, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Secret Service, F.B.I., terrorism task force and many others. He believes that god gave him a gift to train dogs to help others and creating the "Service Dogs of Distinction" organization has been Don's life long dream. 
