What We’re Talking About

With less than 100 days to go, it seems that if you haven’t begun your Christmas shopping, you’re already behind. A new poll shows that one in 4 people have started their seasonal shopping – mainly because they’re worried about items selling out. The survey, conducted in the US, revealed that in the past, half of us have had problems getting their hands on in-demand presents, and 30% have completely missed out on the item they were after. And that’s why 36% said they have already purchased the “main present” for an adult. What are the items we are most concerned about selling out? Decorations were first (36%), followed by tech products (32%), advent calendars (29%), and “must-have” toys (29%). Other shoppers said they started the Christmas shopping season early as a way of spreading the cost (52%), or simply because they love Christmas (26%).

LANSING, Iowa – Sept. 16, 2024 – If you drive on the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing you need to be aware that intermittent closures on the bridge will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 17, weather permitting.

Construction crews will continue work on constructing a new pier and driving the pier foundation for the new bridge that will replace the current bridge.

Intermittent closures of a half hour will happen on the existing bridge to reduce vibration from construction activity and traffic, limiting the chance of damage occurring. These closures are anticipated twice a day each weekday.

Weather permitting, these closures will be done by Friday, Oct. 4. We will be updating the Lansing Bridge Facebook page and local radio stations as construction progresses.

Work on the new bridge is moving forward. For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge where you can sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/.

Photo Credit: Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing via Facebook

DECORAH, IA, September 9, 2024 – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Northeast Iowa area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 14.

What: The Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps support the Alzheimer’s Association’s critical research, care and support across Iowa. It is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024

Registration: 8 a.m.

Promise Garden Ceremony & Walk: 9 a.m.

Where: Decorah City Hall

Register and donate at alz.org/walk to get the most out of Walk day and support the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Why: The Alzheimer’s Association and its volunteers and walk participants are fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today, for more time, for treatments. Alzheimer’s research is closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s, but to get there, the Alzheimer’s Association needs Northeast Iowa to join them for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Iowa alone, there are more than 62,000 people living with the disease and nearly 100,000 caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^®

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk^®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/walk to register and learn more.

Former Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark is leading the Indiana Fever into the playoffs, and now an Orchard in Indiana is celebrating Caitlin with a corn maze.  County Line Orchard shared the pic on social media earlier this week.  In the post the orchard said, “Her incredible success and impact on the WNBA is a huge inspiration”.

Photo Credit:  County Line Orchard  and mattscottmedia via Facebook

It’s a good day to be Morgan Wallen. The CMA announced the nominations for the upcoming CMA Awards and Morgan heard his name seven times on the list. Of course, he’s not the only artist with multiple nominations. Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton each earned five, Post Malone and Lainey Wilson received four nods each and seven industry leaders – Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, Kacey Musgraves and producers Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome and Hoskins earned three a piece.

First time nominees besides Post Malone include Ella Langley, Riley Green, Shaboozey, Ernest, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Zach Top, Red Clay Strays and Bailey Zimmerman.

The CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 20th on ABC.

The nominees are as follows:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:

• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Ashley McBryde
• Megan Moroney
• Kacey Musgraves
• Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:

• Lady A
• Little Big Town
• Old Dominion
• The Red Clay Strays
• Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:

• Brooks and Dunn
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan and Shay
• Maddie and Tae
• The War and Treaty

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

• Megan Moroney
• Shaboozey
• Nate Smith
• Mitchell Tenpenny
• Zach Top
• Bailey Zimmerman

SINGLE OF THE YEAR:

• Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
• Cody Johnson – “Dirt Cheap”
• Post Malone (featuring Morgan Wallen) – “I Had Some Help”
• Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
• Chris Stapleton – “White Horse”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

• Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
• Luke Combs – Fathers and Sons
• Chris Stapleton – Higher
• Cody Johnson – Leather
• Jelly Roll – Whitsett Chapel

SONG OF THE YEAR (Award goes to songwriters):

• Parker McCollum – “Burn It Down”
• Cody Johnson – “Dirt Cheap”
• Post Malone (featuring Morgan Wallen) – “I Had Some Help”
• Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
• Chris Stapleton – “White Horse”

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:

• Kelsea Ballerini (with Noah Kahan) – “Cowboys Cry Too”
• Post Malone (featuring Morgan Wallen) – “I Had Some Help”
• Zach Bryan (featuring Kacey Musgraves) – “I Remember Everything”
• Morgan Wallen (featuring Eric Church) – “Man Made a Bar”
• Ella Langley (featuring Riley Green) – “You Look Like You Love Me”

