What We’re Talking About
June 8, 2022
Video: People at a Wedding Having Their First Cocktail, and Their Last
It’s wedding season. Somebody at a wedding reception in England filmed people having their first cocktail, and then their last, that day. It came out exactly as you’d imagine.
@nievejones_ Wedding antics, last one is the best 😂 #ElectrifyTheMini #firstandlastselfiechallenge #wedding #firstdrink ♬ original sound – Nievejones_
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June 7, 2022
June 7th is National VCR Day
Today is National VCR Day. If you’re too young to know, that stands for Video Cassette Recorder. For those of you old enough to have had one, they were expensive. Prices for VCR’s in 1975 ranged from $1,000 to $1,400. The best selling VHS movie of all time was “The Lion King”, it sold over 35 million copies. The last VCR was produced back in 2016, but they are still available on e-bay…..or in someone’s attic or basement.
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June 7, 2022
Alan Jackson unable to perform at CMA Fest
The CMA announced that Hall of Famer Alan Jackson is going to have to back out of a scheduled performance this Saturday June 11th at the CMA Fest on the festival’s Nissan Stadium stage.
In late September Alan shared with fans that he had been off the road, and out of the limelight due to a health issue. Jackson has been living with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) which is described as “a chronic inherited neuropathy condition that results in nerve deterioration and hampers muscle function, movement and balance.”
In March, Alan announced his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour that is scheduled to begin at the end of June. With the CMA Fest announcement, fans are wishing Alan the best, and hoping things improve in time for the tour.
Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion have been announced as his replacements on the Nissan Stadium stage Saturday night.
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June 2, 2022
Mountain Lion Wanders Into High School
Authorities in California said a mountain lion wandered into a high school Wednesday morning and was promptly locked inside a classroom by a custodian.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that a mountain lion was spotted inside Pescadero High School early Wednesday morning and a custodian closed the animal into an unoccupied English classroom.
The sheriff’s office said all students and staff at the school were safe and no one was injured by the cougar.
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June 1, 2022
First Half Of June Starting Off Cool
If you were looking for heat and humidity the first part of June, well you’re going to be disappointed. Looks like below normal temperatures for the first half of the month.
Not wanting to offend the summer heat-loving crowd, we’ll just say the temperature outlook for the first half of June looks…interesting. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/7hytQMWYL4
— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) May 31, 2022
Photo Credit: NWS La Crosse via Twitter
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May 31, 2022
Many Americans Use Swimming Pools As Communal Bathtub
Here’s something to consider before you jump in the pool … A new survey out about the health and cleanliness of swimming pool water may give you some pause before cannonballing into the deep end. The study conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council finds that 51% of Americans admit to using the pool as an alternative to a shower or a bath after exercising or doing yardwork. This, despite the fact that 64% saying that they understand the pool chemicals do not eliminate the need to shower. The chairman of the Water Quality & Health Council explains, “When dirt, sweat, personal care products, and other things on our bodies react with chlorine, there is less chlorine available to kill germs.” He said people should rinse off their bodies for one minute before going in the pool. And there are other findings of the survey you probably don’t want to hear:
40% of people admitted to peeing in the pool.
24% say they would go in the pool within one hour of having diarrhea.
48% say they never shower before swimming.
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May 27, 2022
Truck Spilled 15,000 Pounds Of Hot Dog Filler
Traffic on I-70 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was shut down after a truck spilled 15,000 pounds of hot dog filler all over the road.
The slimy, pink slurry of meat byproduct and preservatives had been stored in large plastic bags which tore open when they fell out of the overturned truck. Police say the driver was speeding and lost control of the truck. He and a passenger suffered minor injuries and a ticket was issued. The hot dog filler was cleaned up off the road and is not inedible.
