The major highlight from the week was the first winter storm, which cancelled school and impacted municipal services for almost a week.

Our spotlight was on EverHope, which was the rebranding of the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter. We spoke with CEO Rebecca Mitchell about the mission.

Highlights for the week include the establishment of Fayetteville's first local historic district and the drop-in meeting for the final phase of the Springdale Northern Bypass.

This week in the 479 was busy with city and school meetings, The City of Centerton approved a new logo at its January 13 meeting, while Washington County's Quorum Court would discuss a conditional use permit application. The Springdale School Board honored two of its administrators and the University of Arkansas received comments about its candidate to head its Law School after rescinding its offer from the previous week,

The Benton County Extension report previews an upcoming meeting for producers and Northwest Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack recaps the week for the House of Representatives on his Comment from the Capitol.

On this edition of the 479 Show, we recap the news from the first full week of January 2026. The major highlight was the resolution by the Washington County Quorum Court in support of the poultry producers affected by the two-decade-old federal lawsuit about pollution in the Illinois River Watershed.

We also hear from Cathy Love at Benton County Extension, who discusses healthy substitutions for everyday meals.

We head off the beaten path to Fort Smith, Arkansas where there is a landmark you may not have heard about.

In this podcast episode, we engage in a profound discussion regarding the critical work undertaken by the Children's Safety Center, which serves as a vital resource for victims of child abuse in Northwest Arkansas. We are joined by a dedicated representative from the center, who elucidates the multifaceted support provided to children and their families, including forensic interviews, medical assistance, and access to therapy, all at no cost. The conversation highlights the alarming increase in child abuse cases, which have surged significantly this year, necessitating heightened community awareness and preventive education. We delve into the significance of community involvement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue. Additionally, we discuss the upcoming Dream Big Charity Gala, a pivotal fundraising event designed to sustain the center's operations and expand its outreach efforts, underscoring our collective responsibility to protect and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society.

The podcast episode delves into the profound impact of the Children's Safety Center, a pivotal institution dedicated to addressing child abuse in Northwest Arkansas. The discussion between Speaker A and Speaker B highlights the center's extensive operations, including forensic interviews, therapy, and community outreach aimed at prevention. Speaker B elucidates the complexities of child trauma, emphasizing the importance of a child-friendly environment for victims to disclose their experiences. The episode further examines the alarming statistics surrounding child abuse, noting a significant increase in cases and the critical role of the center in providing support and advocacy. This conversation serves as a clarion call for community awareness and involvement in combating child abuse, underscoring the center's mission to educate and empower families to recognize and respond to signs of abuse effectively.

In a more personal narrative, the episode reflects on the longstanding relationship between the speakers and the evolution of the Children's Safety Center over the years. Speaker B shares insights into their journey, discussing the emotional weight carried by the children they serve and the unwavering commitment of the center's advocates. The importance of building trust with children is a recurring theme, with Speaker B noting that many victims are often unaware that their experiences are wrong, which complicates their willingness to come forward. The episode poignantly illustrates the delicate balance between providing immediate support and addressing the broader systemic issues of child abuse, inviting listeners to engage with the center's mission in a tangible way.

The episode culminates in a discussion about the upcoming Dream Big Charity Gala, a vital fundraising event that not only supports the center's initiatives but also serves as a celebration of community spirit and resilience. Speaker B describes the gala's vibrant atmosphere, complete with culinary delights from local restaurants and engaging activities designed to foster connection and support for the cause. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of community involvement in sustaining the center's operations, particularly as funding from governmental sources becomes increasingly limited. Listeners are encouraged to participate, learn, and contribute to the efforts of the Children's Safety Center, reinforcing the message that collective action is essential in the fight against child abuse.

Takeaways:

• The Children's Safety Center has been operational for 28 years, providing critical support for child abuse victims.
• They offer forensic interviews and medical care, ensuring that children are treated in a safe environment.
• The center has experienced a significant increase in the number of children served this year, highlighting the growing issue of child abuse.
• Community education is paramount, as the center conducts training programs to help adults recognize signs of abuse.
• The Dream Big Charity Gala is a vital fundraising event, which supports the center's free services for families.
• Advocates at the center play a crucial role in providing emotional support and facilitating the healing process for victims.