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

• Cody Johnson – “Dirt Cheap”
• Post Malone (featuring Morgan Wallen) – “I Had Some Help”
• Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty”
• Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
• Lainey Wilson – “Wild Flowers and Wild Horses”

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:

• Tom Bukovac – guitar
• Jenee Fleenor – fiddle
• Paul Franklin – steel guitar
• Rob McNelley – guitar
• Charlie Worsham – guitar

A tractor trailer bed found itself stuck in an overhead sign on Interstate 64 in Henrico County, Virginia. Footage shows the tractor trailer leaning against the sign, seemingly stuck in the air. Thursday’s accident shut down traffic for more than seven hours. Investigators are still investigating how the bed managed to detach itself from the cab and end up in the air. “How does this even happen” one X user commented on the Henrico Police photo. “I’ve always wanted to do this…in video games,” wrote another.

Photo Credit: Henrico County Police via Facebook

We had a great chat with Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate Harley Baumler.  She is attending Iowa State, and is a native to the St. Lucas area.  Here our conversation below!

A water buffalo is on the loose in a town in Iowa.

Residents in the Des Moines suburb of Pleasant Hill have been warned about a water buffalo that escaped its owner and is now wandering loose in the town. When police were initially told about the animal on Saturday, they attempted to contain the animal but were unsuccessful. An officer fired one round from a shotgun and injured the animal, causing it to become aggressive. The wounded water buffalo escaped the containment attempts and is still on the run.

Officials say they don’t have the tranquilizers necessary to sedate an animal of this size. They’re using drones, ATVs and Ring camera footage from the public to track the animal’s whereabouts.

Scotty McCreery was performing at the Colorado State Fair and during his first song he witnessed a man hit a woman. He stopped the show immediately and didn’t continue until the cops took the guy out.

Get signed up for the annual LA Communications Non Profit ATV/UTV Fall Ride!  The ride will leave from Bluffton Campground and travel SE Minnesota and Northeast Iowa on Saturday, October 19th.  The cost is $50, and will feature a 50/50 raffle and a free will offering lunch.  You don’t need a Minnesota Trail Pass to ride. Smokin’ Monkee BBQ will be set up that morning serving Breakfast Brisket Burritos before the ride, and camping spots are available Bluffton Resort & Bar.

Proceeds from this event will go to two great local organizations.

-The Decorah Elks Charitable w Foundation which helps underprivileged kids with school supplies, medical necessities and scholarships to go on the Washington DC trip. As well as and Christmas care packages for local Veterans in nursing homes.

-Northeast Iowa Community Action provides programs in the surrounding counties of Allamakee, Bremer, Clayton, Chickasaw, Fayette, Howard, & Winneshiek. They provide services to over 10,000 individuals each year.

To get signed up for this fun ride, click here: Fall ATV/UTV Ride Registration.

Is there a moment when you know that your day will be ruined? According to a new survey, apparently there is. And the exact time is 8:36 a.m. That’s when the average American knows if they’re in for a “bad day.” The survey found that the average person has four bad days a month – that’s 48 bad days a year. 26% of respondents went so far as to say that when something goes bad in the morning, the day is completely lost. 48% admitted to canceling plans or calling in sick to work when they wake up with a feeling that the day will be challenging.

For parents, back-to-school time presents extra challenges. 55% of the parents of school-aged kids surveyed said their kids are more prone to bad days when the new school year starts as they readjust to the schedule. 51% of parents also said they experience an increase in bad days when kids go back to school, with 56% saying their child’s bad day often leads to their own.

Here are some morning mishaps that can signal a bad day:

1. Waking up feeling sick – 35%
2. Sleeping poorly throughout the night – 31%
3. Waking up with a headache – 29%
4. Losing keys – 26%
5. Forgetting phone at home – 25%
6. Running out of toilet paper – 22%
7. Forgetting your wallet at home – 22%
8. Oversleeping – 18%

A big thanks to Alicia Denner for giving us all the details on the NEI Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fields of Faith event happening this Sunday(8-18-24) in Cresco.  Featured speakers include former Iowa Hawkeye Sharon Goodman, and Luther Head Baseball Coach Bryan Nikkol.  Check out our conversation below.