Photo Credit: Rostraver Central Fire Department via Facebook
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May 26, 2022
New Oreo Flavor: Oreo and Ritz Combo
There’s a new mashup product called Ritz x Oreo, the consists of one Oreo cookie plus one Ritz cracker with crème and peanut butter flavor crème sandwiched in between. There are only 1,000 packages of the product being made, and they all will go on sale at noon Eastern time today(5-26). You can buy them on Oreo.com/ritz while supplies last.
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May 25, 2022
Video: A Foul Ball Landed in a Fan’s Cup of Beer, So He Chugged It
The Cincinnati Reds season so far has been abysmal, so anything that brings excitement at their games is a plus. A foul ball landed in a fan’s cup of beer at a Reds game on Monday. But the fan wasn’t upset. Instead, he chugged the rest of the beer with the ball still inside. Here’s the play-by-play of the action.
If a foul ball lands in your beer, you must chug it. pic.twitter.com/cbZt35qZnb
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 23, 2022
Photo Credit: Cincinnati Reds via Twitter
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May 24, 2022
Video: Grandma Gets a Mouth Full of Gender Reveal Powder
Here’s a gender reveal fail where a granny is doused with pink powder on her face and in her mouth. She spends half-a-minute trying to spit it out.
Photo Credit: ViralHog via YouTube
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May 20, 2022
Wynonna says Judds Final Tour still happening
After the tragic loss of Naomi Judd on April 30th, few would have imagined the planned Judds Final Tour would go on, but Thursday Wynonna shared this message for fans:
“It may look a little different now, but we WILL continue to honor The Judds’ legacy! It’s amazing to me, all of the artists who have come forward offering their time and their gifts. I am feeling so grateful.
A variety of artists will pitch in on various dates to perform with Wynonna, including: Brandi Carlile, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde and Martina McBride(who was on the previous bill).
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May 19, 2022
Texas Toddler Orders 31 Cheeseburgers
When will parents finally learn not to let their toddlers play with their phones?
Kelsey Golden of Texas was doing work on her computer while her two-year-old son Barrett was playing on her phone. The next thing she knew, a DoorDash driver was ringing her bell with a delivery of 31 cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. Golden said the cheeseburgers cost her $61.58, plus little Barrett included a $16 tip. She says, “I didn’t know what to do with them, he only ate half of one. So I posted on a community page on Facebook here in Kingsville and asked if anybody wanted some.” Some neighbors read her post and swung by for some free burgers.
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May 17, 2022
VIDEO: Johnny Cash Springs a Leak
**UPDATE**
Police in Arkansas have arrested a man they said was behind the shooting of a water tower bearing a silhouette of country legend Johnny Cash.
As previously reported, the single bullet pierced the 50,000 gallon water tank and made it look like Johnny Cash was urinating. The dangerous stunt drew tons of laughs, but a crime is a crime and police arrested Timothy Sled and charged him with criminal mischief and impairing the operation of a vital public utility. Investigators say local surveillance footage led them to Sled and that he might have had an accomplice. Officials say the tank lost about 30,000 gallons of water per day and the cost to repair the bullet hole in the tank is about $5,00
Johnny Cash is taking a leak on his hometown of Kingsland, Arkansas.
A silhouette of the late “Man in Black” is painted on the side of the town’s water tower and a prankster with a gun thought it would be funny to shoot a single bullet into the silhouette’s crotch, causing a stream of water to leak out. As expected, social media has erupted in laughter. It’s unknown who fired the shot. The leak was first noticed last Wednesday and the town thinks it may take a week to repair it. The water office manager said, “People think it’s funny but a lot of hard work and effort went into getting the grant to get this painted. It’s sad that someone could do this.”