Links referenced in this episode:

• childrensafetycenter.org
• childrensafetycenter.org/dream-big

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Children's Safety Center
• Calais Bordeno's
• Big Whiskeys
• Sweet Topia
• Rain Sushi
• Calais Latin Cuisine
• Sachi and Sachi
• Children's Hospital

This podcast episode features an insightful discussion centered on the American Heart Association's initiatives, particularly highlighting the remarkable journey of Debbie, the newly appointed executive director. Debbie elucidates her two-decade commitment to combating heart disease, stemming from personal experiences that have profoundly influenced her mission. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of understanding cardiovascular health and the imperative of recognizing warning signs of heart-related emergencies, notably strokes, which disproportionately affect women. Through engaging narratives and personal testimonies, we explore the critical importance of lifestyle choices in preventing heart disease and the vital role community events play in raising awareness and funds for research. Ultimately, we underscore the notion that being informed and proactive can significantly mitigate health risks, thus fostering a healthier future for all.

An engaging and insightful discussion unfolds, centering around the experiences of Debbie, the newly appointed executive director of the American Heart Association in Northwest Arkansas. Her journey, which began over two decades ago as a volunteer, reflects a deep-seated commitment to combating heart disease, particularly as it has personally affected her family. This episode not only chronicles her ascent within the organization but also discusses the broader implications of heart health, emphasizing the need for community involvement and awareness.

Debbie recounts pivotal moments that shaped her path, including witnessing family members struggle with heart disease, which galvanized her to take action. This personal narrative intertwines with the statistical realities of cardiovascular disease, shedding light on the startling fact that one in three adults is affected by high blood pressure, often without their knowledge. The conversation evolves to address the importance of recognizing warning signs associated with strokes and heart attacks, particularly focusing on the unique symptoms that manifest in women, which are often overlooked.

Further, the episode presents a clarion call for proactive health management, encouraging listeners to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and to engage with the American Heart Association's initiatives. Events such as the Go Red for Women luncheon serve as platforms for raising awareness and funds necessary for research and advocacy. Ultimately, this episode is a compelling invitation for individuals to take an active role in their health and to join the fight against heart disease, embodying the mission of the American Heart Association to inspire a world of longer, healthier lives.

Takeaways:

• The journey of Debbie, the new executive director, spans over 20 years of dedication.
• Heart disease and stroke awareness are critical, especially since women are disproportionately affected.
• Preventive measures such as diet, exercise, and awareness of blood pressure are paramount.
• The American Heart Association offers valuable resources and events for community involvement and education.

Links referenced in this episode:

• americanheart.org
• facebook.com/americanheartassociation
• americanheart.org/northwestarkansas
• go.red
• northwestarkansas.heart.org

The primary focus of this inaugural 479 Media Update show is to underscore the critical necessity for blood donations during the summer months, particularly as the demand for blood surges due to increased activity and accidents. We are privileged to host Meredith Johnson and Greg Womack from the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, who elucidate the profound impact of local blood donations on our community's health. They highlight the ongoing challenges faced during "trauma season," where traditional sources of blood donations, such as schools and colleges, diminish. The episode further explores innovative initiatives, such as the "Boots, Badges, and Bandages" blood drives, designed to engage local communities and encourage participation. By the conclusion, we aim to inspire listeners to take action, emphasizing that each individual has the power to save lives through their contributions.

The inaugural 479 Media Update show presents a comprehensive discussion featuring the representatives of the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, including Meredith Johnson and Greg Womack. The episode delves into the critical role that the center plays in the local healthcare infrastructure by supplying blood, platelets, and plasma to over forty hospitals across a tri-state area that includes Southwest Missouri, Northwest Arkansas, and Southeast Kansas. As the center celebrates its 30th anniversary, the conversation highlights the evolution of blood donation practices, particularly the challenges faced during the summer months when schools—previously significant sources of blood donations—are not in session, leading to an increased demand for blood amidst declining supply. This juxtaposition of rising needs against dwindling donations underscores the urgency of community involvement in blood drives, especially during the trauma season when outdoor activities lead to higher incidences of accidents requiring transfusions. The episode effectively conveys the message that every donation can save lives and encourages listeners to engage with the center's initiatives through participation in blood drives and community events.

Takeaways:

• The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has been serving local hospitals since 1995, ensuring a steady blood supply.
• During the summer months, blood donation rates decline while the need for blood increases significantly due to trauma incidents.
• Individuals can easily host blood drives by contacting the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks via their website.
• The organization encourages local participation by offering incentives such as T-shirts and tickets to local events for blood donors.
• Blood donation is critical, especially for O negative and AB positive blood types which are always in high demand during trauma season.
• Potential donors should not disqualify themselves without consulting the Community Blood Center, as many medical conditions do not prevent donation.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cbco.org