What We’re Talking About

A zoo in China is getting worldwide attention over its new panda exhibit, and it’s not all positive. The Taizhou Zoo has two miniature pandas that visitors have fallen in love with, even though they’re not actually pandas — they’re Chow Chow puppies that have been dyed black and white to look just like giant pandas. Officials are defending the zoo against accusations that they are misleading guests into believing they are mini pandas, insisting that signs at the exhibit advertise them as “panda dogs.” But the bigger problem that’s drawing major backlash around the world, is their practice of using potentially harmful dyes on the dogs for the sole purpose of entertainment and making money. A zoo spokesperson fired back saying, “Normal people dye their hair. Dogs can dye their hair, too. It’s the same as hair.”

Outrage at Chinese Zoo as ‘Panda’ Exhibit Revealed to be Dyed Dogs.

The zoo defended its actions by claiming that the dye was harmless and natural and that the transformation was to make up for the absence of pandas. pic.twitter.com/S4u3lLrBbr

— BoreCure (@CureBore) May 6, 2024

Photo Credit:  BoreCure via X

The end of an era … General Motors has announced that it will end production of its gasoline-powered Chevrolet Malibu car later this year. GM has sold more than 10 million Malibus since 1964 – and will end production in November. It looks like the company will be turning off the lights on the Malibu in order to put more resources into manufacturing more Chevy Bolts. The Malibu is the last remaining Chevrolet car offered in the United States besides the Corvette, as GM ended production of the Chevrolet Camaro late last year.

Lainey Wilson has shared the name of her new bar on Nashville’s Broadway Street.  Staying true to her famous fashion, it will be called: “Bell Bottoms Up Bar”.  She posted on X that the establishment will open “later this summer in the heart of country music city.”  It’ll be in the former location of “FGL House”, which was partly owned by Florida Georgia Line. 

I’m so excited to announce my Bell Bottoms Up Bar which will open later this summer in the heart of country music city! I can’t wait for all my Wild Horses to get to experience my home away from home. #BellBottomsUp pic.twitter.com/FJW9tvsF7W

— Lainey Wilson (@laineywilson) May 7, 2024

Photo Credit:  Lainey Wilson via Twitter

The Toe Tappers will be celebrating their 50^th anniversary at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon on Friday, May 10, beginning at 6 pm.  They will join Bandmates, Brothers and Friends who are reuniting for their second year to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation.

We had a chance to visit with Joe Sweeney, the one constant member in Toe Tappers the last 50 plus years!

Photo Credit:  Allamakee County Economic Development via Facebook

 For the first time in its 114-year history, the Boy Scouts of America is changing its name to Scouting America, in hopes of making more young people feel welcome to join. There are currently 1 million youths in the organization – including more than 176,000 girls and young women. The new name is in place to show that there’s a focus on inclusion. The message is that all young people can get involved and work toward the coveted Eagle Scout rank, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Photo Credit:  Boy Scouts of America via Facebook

A Boston man recently called 911 for something that wasn’t an emergency, which is a definite no-no. The call prompted a visit from police. But instead of coming to arrest him, they came to celebrate him.

A 25-year-old man named Chris called the emergency line and explained he was calling because he wanted someone to wish him a happy birthday. The dispatcher could tell from the caller’s voice that it wasn’t a prank call and that he genuinely just wanted birthday wishes.

Normally, officers might be dispatched to the caller’s home to explain that 911 is for emergencies only, but in this case, two officers showed up at Chris’ front door holding a muffin with a birthday candle in it.

Officer Israel Bracho and his partner Franklin Ortiz were greeted by Chris. They told him they were there for his 25th birthday and then serenaded him with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Chris was all smiles as he blew out the candles on his muffin and then emphatically thanked the officers with handshakes.

For anyone looking to end their week on a positive note, look no further!

Here is a video of two of our officers responding to a 911 call asking for, “someone to wish him a happy birthday”.

The caller after the fact was quoted saying, “The officers made my day!” pic.twitter.com/TPTV4gP8Y4

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) May 3, 2024

Photo Credit:  Boston Police Dept. via X

Lainey Wilson has earned her seventh consecutive #1 country song with “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” It’s the third single from her album, Bell Bottom Country, which has amassed over 125 million global streams.

Lainey co-wrote the song about her life. Through a press release, she said: “This song has such a special place in my heart, as a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter and someone who grew up on wide open land,” Wilson shares. Thank you to my collaborators, Jay Joyce, Trannie Anderson, and Paul Sikes for helping bring this track to life.”