#JohnnyCash relieving himself from the Top of a water tower in #Arkansas pic.twitter.com/25CL8VKb4C
— Damian (@DamianNB) May 16, 2022
Photo Credit: DamianNB via Twitter
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May 17, 2022
Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Searching For Clermont Man
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a subject. After a two week investigation charges have been filed and a nation-wide warrant has been issued for Matthew Eric Nordrum, age 45 of Clermont for sex abuse in the second degree, a class “B” felony. Nordrum allegedly sexually assaulted a child under the age of 5 while the child was at his home in Clermont. The investigation also led to three other allegations that are currently under investigation for sexual assault. Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. If you know his whereabouts please call your local authorities or the Fayette County Sheriff’s office at 563-422-6067. This Suspect could be in the Tri-state area.
Photo Credit: Fayette County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
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May 17, 2022
Study: Having the Posture of a Superhero Can Change Your Personality
A new study finds having a more dominant, upright, and superhero-like posture makes people feel more confident. “Power poses” involve standing in a posture of dominance, for example “standing or sitting in a very expansive way, taking up a lot of space.” An international team of researchers evaluated some 130 studies involving 10,000 participants and found the right posture can cause people to both feel and behave more
confidently. However, the study debunked previous claims that certain poses can influence a person’s hormones.
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May 13, 2022
Wall Of Dust Near Sioux Falls Thursday
Check out this “Wall of Dust” yesterday near Sioux Falls yesterday. Winds in Sioux Falls were reported to be gusting up to 64 mph last evening.
63 mph wind gust here at the office shortly after 4 pm, but many reports of 80+ mph across the region with significant structural damage and trees down!! Please let us know what happened in your area. pic.twitter.com/WlkOg1L2ED
— NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) May 13, 2022
Massive and incredible "Dust Front" pushing strong winds and a wall of dust into Sioux Falls South Dakota. Winds in Sioux Falls have have been reported gusting to 64 mph at 507 pm. #iawx https://t.co/8CICF006sM
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) May 12, 2022
Photo Credit: NWS Sioux Falls via Twitter
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May 12, 2022
NAOMI JUDD: Cause of Death Revealed & Memorial Services Planned
Ashley Judd has revealed that her mother, Naomi Judd, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In an interview with Good Morning America’s Diane Sawyer, the very emotional Ashley said that she was “deputized” by her family to share the news so they could get ahead of the “gossip economy,” and shared that she was the one who found her mother. She also read from a note from her sister, Wynonna Judd, who said she wasn’t able to discuss her mother’s passing publicly yet.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to:
Suicide Prevention Hotline:1-800- 273-8255
Text “Talk” to: 741-741
Visit: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
The life of NAOMI JUDD will be celebrated with a public memorial service at Nashville’s Ryman Auditiorium set to air live on CMT. The special, called, ‘Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration,’ will air exclusively on the cable network as a commercial-free special this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
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May 11, 2022
LANE CLOSURES ON U.S. 18 BRIDGE OVER BLOODY RUN CREEK IN CLAYTON COUNTY BEGINS MONDAY, MAY 16
NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – May 11, 2022 – A deck joint repair project on the U.S. 18 bridge over Bloody Run Creek and a railroad track 1.3 miles west of Iowa 76 in Clayton County will require lane closures beginning on Monday, May 16 until late September, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.
During this project, motorists will be directed through the work zone with the use of temporary traffic signals and barrier rail. Because there is a steep grade and curve on U.S. 18 west of the project, a digital message sign is in place to give eastbound traffic advanced notice of the work zone.
The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.
The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.
It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive the email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help for this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.
Lane closures on U.S. 18 bridge over Bloody Run Creek in Clayton County begins Monday, May 16 https://t.co/o6AKe2zuLy
— Northeast Iowa 511 (@IA511NE) May 11, 2022
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May 11, 2022
The iPod Product Line Is Officially Done
Apple officially discontinued the iPod yesterday. The first iPod debuted on October 23rd, 2001, and the iPod Touch was the last one standing. Apple says it’ll only be available “while supplies last.” The company said that the “spirit of iPod” will continue in other products, including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
When it was first introduced, that was a big deal!