Elaine Salmon was preparing for the new school year at Peak to Peak Mountain Charter School in California when a black bear wandered into her classroom. The teacher left her otherwise empty room to make copies, and returned to find the bruin wandering around. Salmon then closed the door, trapping the bear inside, and found help. “My first thought was, is it gonna do any damage? I have a brand new floor and I already have my decorations up,” Salmon said. Fortunately, the bear was only interested in the snacks in the classroom’s emergency kit. School officials are planning to replace the door handles with less bear-friendly mechanisms.

We had a chance to visit with Country on the Creek headliner Kristine Kabbes & The Skallywags!  We talked to her about growing up in Indiana, meeting Carly Pearce, and about the show coming up on Saturday(8-17-24) night in Waterville!

Country on the Creek will also feature the Annie Ellingson Band, Hillbilly Rocketship, Smokin’ Gun Showdown, and Forgotten Highway!

LANSING, Iowa – Aug. 5, 2024 – If you drive on the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing you need to be aware that intermittent closures on the bridge will resume on Thursday, Aug. 8, weather permitting.

The temporary closures were delayed by high river levels in June. Construction crews will continue work on constructing a new pier and driving the pier foundation for the new bridge that will replace the current bridge.

Intermittent closures of up to two hours will happen on the existing bridge between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to reduce vibration from construction activity and traffic, limiting the chance of damage occurring.

Weather permitting, these closures will be done by Friday, Aug. 16. We will be updating the Lansing Bridge Facebook page with the approximate closure time a day in advance. There will not be any closures on Friday, Aug. 9, in respect of the annual Lansing Fish Days celebration.

Work on the new bridge is moving forward. For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge where you can sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/.

Photo Credit:  Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing via Facebook

In 2005, Carrie Underwood was the winner on American Idol’s 4th Season. That achievement launched the career of the multiple Grammy-winning country superstar. Now Underwood is set to return to familiar territory, as she is replacing Katy Perry as a judge on the upcoming season of American Idol. In an Instagram video announcing the news, young clips of Underwood were featured from her time on the show, captioned by: “🌟CARRIE🌟 From #AmericanIdol hopeful, to global icon…to IDOL judge! Home-grown superstar @carrieunderwood will join us for Season 8! ✨” “Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show,” said Megan Wolflick, Idol showrunner and executive producer. The new season of American Idol will kick off in the spring of 2025. (Billboard)

Who needs the Olympics when you have the 2024 Snail Racing World Championships in England.  The action happened last month, but snail news travels a bit slow.  They put the snails n the middle of a table with a ring at the outer edge, and the snail that makes it to that ring first wins.  This year’s champion was a snail named Jeff.  He clocked in with an impressive time of 4 minutes and 5 seconds.

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – July 29, 2024 – If you drive on Iowa 76 north of Waukon you need to be aware of upcoming construction work that may slow down your trip.

Beginning on Monday, Aug. 5, until late August, weather permitting, crews will need to intermittently close lanes from Waukon to the Minnesota state line so micro-surfacing work can be done to the pavement. You will travel through the work zone with the assistance of flaggers and a pilot car.

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 X (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

Photo Credit:  Iowa DOT

The iconic Wienermobile took a tumble Monday on an Illinois highway. Fortunately, no one was injured during Monday’s incident, when the 23-foot-long vehicle shaped like a hot dog rolled over on the Tri-State Tollway. The highway was shut down for an hour while police investigated. “We’re grateful that everybody involved is safe and there were no injuries,” an Oscar Mayer representative said. “Safety on the road is top priority for us.” There are six Wienermobiles currently traveling through the country and spreading the word about Oscar Mayer.

Weinermobile had a little accident. #oscarmayer pic.twitter.com/GhTnMejfS2

— CHICAGO CRITTER (@ChicagoCritter) July 22, 2024

ANKENY, Iowa – Eight young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete to win the title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate connect with consumers and help them understand the dedication of dairy farm families to their cows, their land and the milk they produce.