In other Lainey Wilson news… according the Nashville Business Journal, she will soon be the next star to have her own honky-tonk in downtown Music City. Her name will be on the bar at the former FGL House.

Randy Travis confirmed A.I. was used for his new song that came out on Friday.  “Where That Came From” is his first new song since his near-fatal stroke in 2013 that robbed him of his voice.

The story was featured on CBS Sunday Morning yesterday.

Here is the new song from Randy Travis, “Where That Came From”.

IN HONOR OF OUR AREA BEEF PRODUCERS WE ARE GIVING AWAY $200 IN BEEF FROM OAK MEADOW MEATS IN HARMONY AND A NEW TRAEGER PRO 575 GRILL FROM FISK FARM AND HOME STORES!

And the winners are….

The $200 Beef Certificate goes to Joann Bodley, who at registered at Elliott Jewelers.

The Traeger Pro 575 Grill goes to Casey Panos who at registered at Randy’s Carquest Decorah.

REGISTRATION LOCATIONS:

• Caledonia Lumber
• Kraus Oil – Spring Grove
• Allamakee County Farm Bureau – Waukon
• Fisk Farm & Home – Cresco, Decorah, and Monona
• First Southeast Bank – Canton & Harmony
• Carquest – Waukon
• Drilling All Season Sports – Calmar
• NAPA – West Union
• Decorah Auto Center
• Ridgeway Lumber
• Double D Liquor – Waukon
• Headington Repair and Trailers – Decorah
• Becker Hardware – Ossian
• Citizens Savings Banks – Ft. Atkinson, Spillville, & Protivin
• Windridge Implement – Decorah
• Carquest – West Union
• Elliot Jewelers – Waukon
• Hanson Tire – Cresco
• The Country Store – Caledonia
• Randy’s Carquest – Decorah
• Blake Electric – Waukon and Postville
• Superior Building Center – Calmar
• Central Motors – Spillville
• Farmer’s Union Coop – Ft. Atkinson and Ossian
• New Albin Savings Bank
• Floors Plus – Waukon
• Decorah Kawasaki
• Baumler Implements – West Union
• Community Insurance of Iowa – Ossian
• Bodensteiner Body Werks – Waukon
• Meyer Auto – Monona

RULES: REGISTER IN PERSON AT PROMOTION SPONSORS. MUST BE 18-OR-OLDER TO REGISTER AND CLAIM PRIZES. PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 31ST, 2024 AT 9AM, LIVE ON THE RADIO. NO PURCHASE NESSESARY, CONTEST RULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, LA COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMO PARTNERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSSES OF ANY KIND.

The start of Tuesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix was delayed nearly two hours when a bee colony swarmed the top of the protective netting directly behind home plate. A beekeeper named Matt Hilton was called in to wrangle up the buzzers, which he did to a cheering crowd. The Diamondbacks then rewarded him with the honor of throwing out the first pitch.

For the last day of April, things are looking good for the most part.  We do have a chance for some strong storms late tonight, below is the latest from the National Weather Service in Des Moines.

Thunderstorm chances increase once again by late afternoon and through the evening hours. Expect storms to initially develop over western Iowa and track east. Some of the storms will likely be strong to severe and capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. A few instances of hail greater than 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts to 80 mph may occur. A few tornadoes are possible as well. Those with outdoor interests should pay close attention for quickly changing weather conditions and have multiple ways to receive warning information!

Photo Credit:  NWS Des Moines

First, they’re sweet and then they’re sour … Oreo has released dozens of different varieties and flavors over the years and has been very creative, usually to the delight of the brand’s hardcore fans, but their latest offering may have gone too far. Oreo just announced it is rolling out a limited-edition Sour Patch Kids cookie. It is a golden cookie with colorful specks of Sour Patch Kids baked in, with a creme filling containing even more Sour Patch pieces. The brand says it has “a sweet yet sour taste.” An Oreo spokesperson says, “The Oreo brand is always looking for playful ways to excite our fans. What better and more unexpected way to do that than letting Sour Patch Kids playfully takeover our cookie.” The response from fans have been mixed, with some looking forward to trying them to others who say the combination is “gross.” The cookie will hit store shelves across the country on May 6th.

 

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Photo Credit:  oreo via Instagram

Reba McEntire will return to host the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards this year, for the 17th time.