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May 6, 2022
Above Normal Temperatures Next Week
A dose of summertime weather is on tap for next week as warm, humid air streams into the region. Highs rise into the upper 70s and 80s starting on Monday with the potential for periodic showers and storms during this same time. There may be a risk of severe weather during the week, but confidence in the details of this threat remain on the low side. Seasonal springtime temperatures continue prior to this warmup with highs in the mid-60s to lower 70s today through Sunday.
Enjoy a nice helping of spring weather today through Sun before summer temperatures (and the risk for storms) settle in for next week! #mnwx #iawx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/I9iqSMa84j
— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) May 6, 2022
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May 5, 2022
Alligator Breaks Into Garage, Starts Chugging Diet Coke
A thirsty alligator invaded a Naples, Florida couple’s home and seemingly gulped down a slab of Diet Coke they had stashed in their garage for a family birthday party.
Karyn Dobson and her husband Jamie were watching TV on Wednesday night when they heard what they thought was a car accident.
“The crash was so big like wicked,” Karyn, tells WINK.
“I open the garage door about a quarter way, peek my head in, and there’s the alligator,” adds Jamie. “Quickly close the door, ‘Karyn, we have an alligator in our garage,’” something the Chicago natives “really haven’t experienced before.”
The Dobsons made a quick call to Trapper Ray, who wrangled the 8-foot gator, but there was quite the mess when Ray left.
“There was Diet Coke spewing everywhere because the gator was interested tore open the box had a few cans probably thought it was beer maybe I don’t know,” said Karyn.
The couple thinks the gator got inside after taking their dog for a walk. Jamie entered the house through the garage and the door was left up. When they put it down, the gator was already inside.
The Dobsons now know to keep the garage closed, so there aren’t any more wild surprises.
As for the gator, it has been safely relocated.
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May 5, 2022
Phone & Internet Outage in Northeast Iowa
The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office and 911 Dispatch Center are experiencing telephone issues due to an outage. For emergencies call 911. If your call is not answered, hang up and dial 563-568-4521 for assistance. For non-emergency calls please dial 563-568-4521. Please be patient as we are only able to answer one telephone line at a time until this is resolved. Please check on friends and family who may utilize personal emergency buttons. We are unsure when this issue will be resolved.
Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon: For medical emergencies during this phone outage, please dial 911.
Gundersen Clinic locations in Northeast Iowa continue to be out.
Due to the community wide phone outage – Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health’s phone system is down. If you already have an appointment please just come on into the clinic. We are hoping the system will be up in the near future. If you need immediate assistance due to a behavioral health emergency please reach out to 911 or your local ER.
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May 4, 2022
Video: Grandparents Finally Get Their First Dance 65 Years Later
A newlywed couple in New York gave their first dance to the groom’s grandparents who never got to have their own because the grandfather was sitting shiva after his mother passed away. Here is the moment that Morton and Elaine Graft got to do their first dance decades later. (Their song is “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing” by The Four Aces.)
Photo Credit: Caters Clips via YouTube
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May 3, 2022
Dollywood Turns 36
Dolly Parton opened her Dollywood theme park on this date(5-3) in 1986! Did you know that Dolly won’t hop on any of the rides at the theme park? Find out why and some other interesting facts about Dollywood here.
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April 28, 2022
A Dad Catches a Foul Ball While Bottle-Feeding His Baby
A Cincinnati Reds fan named Jacob Kingsley caught a foul ball WHILE bottle-feeding his baby at their game on Tuesday. Here’s the play-by-play as it happens, and then Jacob and his wife being interviewed afterwards.
Catching a foul ball while bottle-feeding the baby… just dad things. pic.twitter.com/tTXL0oDquu
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 27, 2022
Do-it-all dad: This @Reds fan snagged a foul ball while not skipping a beat feeding his young son@JimDayTV caught up with the Kingsleys after the impressive catch pic.twitter.com/9zptqf3ZsW
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) April 27, 2022
The game, the Reds lost 9-6 to San Diego.