The contestants are:

• Harley Baumler, 20, daughter of Mike and Amy Baumler of Fort Atkinson, representing Fayette County;

• Kiele Eberling, 17, daughter of Kevin and Donna Eberling of Postville, representing the Iowa Brown Swiss Association;

• Kendra Elsbernd, 18, daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd of Calmar, representing Winneshiek County;

• Libby Hageman, 17, daughter of Bob and Amy Hageman of New Vienna, representing Dubuque County;

• Oliva Johnson, 17, daughter of Allen and Tanya Johnson of Elma, representing Howard County;

• Leah Jo Koehler, 17, daughter of Ted and Karla Koehler of Monticello, representing Jones County;

• Mallory Mohn, 18, daughter of Clint and Noelle Mohn of Lansing, representing Allamakee County; and

• Haley Ronnebaum, 18, daughter of Mitch and Jenny Ronnebaum of Earlville, representing Delaware County.

The winners are chosen based on their knowledge and enthusiasm about dairy, personality and communication ability during judging which begins Tuesday, August 6. Candidates, along with the princess and alternate, will receive scholarships from Midwest Dairy, which sponsors the contest and princess program on behalf of Iowa’s dairy farmers.

The outgoing 2023-24 Iowa Dairy Princess is Ashley Elsbernd, daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd of Calmar, and the Alternate Princess is Elizabeth Fossum, daughter of Kevin and Julie Fossum of Waterville. Their reigns will be completed at the end of the month, and the new Princess and Alternate will begin their duties September 1.

In an update from her social media accounts, singer Ingrid Andress admits she was intoxicated while she performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” last night.

4-time Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” last night before the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.  Let’s just say her a cappella rendition was not a hit on social media….some are calling it the worst ever.  You be the judge.

Definitely one of the anthems of all time pic.twitter.com/LvSYSmR1wF

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 16, 2024

Photo Credit:  Jomboy Media via X

Pickles are a hot item these days, especially with Gen Z. So why not pickle cupcakes? Pickle brand Claussen and Baked by Melissa have joined forces to create this first-of-its-kind dessert.
The “dill-icious pickle-infused cake and pickle buttercream icing complete with festive red and white sprinkles on top” was introduced this week, in celebration of “Pickle Month”.
Claussen says it expects that pickle cupcakes “will be the perfect unexpected twist for pickle fanatics everywhere” this summer.

 

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The Iowa State Fair is set for next month, and they are rolling out the food.  Yesterday they announced that 84 new foods will hit the fair this year!

• Apple Fries
• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll
• Barbie Era Funnel Cake
• Beer Belly Fries
• BLT on a Stick
• Breakfast Sandwich
• Brisket Burnt End Link
• Brunchy Burger
• Butter Beer Ice Cream
• Calamari
• Candied Bacon Gnocchi
• Cheeseburger Corn Dog
• Chicken Flautas
• Chicken Mac Attack Bowl
• Chicken Nest
• Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco
• Connecticut Style Lobster Roll
• Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Nachos
• Corn in a Cup
• Crème Brulée Stuffed French Toast
• Deep Fried Bubble Gum
• Deep Fried Hot Cheetos Pretzel
• Deep Fried PB& J
• Deep Fried Pepperoni Chips
• DG Chicken Strips
• Disco Stick
• Dough-Chos
• Fabulous Fries
• Fiesta Egglote
• Fire Cracker Shrimp
• Flight Fry Bread
• Hot Cheeto Float
• Funnel Cake Burger
• Garlic Ranch Pickle Pizza
• Golden Fried Veggie Samosas
• Handheld Charcuterie
• Hot Chick Chicken
• Hot Mess Biscuit
• Ice Cream Nachos
• Iowa Street Corn Specialty Pizza
• Iowa Sm’oak’ed Roll
• Italian Meat Ball Sub
• AE Party Balls
• Lamb Snack Sticks
• Lemonade Donut Drops
• Lil’ L’roy’s Bites
• Lobster Corn Dog
• Loose L’roy Sandwich
• Louisiana Mac Bowl
• Maple Bacon Bliss Sundae
• Nachorito
• Not Your Daddy’s Burger
• PB&J Biscuit
• Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies
• Pickle Pizza
• Piggy in a Donut
• Pink Lemonade Whoopie Pies
• Pork Belly Corn Dog
• Pork Belly Corndog Bites
• Porky’s Bloody Mary Buffet
• Protein Bowl
• Pulled Pork Smoked Snacks
• Puppy Chow
• Ragin’ Raspberry Ravioli
• Raspberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt
• Salted Beef Bagel
• Shoot Tequila Funnel Cake
• Sriracha Pickle
• Spicy Fever Beefburger
• Standby Biscuit
• Strawberries and Cream Waffle on a Stick
• Sunrise Sugar Pearl Waffle Sandwich
• The Big Daddy Burger
• The Illusion Ice Cream
• The Party Biscuit
• The Regular Biscuit
• Bacon Brisket Smash Burger
• Tipsy Peach
• Tornado
• Two Foot Connecticut Style Lobster Roll
• Two Foot Lobster Roll
• Up In Smoke Snacks
• Up on the Dill Fries
• Walking Frito Pie
• Walleye Fish Tacos
• What’s Your Wonton

For more details check out the fair website.