She commented about that: “What an honor to have been part of the past, present and now the future of the Academy of Country Music with Amazon Prime Video. I can’t wait to get to Texas and see everybody May 16th!”

The show in Frisco, Texas, will stream live on Prime on May 16th.

Photo Credit:  ACM – Academy of Country Music via Facebook

A BIG congratulations goes out to our Shop Local Giveaway winners!

The $500 Local Bucks winners include:

Steve Matt drawn from Hanson Tire in Cresco

Orabel Ehrie drawn from Decorah Kawasaki

Taylor Burke drawn from Leutholds Clothing in Cresco

Kelsey Weymiller drawn from WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon

The Equipment Prize Winners from Decorah Kawasaki include:

Wayne Sutter drawn from Carquest in West Union: Husqvarna Trimmer

Glen Elsbernd drawn from Ridgeway Lumber: Kawasaki Electric Bike

Janet Kooser drawn from Jet’s Processing and Café in Waukon: Snapper Hedge Trimmer

Pauline Flak drawn from Decorah Auto Center: Snapper Pole Saw

Kyle Kulish drawn from Ace Hardware of Decorah: Toro Push Mower

Steve Dismore drawn from Double D Liquor: DeWalt Electric Chain Saw

The Iowa State Cyclone Football team will open their 2025 season across the pond in Dublin, Ireland on August 23, 2025, at Aviva Stadium taking on the Kansas State Wildcats.

According to cyclones.com….“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity presented to us by Aer Lingus to provide the young men in our football program an unrivaled educational, cultural and athletic experience,” said Jamie Pollard, Iowa State’s Director of Athletics. “Iowa State fans enjoy a tremendous reputation for following the Cyclones wherever they play, and we look forward to seeing them travel with us to The Emerald Isle for the 2025 season-opener.”

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic aims to bring American college football to Ireland annually to promote Ireland as a travel destination, and 2025 will be the fourth-consecutive season that college football begins its season with a game in Dublin. Florida State and Georgia Tech will kick off the 2024 campaign in Ireland with an excess of 21,000 U.S. fans traveling overseas for game week. ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will be on hand for the Aer Lingus Classic, broadcasting live from Dublin on Saturday, August 24.

Iowa State fans can visit Cyclones2Ireland.com to learn more about the game and sign up for ticket updates including official Iowa State travel and hospitality packages which will become available in late May.

Going abroad in 2025🇮🇪@AerLingus | @cfbireland

🌪️🚨🌪️ pic.twitter.com/nFJfCifAIZ

— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) April 24, 2024

Photo Credit:  Iowa State Football via X

Caitlin Clark padded her WNBA income by signing an eight-year deal with Nike worth $28 million.

The rookie salary for WNBA players is $76,000. The Indiana Fever drafted Caitlin to a four-year contract worth $338,000.

Nike was not the only sports apparel company seeking Caitlin’s endorsement. Adidas offered her $6 million. Under Armour would have given Caitlin $16 million over four years.

She abruptly walked out of a meeting with Puma because their low-ball offer was just $3 million. (Wall Street Journal)

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has never been shy about mouthing off to umpires and getting thrown out of games – but during Monday’s tilt against the Oakland A’s, he got thrown out without saying anything. Boone did have some words for home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt in the first inning and was warned that he’d be tossed if he didn’t keep his mouth shut. Just a few seconds later, a fan seated right behind the Yankees dugout started heckling Wendelstedt, who must have thought it was Boone. So he ejected the manager. Boone was understandably upset, arguing that he didn’t say anything, but Wendelstedt told him, “I don’t care who said it, you’re gone.” Boone later called the ejection “an embarrassment.”

“I don’t care who said it. You’re gone!”

Not usually how that works but at least we got an awesome hot mic situation out of this Aaron Boone ejection pic.twitter.com/EX2xUsjtKA

— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 22, 2024

Photo Credit:  Talkin’ Yanks via X

An elephant escaped from the circus and took a stroll around Butte, Montana Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, the animal was recaptured without any injuries.

Video footage shows the elephant walking across multi-lane streets and standing on someone’s lawn.

The animal apparently escaped from the Jordan World Circus. Before heading back, it left a gift.

“Viewers say before the elephant was captured it did number two on a Butte lawn,” NBC reported. (The Guardian)

A circus elephant got loose and roamed through traffic in Butte, Montana on Tuesday. It was returned safely by its handlers. pic.twitter.com/kBPyGSCpGP

— ABC News (@ABC) April 17, 2024

Here are the rainfall totals from the past 24 hours according to the National Weather Service.