Photo Credit: Cincinnati Reds via Twitter
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April 27, 2022
A Yankees Fan Was Caught Dipping His Hot Dog in Beer: Yay or Nay?
Dipping a plain hot dog in beer might be the new go-to combination for your next baseball game. A Yankees fan went viral on Twitter for enjoying it, and people have been trying it out.
Arrest this man. pic.twitter.com/bMfbYyLLbz
— Nicolas Heller (@NewYorkNico) April 23, 2022
Let’s do this pic.twitter.com/7V2gixc5KB
— Joseph Goodman, Sports Donk (@JoeGoodmanJr) April 24, 2022
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April 26, 2022
VIDEO: Police Officers Chasing a Loose Goat in an Apartment Complex
The other night in Tallahassee, Florida, police got an unusual call of a goat running wild in an apartment complex. They eventual “arrested” the goat after it went into a hallway. (Although this is Florida, one of the officers talks about not being used to stuff like this because she grew up in New Jersey.)
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April 25, 2022
Parent Picking up Kid from School Stopped in Vehicle with No Doors or Seatbelts
Earlier this month, a parent in Canada got pulled over while on their way to pick up their kids in a dilapidated vehicle. The photo of the truck has gone viral and it features no passenger-side door, no seatbelts, with an open back, and seats exposed.
— BC Highway Patrol (@BCHwyPatrol) April 20, 2022
I’ve seen something like this somewhere before….
Photo Credit: BC Highway Patrol via Twitter
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April 22, 2022
Pitcher Tackles Batter During Game
This crazy situation happened in Texas on Wednesday at a baseball game between Weatherford College and Central Texas College. The pitcher for Weatherford tackled a Central player at third base after he hit a homerun. Weatherford College recently said the pitcher is not on the team anymore. More info here.
Photo Credit: Baseball News Club via YouTube
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April 22, 2022
University of Iowa Looking For New Wave Song
After 5 years of doing the Hawkeye Wave, the University of Iowa wants your help on selecting a new song for one best traditions in college sports. The current song accompanying the Hawkeye Wave is “Wave on Wave,” from Pat Green. You can submit your nomination for a new song here. The University will select the top eight songs for fan voting on July 11, and the new song will be announced on August 1.
The Hawkeye football team opens its 2022 season hosting South Dakota State at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 3.
Created by our fans, the #HawkeyeWave has become the greatest tradition in sports.
Five years later, we need you to help choose the new sound behind the moment.
Submit a song nomination or share a personal story at https://t.co/kC2g25nGg3.
👋 @uichildrens x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/QW0146JClc
— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) April 21, 2022
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April 21, 2022
The Great Giveaway Returns for 2022!
One winner will get a new Polaris side by side from Iron Hill Powersports. Another winner will get a two-year lease of a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler from KAR Auto Group. A third winner gets $4000 in transferable roofing credit from Jake’s Roofing and Construction. A fourth winner takes home a $2500 Car Care Package from Clark Tire Pros!
The Great Giveaway is also brought to you by – Casey’s General Stores, Budweiser, Mountain Dew, Letterwerks Sign City and Featherlite Trailers.
First chance to get signed up is tomorrow afternoon, at Casey’s in Monona from 4-6. Then Saturday, we’ll have two stops. Casey’s Freeport from 11-1 PM, and The Place in Protivin from 5:30-7:30 PM.
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April 20, 2022
Video: How Some Airplane Passengers Reacted to No More Masks
A judge voided the mask mandate for planes, trains, and buses on Monday. Listen to a pilot announce the news, passengers react to it . . . and a flight attendant “singing happily” as he collects masks.
Here’s the pilot announcing it…
and the flight attendant singing.
Posting again because Twitter deleted (?)