This summer, communities around Spirit Lake, Iowa, have been affected by heavy rains and flooding. Daily routines have been disrupted and property has been damaged.

The softball team in Spirit Lake wanted to do something to help nearby teams get back to normal, so they collected sports equipment and donations – and offered it to the competing teams in a gesture of friendship.

Thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of the players in Spirit Lake, the nearby teams were able to resume normal practices while the flood waters receded.

The coach of the one of the nearby teams – Kait Van Der Zwaag – was amazed by the effort.

“It was heartwarming,” said Kait. “You just don’t have any other words to say for that, it’s literally like that’s what northwest Iowa is.”

Miranda Lambert was doing a show in Minnesota last week when she spotted her mini-me and brought her on stage.  Their interaction was priceless.

Miranda invites the “cutest little cowgirl” onstage in Minnesota … only to discover she’s also called Miranda and was named after her 🥹💞

🎥: krpeterson1987 pic.twitter.com/reinc1IQiG

— Miranda Lambert Fan (@ranfancentral) July 6, 2024

Photo Credit:  Miranda Lambert Fan via X

We had a great chat with Jay Goodvin, the Chief Explorer for The Iowa Gallivant!  Jay talked about his travels across Northeast Iowa, including stops in Clermont, Harpers Ferry, New Albin, Edgewood and more!  He’s currently on quest to find his favorite Pork Tenderloin…he’s visiting all of Iowa’s 99 counties to figure it out.  Hear our visit with Jay below!  For all things Iowa Gallivant, check out his Facebook page.

After 37 years, a Western Wisconsin music festival is changing it’s name.  Country Fest in Cadott, WI is rebranding to “Hoof Beat”.  The festival will feature the same ownership and crew according to a video released this past weekend.  Lainey Wilson will headline Hoof Beat 2025.

Photo Credit:  Country Fest via YouTube

Josh Turner has announced his 10th studio album “This Country Music Thing”. Out Aug. 16, it will feature the songs ‘Down in Georgia’ and ‘Heatin’ Things Up’, both out now. He has posted an album trailer on Instagram.  Josh is currently on his Greatest Hits Tour, you can find dates here.

 

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Willie Nelson has had to miss the first three dates of his Outlaw Music Festival because he is ill. The 91-year-old country music legend was unable to perform during the three Outlaw Music Festival dates over the past weekend. Willie’s son Lukas Nelson stepped in and performed with the Family Band in his father’s absence, along with the other scheduled performers Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and Celisse.

According to Willie’s Instagram announcement, he should be better soon: “We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor’s orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days. He is expected to make a quick recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival tour next week. In the meantime, Lukas Nelson and the Family Band, along with a few guests, will perform a special set to include Willie’s classics and other songs.” Willie should rejoin the Outlaw Music Festival tour beginning on Wednesday, June 26 in Virginia Beach. (Consequence of Sound)

 

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Last year’s runner up Wild Thang finally took this year’s crown in California’s World’s Ugliest Dog Contest! The 8-year-old Pekingese survived distemper but was left with some permanent damage, like a paddling front leg and a tongue that always sticks out. Apart from these issues, he’s a happy boy! Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis won $5,000 in prize money. Last year’s winner was a Chinese Crested dog named Scooter who was born with deformed legs and saved from a shelter. According to the contest’s website, the event “event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique.”

 

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Photo Credit: wildthangofficial via Instagram

Road work set to to begin on County Road W4B in Winneshiek County on Monday, June 24th.

Beginning Monday, June 24th, the Frankville Road, Co. Rd. W4B, will be closed to through traffic from Iowa Highway #9 to the Winneshiek / Allamakee County line, east of the town of Frankville. The entire width of the roadway will be unpassable due to roadway excavation as crews remove and reconstruct the crossroad culverts. The road is expected to be closed the duration of the summer months.