Location Amount Time/Date Lat/Lon

…Iowa…

…Allamakee County…
Postville 5.5 NE 2.62 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.14N/91.49W
Waukon 0.3 ENE 2.36 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.27N/91.47W
Monona 9.8 N 1.81 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.19N/91.35W
Harpers Ferry 6.4 SSW 1.72 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.11N/91.20W
Lansing 4.1 NW 1.42 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.40N/91.29W
3 S Dorchester 1.27 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.42N/91.51W

…Chickasaw County…
New Hampton 0.4 SW 1.61 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.06N/92.32W
Ionia 2W 1.51 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.03N/92.50W
New Hampton 1.50 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.06N/92.32W
Fredericksburg 0.4 NNE 1.29 in 0600 AM 04/17 42.97N/92.20W
Ionia 2W 1.27 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.03N/92.50W

…Clayton County…
Big Spring Fish Hatchery 2.62 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.91N/91.47W
Monona 0.2 WNW 2.34 in 0630 AM 04/17 43.05N/91.39W
Elkader 6SSW 1.70 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.78N/91.45W
Monona 1.63 in 0804 AM 04/17 43.04N/91.39W
Elkader 6.8 WSW 1.62 in 0600 AM 04/17 42.81N/91.52W
McGregor 6.4 WNW 1.59 in 0703 AM 04/17 43.07N/91.29W
Strawberry Point 1.48 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.69N/91.53W
1 WSW Marquette 1.39 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.04N/91.21W
McGregor 1.02 in 0804 AM 04/17 43.02N/91.19W
Littleport 0.89 in 0745 AM 04/17 42.75N/91.37W
Guttenberg Dam 10 0.65 in 0600 AM 04/17 42.79N/91.10W

…Fayette County…
Waucoma 1 WNW 1.75 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.06N/92.05W
Oelwein 1.60 in 0815 AM 04/17 42.68N/91.92W
Oelwein 1 E 1.37 in 0630 AM 04/17 42.68N/91.88W
Waucoma 3.2 S 1.14 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.01N/92.03W
Fayette 1.10 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.88N/91.83W

…Howard County…
Riceville 1.26 in 0715 AM 04/17 43.36N/92.48W
Saratoga 0.99 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.35N/92.42W

…Mitchell County…
Osage 4.7 E 1.29 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.28N/92.72W
Osage 1.23 in 0730 AM 04/17 43.28N/92.81W
St Ansgar 1.00 in 0630 AM 04/17 43.38N/92.92W

…Winneshiek County…
Fort Atkinson 2.6 W 1.33 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.15N/91.98W
Calmar 1.30 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.19N/91.86W
1 ENE Jackson Junction 1.07 in 0720 AM 04/17 43.11N/92.04W
Decorah 0.84 in 0645 AM 04/17 43.30N/91.80W

…Minnesota…

…Fillmore County…
Harmony 3.00 in 0700 PM 04/16 43.55N/92.01W
Spring Valley 1.66 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.69N/92.39W
Chatfield 6.3 ESE 1.59 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.81N/92.08W
2 WSW Fillmore 1.58 in 0743 AM 04/17 43.74N/92.31W
Spring Valley 0.2 NW 1.58 in 0730 AM 04/17 43.69N/92.39W
Wykoff 3.1 NW 1.58 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.74N/92.31W
Mabel 1.43 in 0635 AM 04/17 43.52N/91.76W
6 N Spring Valley 1.37 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.78N/92.39W
1 NNW Fillmore 1.35 in 0630 AM 04/17 43.76N/92.27W
Preston 2.7 NE 1.30 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.70N/92.05W
Lanesboro 1.30 in 0630 AM 04/17 43.72N/91.98W
Chatfield 9.0 ESE 1.25 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.79N/92.03W

…Houston County…
3 NNW Caledonia 2.50 in 0817 AM 04/17 43.68N/91.52W
Caledonia 1.70 in 0600 AM 04/17 43.63N/91.50W
Eitzen 3.8 E 1.60 in 0730 AM 04/17 43.50N/91.39W
Mound Prairie 1.46 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.78N/91.45W
Caledonia 5.3 NNE 1.29 in 0630 AM 04/17 43.71N/91.46W
Hokah 4 NW 1.16 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.80N/91.43W
1 ENE Mound Prairie 1.16 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.79N/91.42W
Hokah 1.15 in 0755 AM 04/17 43.80N/91.43W