The end of the #maskmandate has this plane singing
🎶 Throw away your masks 🎶 pic.twitter.com/BvvCNLE6Ts
— Guy P. Football (@Guy_P_Football) April 19, 2022
Photo Credit: Guy_P_Football via Twitter
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April 19, 2022
Video: Check Out This Three-Year-Old Sounding Just Like a Car Salesman
Listen to this three-year-old sound just like a car salesman as he gives a detailed demonstration of a Subaru WRX.
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April 18, 2022
Road Work Beginning Today In Northeast Iowa
NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – April 15, 2022 – Hot-mix asphalt crack filling and sealing projects on various routes in northeast Iowa will require intermittent lane closures with pilot cars and flaggers directing traffic through the work zones.
All work will begin on Monday, April 18 and last until mid-July, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.
Routes affected by construction work include:
Black Hawk County
U.S. 218 in La Porte City from Poplar Street to Main Street
Fayette County
U.S. 18 and Iowa 150 intersection in West Union
Iowa 93 from the east city limits of Sumner to Fayette
Iowa 187 from Iowa 3 to Fayette County Road W-33
Howard County
Iowa 9 from the east city limits of Riceville to U.S. 63
U.S. 63 from Iowa 9 to the Minnesota state line
Winneshiek County
Iowa 24/U.S. 52/Iowa 150 in Calmar
Iowa 139 from Iowa 9 to the Minnesota state line
The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.
For more information about this and other Iowa DOT construction projects in Black Hawk and Bremer counties, follow the Black Hawk and Bremer County Construction Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BlackHawkBremerCo#!BlackHawkBremerCo.
The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.
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April 15, 2022
The Winneshiek County Fair Welcomes Chris Cagle & Jameson Rodgers
More grandstand entertainment has been announced for the Winneshiek County Fair in Decorah this Summer!
Chris Cagle and Jameson Rodgers will be taking the stage on Saturday, July 16th. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will be hitting the fair on Friday, July 15th. Other events include the Stock Car Races on Tuesday of the fair, Wednesday is the Rodeo, and Thursday night is NTPA Truck & Tractor pull. Wednesday afternoon in the Grandstand at 1:30 pm the Toe Tappers will be entertaining, and show is free.
Buttons will be $35 before fair, and $40 during. More details here.
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April 14, 2022
NEW VISION UNVEILED FOR PRESERVING IOWA’S ICONIC FIELD OF DREAMS WHILE BUILDING A PREMIER YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL DESTINATION
DYERSVILLE, Iowa ― Six months after purchasing a controlling interest in Iowa’s iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site, the new owners of Go the Distance Baseball, LLC, today unveiled their dynamic vision to preserve the idyllic cornfield setting while building a premier youth baseball and softball destination for players, families, fans, and tourists from around the world. The master plan provides $80 million in private investment to expand the site and build nine new ballfields, dormitories for teams, and a hotel, among other phased improvements.
As the largest private investment ever in Dyersville and one of the largest in Dubuque County, the project will greatly enhance the facilities and amenities for visitors and area residents, while creating jobs and boosting economic development and tourism in Eastern Iowa.
Go the Distance Baseball is forging ahead with plans to create a youth baseball and softball oasis, while maintaining the property as a working farm, amid the natural beauty of the rural Iowa landscape. The development builds on the momentum of last summer’s dramatic MLB at Field of Dreams presented by GEICO and a 200 percent increase in the number of boys’ and girls’ baseball and softball teams registered for tournaments in Dyersville this summer. Company executives and area economic development leaders scheduled a press conference to discuss the plans at 11 a.m. CDT today at the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville.
“I am grateful for all that the game of baseball gave me throughout my career, and now I am proud and excited to lead a team that is building opportunities for players, fans, and families to enjoy our national pastime and for teams to train and compete,” said Frank Thomas, CEO of Go the Distance Baseball and a first-ballot member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
COO Dan Evans, a longtime executive for five MLB franchises, said: “While the substantial private investment will expand and enhance our facilities, we are deeply committed to preserving the romantic experience of the Field of Dreams, including the views, the baseball diamond, the farmhouse, and the cornfields. Those images will never change.”