Photo Credit:  Google Maps

LANSING, Iowa – June 19, 2024 – Due to high water levels on the Mississippi River, the Iowa Department of Transportation is postponing the intermittent short-term closures on the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing until water levels are safe to resume work.

Currently, we do not have an estimation of when work will resume. We will keep you updated when the water level returns to a level that will allow the construction of a new pier and driving the pier foundation for the new bridge that will replace the current bridge.

For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge where you can sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/.

Country music legend Mark Chesnutt announced via Instagram that he experienced a heart issue over the weekend, and needed quadruple bypass surgery.

“I send my love and gratitude to my family and friends, the band and fans for your understanding, prayers and support, and look forward to seeing you all again soon at a honky tonk near you.”  Chesnutt said in his Instagram post.   He has cancelled his upcoming shows indefinitely.

 

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A post shared by Mark Chesnutt (@officialmarkchesnutt)

A fast and strong piglet in California led police on a foot chase when they tried to grab it because the piglet was running all over a highway. Here is the video from a police bodycam when the officer was in pursuit of the piglet.

“Officers arrived and located the described piglet, who proved to be very fast and strong for an animal of its size,” police said in a Facebook post. The piglet turned out to be a pet named Pickles and was returned to its rightful owner.

Photo Credit: Sebastopol Police Department via Facebook

George Strait has reached another historic milestone in his prestigious music career. At Strait’s show on Saturday night at Kyle Field at Texas A&M in College Station, the country legend set a new U.S. attendance record for a ticketed show. 110,905 fans came out to see Strait’s performance, breaking the previous record set in 1977 by the Grateful Dead, who drew 107,019 fans to their show at Raceway Park in New Jersey. Strait billed his historic show as “The King At Kyle Field,” with support coming from opening acts Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman. It was Strait’s only scheduled live performance in the state of Texas in 2024. Strait also just shared his new single, “The Little Things,” on Friday, which is drawn from his forthcoming album, Cowboys And Dreamers, due out on September 6. It will be Strait’s 31st studio album of his illustrious career.

The King of Broken Records 🤠
Last night George Strait broke the record for largest US ticketed show with 110,905 fans at Kyle Field!
Gig ‘Em George 👍🏻

📸 @alivecoverage for Messina Touring Group pic.twitter.com/TAYlUqqQjE

— Texas A&M Athletics (@12thMan) June 16, 2024

Photo Credit:  Texas A&M Athletics via X

Longtime rivals Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi will compete in a hot dog eating contest on Netflix on September 2nd. The event, titled Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, will feature the 16-time champion Chestnut against the six-time champion Kobayashi. This follows the news that Chestnut was banned from the Nathan’s July 4th contest due to a deal with Impossible Foods. Both competitors expressed excitement for the showdown, with Chestnut acknowledging Kobayashi as his fiercest rival and Kobayashi is determined to defeat Chestnut before retiring. This event marks their first face-off since 2009 when Chestnut won in a sudden death eat-off. (COS)

Billy Ray Cyrus has filed for divorce from his wife, Firerose. Cyrus has cited irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct as reasons for him filing for divorce. The couple had only been married for less than nine months, and don’t share any children together. Firerose was Cyrus’ third wife, after Cindy Smith, whom he divorced in 1991, and Tish Cyrus, whom he divorced in 2022. Cyrus and Tish got married in 1993, and the couple had three kids together: Miley, Braison and Noah. Cyrus also adopted Tish’s two kids from a previous marriage, Brandi and Trace. Cyrus has been more focused on kickstarting his music career as of late, with a new album apparently called Gone coming out in the fall of 20204, and the album’s emotional lead single, “You Came Along,” released last month. (Taste of Country)

A California man was in his kitchen washing dishes when he was visited by an intruder who probably would have been happy to help him lick the dishes clean.

Jason Wightman was in his Sierra Madre home when a 300-pound bear walked through his backdoor and entered his kitchen. Wightman grabbed his phone and started capturing the encounter on video, which he later shared on Facebook. In in, he can be heard talking the bear asking, “Hello, are you nice?” He then informed the intruder, “You’re in my house. Get out of my house.”

The bear spent a few minutes in the doorway thinking about what to do, and eventually returned to the backyard where he met up with a second bear. Wightman continued talking to them and telling them to leave, which they eventually did after a few minutes when they climbed a fence and entered a neighbor’s yard. Luckily there was no damage and no one was hurt.

Photo Credit:  Jason Wightman via Facebook