…Wisconsin…

…Crawford County…
1 S De Soto 2.02 in 0700 PM 04/16 43.41N/91.19W
Steuben 1.32 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.18N/90.86W
0.6 NE Prairie Du Chien 1.29 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.05N/91.13W
Steuben 4SE 1.19 in 0625 AM 04/17 43.13N/90.84W
3 NE Eastman 1.18 in 0816 AM 04/17 43.19N/90.98W
Eastman 2.4 NNE 1.18 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.20N/91.00W
Prairie Du Chien Airport 1.14 in 0755 AM 04/17 43.02N/91.12W
2.8 E Harpers Ferry 0.09 in 0715 AM 04/17 43.21N/91.10W

…Grant County…
Boscobel Airport 1.67 in 0800 AM 04/17 43.15N/90.68W
Dickeyville 0.1 SW 1.62 in 0645 AM 04/17 42.62N/90.59W
Boscobel 1.57 in 0703 AM 04/17 43.15N/90.68W
1 NE Platteville 1.54 in 0710 AM 04/17 42.75N/90.46W
Muscoda 0.5 WSW 1.50 in 0758 AM 04/17 43.18N/90.44W
1 W Platteville 1.50 in 0623 AM 04/17 42.74N/90.49W
Stitzer 1.8 SE 1.27 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.91N/90.60W
Platteville Municipal Airpor 1.27 in 0655 AM 04/17 42.68N/90.43W
Bloomington 3.5 N 1.04 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.94N/90.92W
Patch Grove 0.1 NNW 0.96 in 0600 AM 04/17 42.94N/90.97W
Fennimore 0.82 in 0805 AM 04/17 42.98N/90.66W
Cassville 7.8 ENE 0.76 in 0700 AM 04/17 42.75N/90.84W
Lancaster 0.75 in 0741 AM 04/17 42.83N/90.69W
Platteville 0.73 in 0755 AM 04/17 42.74N/90.46W

…La Crosse County…
Onalaska 1.16 in 0756 AM 04/17 43.89N/91.18W
Onalaska 1.9 E 1.15 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.89N/91.18W
Coon Valley 4.5 NNW 1.15 in 0454 AM 04/17 43.76N/91.06W
Burns 1.00 in 0800 AM 04/17 43.91N/90.97W
Bangor 0.95 in 0800 AM 04/17 43.89N/90.99W
Onalaska 0.5 WSW 0.92 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.89N/91.23W
Holmen 2S 0.89 in 0700 AM 04/17
West Salem 0.7 W 0.81 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.90N/91.10W
Coon Valley 4.5 NNW 0.79 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.76N/91.06W
La Crosse Regional Airport 0.76 in 0753 AM 04/17 43.88N/91.25W
1 WSW West Salem 0.61 in 0720 PM 04/16 43.90N/91.10W
La Crosse 0.57 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.77N/91.22W

…Monroe County…
Tomah 0.87 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.99N/90.50W
Warrens 4.7 WSW 0.68 in 0700 AM 04/17 44.10N/90.59W
Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport 0.54 in 0655 AM 04/17 43.97N/90.73W

…Richland County…
Boaz 1.86 in 0814 AM 04/17 43.33N/90.53W
2 SSW Richland Center 1.50 in 0749 AM 04/17 43.31N/90.41W
Hillsboro 10.7 SW 1.36 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.55N/90.49W
Cazenovia 4.4 SSW 0.93 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.47N/90.23W

…Vernon County…
De Soto 2.20 in 0649 AM 04/17 43.43N/91.20W
Genoa 1.58 in 0757 AM 04/17 43.56N/91.22W
Hillsboro 2 SW 1.57 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.63N/90.38W
Stoddard 1.5 NE 1.28 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.67N/91.19W
La Farge 1.12 in 0745 AM 04/17 43.60N/90.63W
Viroqua 1.00 in 0707 PM 04/16 43.56N/90.89W
0.5 E Viroqua 0.89 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.56N/90.88W
Ontario 0.87 in 0600 AM 04/17 43.72N/90.59W
Readstown 0.82 in 0700 AM 04/17 43.45N/90.77W
Genoa Dam 8 0.80 in 0715 AM 04/17 43.57N/91.23W

Monday night Caitlin Clark went number one in the WNBA draft to the Indiana Fever and Luke Combs left a recorded message for her. Here is Combs congratulating Caitlin, and her response.