Upon adding nearly 100 acres to the original 190-acre footprint of the former Lansing-family farm and movie site, the master plan includes nine new baseball and softball fields for girls and boys, team dormitories, and a unique boutique hotel, all slated to be completed in phases by the end of 2023. Additional phases through 2025 include a 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse, an outdoor concert amphitheater, an RV park, a large park inclusive for children and adults with disabilities, and jogging trails through the cornfields.
“Like baseball, successful real estate development requires preparation and hard work and then recognizing opportunity when it comes. The opportunity is here now to ensure the experience of the Field of Dreams endures for generations,” said Rick Heidner. He was an initial investor in the movie site with the late Denise Stillman, whose family sold controlling interest in Go the Distance Baseball after her dream of an MLB game at the site was realized last summer. Plans for a permanent stadium that would host college and high school tournaments and championships for men and women, are also being considered.
The phased development will support hundreds of construction jobs and, when fully completed, the private development alone will create approximately 170 new fulltime equivalent jobs, and events hosted at the site will result in more than $25 million in direct annual spending. Area residents may also benefit from member access to the indoor fieldhouse and training facility for year-round recreation.
In addition, the entity that manages Go the Distance Baseball – This is Heaven, LLC, is establishing a charitable organization, Field of Big Dreams, to inspire hope and provide life-changing opportunities for children with cancer and military veterans and their families, with the mission of providing resources and support to turn dreams into reality.
During the past six months, the Thomas/Heidner-led group has been working with public officials, community leaders, and non-profit economic development agencies to build a private/public partnership as the foundation of the development plan’s success. Officials of the Dyersville Economic Development Corp. and Travel Dubuque joined Thomas and his team in announcing Go the Distance Baseball’s plans.
“I am most pleased with the relationships we have developed with local residents and community leaders in Dyersville, Dubuque County, and the State of Iowa, and they are vital partners as the project rapidly continues to make progress,” Mr. Evans said.
“Preserving and enhancing one of Iowa’s top tourism destinations makes this project a win-win for the local and state economies,” said Keith Rahe, president and CEO of Travel Dubuque. “Emerging from the pandemic, the multi-billion-dollar youth sports industry has shown its resilience and will continue to grow, so these plans will ensure that the movie site’s place in the lore of America’s pastime is secure for future generations.”
Jacque Rahe, executive director of Dyersville Economic Development Corp., said: “We are excited by the progress that is being made by owners who have deep roots in baseball and the financial resources to infuse private investment dollars that will turn long-held visions for the Field of Dreams into reality.”
The collaboration is already making demonstrable progress with the extension of municipal water and sewer service to the site and surrounding neighbors. In just the last month, the Dyersville City Council has awarded contracts for the first two phases of infrastructure work to provide water service by August.
Go the Distance Baseball is consulting with RDG Planning & Design, Origin Design, Conlon Construction Co., and Leopardo Companies to provide architectural, engineering, construction, and planning services for development of the master plan. Maintaining the property as a working farm and protecting farming on neighboring properties is an essential element of their planning. Mr. Heidner’s son, Collin, is working with the planning team on the project.
About Go the Distance Baseball, LLC
Go the Distance Baseball was established a decade ago to preserve the Field of Dreams Movie Site farm as a baseball shrine for future generations. The movie site, featuring rental and tours of the farmhouse, a souvenir shop, ballpark concessions, and “having a catch” on the field, is projected to attract approximately 300,000 visitors in 2022. An affiliate, All-Star Ballpark Heaven, in collaboration with Baseball Factory, operates youth baseball tournaments at City of Dyersville complexes.
Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, and Amy Madigan, was nominated for Best Picture in 1990. Adapted from W. P. Kinsella’s 1982 novel Shoeless Joe, the 1989 film tells the story of Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, a husband and father who is tending to his cornfield when he hears a mysterious voice intone, “If you build it, he will come.” Following his vision, Kinsella builds a baseball diamond in his field and is visited by ghosts of baseball legends. Ultimately, the attraction of baseball allows him to save the family farm.
Frank Thomas, nicknamed “the Big Hurt” for the damage he inflicted on opposing pitchers, was a five-time All-Star and consecutive two-time American League most valuable player while playing for the Chicago White Sox. He retired in 2009 and was elected on the first ballot to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Dan Evans, a Chicago native and longtime baseball executive, has served in front-office capacities with five MLB teams, including 20 seasons with the Chicago White Sox organization, rising to assistant general manager/director of baseball operations, before later being named executive vice president and general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2001 to 2004.
Rick Heidner is an avid baseball fan and Chicago area real estate developer and entrepreneur. He was an initial investor with Denise Stillman in the Field of Dreams Movie Site and is passionate about fulfilling her dream for the property.
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April 14, 2022
Check Out This Frozen Pizza Hack
This guy has gone viral with his hack on pre-slicing a frozen pizza. (You don’t actually slice it. You take the packaged frozen pizza, put it on the edge of the counter halfway, and hit the outer edge so it breaks in half. Then you rotate it, and repeat. It’ll come out of the oven already sliced.)
@trendkingsOkay definitely the only way!
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April 13, 2022
Protester Glues Wrist To Court At Timberwolves Game
A woman reportedly tried to glue herself to the court at the Target Center late in the second quarter of the play-in game between the L.A. Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves on last night(Tuesday). She was removed after a delay of a few minutes.
A fan was escorted off after attempting to glue themselves to the floor during the Clippers-Timberwolves Play-in Game pic.twitter.com/RreK0kjPSG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2022
Following the strange incident, a global grassroots network of animal rights activists named Direct Action Everywhere claimed responsibility for the protest saying in a press release that it was in response to an alleged animal rights issue at Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor’s egg farm.
DxE investigator Alicia Santurio is the protestor who disrupted the Timberwolves game, supergluing herself to the court after today’s investigation exposed team owner Glen Taylor’s factory farm brutally killing 5 million birds via “ventilation shutdown” https://t.co/4XQWB195mK pic.twitter.com/aR27AS7NJe
— Direct Action Everywhere (@DxEverywhere) April 13, 2022
Photo Credit: Direct Action Everywhere via Twitter
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April 12, 2022
North Dakota Experiencing Raging Blizzard
Around here tonight into tomorrow, we can expect some strong to severe storms. In North Dakota, they are expecting snow and more snow. 46 counties in the state are under a Blizzard Warning. Areas around New Town and Minot could get anywhere between 20-30″ of snow between now and Thursday.
A significant blizzard will impact western and central North Dakota through Thursday. Snowfall amounts around 30 inches possible in some locations. The exception is parts of south central and southeast, where snow totals could be limited by rain or a break in precipitation. #ndwx pic.twitter.com/XOOD51E8Fn
— NWS Bismarck (@NWSBismarck) April 12, 2022
Source: NWS Bismarck via Twitter
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April 12, 2022
The Judds Announce The Final Tour Sates
Coming off their performance on the CMT Awards, Naomi and Wynonna Judd will are set to hit the road for their first tour in more than a decade. The duo announced a 10-show trek, The Final Tour, will kick off Friday, Sept. 30, in Grand Rapids, Mich., at the Van Andel Arena. The tour will include stops in Green Bay, Wis.; Duluth, Ga.; Biloxi, Miss.; and more, before wrapping Oct. 28 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Martina McBride will join the tour as a special guest on select dates.
It’s really happening! #DontYouThinkItsTime https://t.co/4Qsm7Xma2O pic.twitter.com/Le0g6JfdK5
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) April 11, 2022
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