 

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Photo Credit: wnba via Instagram

Iowa Women’s Basketball star and presumed WNBA #1 draft pick Caitlin Clark made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live over the weekend.  Her appearance came during the Weekend Update segment of the show which is hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che.

Photo Credit:  Saturday Night Live via YouTube

Someone in San Francisco got footage of a tow truck driver trying to tow a car at a stoplight . . . with two people inside. They had to back up so he didn’t lift them off the ground. (After a couple attempts, he speeds off on a yellow light.)

Specialty Tow trying to grab an occupied car from the travel lane on Bush St
byu/storyinmemo insanfrancisco

People think the driver should be charged with attempted kidnapping.  The company is called Specialty Towing, and the city canceled contracts with them earlier this year. They’d been illegally towing parked cars and basically holding them for ransom.

Photo Credit: r/sanfrancisco via Reddit

The Academy of Country Music has announced this year’s nominees for the ACM Awards.

Luke Combs leads the nominations with eight, including nods in the major categories of Entertainer, Male Artist, Album, Song and Single, along with Music Event for his collaboration with Riley Green on “Different ‘Round Here.”Megan Moroney leads the way for women with six nominations, including both Female Artist and New Female Artist. Morgan Wallen also receives six nominations, tying Megan for the second most. Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson got five each, and Jelly Roll and Jordan Davis four apiece.

The ACM Awards will stream live on Amazon Prime Video on May 16th from The Star in Frisco, Texas.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• Kane Brown
• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

 FEMALE ARTIST 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

 DUO OF THE YEAR

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

 GROUP OF THE YEAR

• Flatland Cavalry
• Lady A
• Little Big Town
• Old Dominion
• Zac Brown Band

 NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Kassi Ashton
• Ashley Cooke
• Hannah Ellis
• Kylie Morgan
• Megan Moroney

 NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Ernest
• Kameron Marlowe
• Dylan Scott
• Conner Smith
• Nate Smith

 NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

• Neon Union
• Restless Road
• Tigirlily Gold

 ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

• Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs
• Higher – Chris Stapleton
• Leather – Cody Johnson
• One Thing at a Time – Morgan Wallen
• Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) – Kelsea Ballerini

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

• “Burn It Down” – Parker McCollum
• “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
• “Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
• “Need a Favor” – Jelly Roll
• “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

• “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
• “Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson
• “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
• “The Painter” – Cody Johnson
• “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

• “Can’t Break Up Now” – Old Dominion and Megan Moroney
• “Different ‘Round Here” – Riley Green and Luke Combs
• “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves
• “Man Made a Bar” – Morgan Wallen and Eric Church
• “Save Me” – Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

• “Burn It Down” – Parker McCollum
• “Human” – Cody Johnson
• “In Your Love” – Tyler Childers
• “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
• “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

• Jessie Jo Dillon
• Ashley Gorley
• Hillary Lindsey
• Chase McGill
• Josh Thompson

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

• Zach Bryan
• Ernest
• Hardy
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen

Photo Credit:  ACM – Academy of Country Music via Facebook

Morgan Wallen spent last night in jail after he was arrested for allegedly throwing a chair off a rooftop bar in downtown Nashville.

Police officers say Wallen threw the chair off the sixth floor of  Eric Church’s Chiefs Bar and it landed just a few feet from them. He was arrested and charged with three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct. Staff at the bar stated that Morgan was responsible for the incident and security video showed him “lunging and throwing an object” from the bar. He has since bonded out of jail. This story is developing. (WTVF-TV Nashville)

Eric and Morgan are partners in the rebranded Field and Stream, and Eric was the one of the first artists to publicly stand by Morgan after his 2021 legal issues.

It’s safe to eat during the eclipse … The solar eclipse is coming up on Monday, giving everyone a few more days to become more informed and to learn about what exactly will and will NOT occur when the moon comes between the sun and earth. One thing that NASA wants to make sure that everyone understands is that it is safe to eat during the eclipse. Apparently there is a ridiculous myth floating around social media suggesting that radiation from the sun will be so high that it will poison any food that’s prepared during the solar eclipse. NASA says there is no truth to this myth. So, go ahead and enjoy your solar eclipse-themed foods.

Speaking of the eclipse …

Blinded by the light …Seems a lot of people don’t know that looking at a solar eclipse without eye protection could damage your eyes. According to a survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, nearly one-third of Americans don’t know that staring at the sun during an eclipse could damage your vision and even cause blindness. “Survey respondents thought that wearing sunglasses and briefly looking at the sun were safe for the eyes. However, even a few seconds of looking at the sun without proper eye protection can lead to permanent blindness without any warning signs or symptoms, including pain,” said Dr. Rajeev Ramchandran, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Rochester.

Here the best places to see the solar eclipse:  Solar Eclipse Viewing.

Photo Credit:  SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER 

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa senior guard, Caitlin Clark was named Naismith national player of the year it was announced on Wednesday. Clark is the reigning Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy winner and the first player to win this award in consecutive seasons since UConn’s Breanna Stewart (2014-16).

Presented annually to the most outstanding men’s and women’s basketball player who achieves tremendous on-court success. Jersey Mike’s is proud to partner with the Naismith Awards in recognizing the outstanding efforts of collegiate athletes and coaches, rewarding their drive and achievements on the court.

The national player of the year recently led the Hawkeyes to their second straight Final Four leading the nation in assists (9.0 assists per game) and in scoring (32.0 points per game). She became the first player to finish No. 1 in both categories in back-to-back seasons. Clark owns a career 3,800+ points and she recently became the first Division-I player to record 1,000+ points in back-to-back seasons. A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, Clark is once again a finalist for every major national player of the year award. She is also the only player in NCAA DI men’s or women’s basketball history to lead her conference in scoring and assists in four consecutive seasons.

Clark was chosen by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s national voting academy, comprised of leading journalists from around the country, current and former head coaches, former award winners and conference commissioners, all of whom based their selections on outstanding on-court performances during the 2023-24 college basketball season. Additionally, fans had the opportunity to cast a ballot. The vote was tabulated and verified by the Atlanta team of J.S. Held, a global consulting firm.

Clark was recently tabbed as the Big Ten Player of the Year and is the first player in program history to be named First Team All-Big Ten four times in four years of competition. She has also led the Hawkeyes to three straight Big Ten Championships for the first time in program history.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will face 3-Seed UConn on Friday, April 5, in Cleveland inside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse at 8:30 pm (CT).

Get ready for another blast of winter.  The National Weather Service has all the details…

Accumulating Snow

• What: Wet snow accumulations of 2 to 6″, with locally higher amounts possible across central Wisconsin
• Where: Highest amounts for central Wisconsin with lower amounts extending west of the Mississippi River
• Timing: This afternoon through Wednesday morning 
• Impacts: Roads will become slushy or snow covered and slippery, especially along colder ridge tops, within periods of heavier snow, and overnight. Reduced visibilities at times. Commute may be impacted. Some blowing and drifting possible, especially while snow is falling
• ACTION: Anticipate slippery travel and reduced visibility, slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination

Gusty Winds

• What: Strong northerly winds
• Where: Areawide
• Timing: North winds gusting 35 to 50 mph late tonight and Wednesday
• Impacts: Travel will be difficult at times, especially for high profile vehicles. Highest impacts in rural areas. Localized power outages and tree damage possible. 
• ACTION: Be prepared for travel impacts. Slow down

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4:00 PM this afternoon to 7 AM Wednesday for parts of Southwest Wisconsin, including Vernon County.

Caledonia, Minnesota native Abby Blake, who had an impressive performance on American Idol last night has exited the reality show.  Jugde Katy Perry did say after the performance, “But I think it was a step up from your audition, ” still it wasn’t enough to continue on.  Abby was one of 80 performers that didn’t make the cut.  Check out Abby’s performance of Billy Joel’s “Vienna” below.

Photo Credit:  TALENTKINGHD via YouTube

Spring and summer around these parts means road construction.  Some highways you travel everyday might be impacted by some work soon.  Check out the latest from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

-NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – March 19, 2024 – If you drive on U.S. 18 and Iowa 51 in Postville you need to be aware of an upcoming asphalt paving and resurfacing project that may impact your trip.

Beginning on Monday, April 1, until mid-November, weather permitting, crews will need to shift traffic in a head-to-head traffic pattern on one side of the road in some sections of the work zone.  Flaggers will assist you through the work area when paving and related work is underway.

Part of this project includes updating sidewalks to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To get this work done, we’ll need to close some of the side roads in the area from time to time.

-NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – March 21, 2024 – If you drive on Iowa 56 between West Union and Elkader in Fayette and Clayton counties you need to be aware of an upcoming asphalt resurfacing project that may impact your trip.

Beginning on Wednesday, April 3, until late July, weather permitting, crews will need to intermittently close one lane so resurfacing work can take place. Flaggers and pilot cars will assist you through the work zone to keep traffic moving.

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – March 29, 2024 – If you drive on the Iowa 150 bridge, 0.2 miles north of Iowa 93, you need to be aware of an upcoming project that may impact your trip.

Beginning on Monday, April 8 until late July, weather permitting, crews will close one lane of the bridge so bridge deck overlay work can be done. Both lanes will be worked on in separate stages according to the Iowa DOT’s New Hampton construction office.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place to help direct you through the work zone. Lane-width restriction signs will be in place in advance of the work zone to direct larger vehicles to alternate routes.

-NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – March 21, 2024 – If you drive on Iowa 150 from West Union to the Fayette/Winneshiek County line you need to be aware of an upcoming asphalt resurfacing project that may impact your trip.

Beginning on Monday, April 15, until early July, weather permitting, crews will need to intermittently close one lane so resurfacing work can take place. Flaggers and pilot cars will assist you through the work zone to keep traffic moving.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. 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, you 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.

Photo Credit:  Iowa DOT

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – March 26, 2024 – If you drive on Iowa 76 to reach McGregor you will need to be aware of road closures on Iowa that begin on Monday, April 1, until mid-October, weather permitting, according to the Iowa DOT’s New Hampton construction office.

Crews will resume reconstruction work on Iowa 76 for this two-year project. You will follow detour signs on U.S. 18 and Iowa 76 to reach McGregor. Signs will be installed throughout McGregor to help direct you to businesses and parking.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. 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, you 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 email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help with this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

Kevin Bacon has announced that he will return to Payson High School in Utah, where he shot the film Footloose over 40 years ago. Students at the school campaigned on social media (#BaconToPayson) to get Bacon to attend their prom. Their efforts, including TikTok videos and recreating scenes from the movie, caught Bacon’s attention, and he expressed his admiration for their work. “I have been so impressed with everything that’s been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back,” he said in a video to the students. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Footloose, making Bacon’s visit even more special. The school is also relocating after this academic year, making it the last chance for Bacon to attend prom at the same location where the film was shot.

Students at Payson High School, where “Footloose” was filmed, are on an all-out mission to have star Kevin Bacon attend their prom.

In a TODAY exclusive, @KayleeHartung reports on their viral campaign — and @kevinbacon‘s responds live! pic.twitter.com/03iduiYDUB

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 22, 2024

A winter storm will bring snow to the region late tonight into Friday morning. Amounts from 2 to 6″ are expected with locally higher totals possible. In addition, light icing could be realized for parts of northeast Iowa into southwest Wisconsin. Where the snow bands layout could still shift, and some refinement to how much to expect, and where, is possible as we move into tonight.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Fillmore, Houston, La Crosse, and Monroe counties from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM Friday. Snow with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the counties listed.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Allamakee, Fayette, Clayton, Vernon, Crawford, and Grant counties from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM Friday. Snow to a wintry mix. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. in the counties listed.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Howard, Winneshiek, and Chickasaw counties from 1:00 AM to 10:00 AM Friday. Snow to a wintry mix. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. in the counties listed.

University of Iowa senior guard, Caitlin Clark earned First Team All-America Honors yesterday, she has earned First Team All-America honors in four consecutive seasons and is the first Iowa women’s basketball player to do so.  Yesterday Gatorade also began selling a Water Bottle and Towel combo that Caitlin helped design, it’s for sale on the Gatorade website.  Another thing popped up while on was on social media yesterday, a song about Caitlin Clark!  The song is titled, “B-Ball Wizard(The Caitlin Clark Song).  It’s a take on The Who’s classic “Pinball Wizard”.  The song was written and sung by Rob Merritt.

When someone writes a song about you, you know you’ve made it!

Photo Credit:  madreindeer via YouTube

Outdoor weddings can be unpredictable, the weather among other things can cause some issues.  How about a wedding crasher?  Well a cow crashed an outdoor wedding on a farm in the U.K. and its comedy timing with the “does anyone object” question was perfect….Twice!!

Now that the March Madness brackets have been revealed, let the betting begin! The American Gaming Association predicts that American adults will bet $2.72 billion on the 2024 NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments. To be clear, that’s the official number – and is only the “above board” money expected to be wagered. It doesn’t factor in the many billions of dollars that will exchange hands because of things like bracket contests and casual bets with friends. When ALL the money is considered, industry insiders believe more than $15 billion will be gambled before a champion is crowned.

The Iowa Women earned the No. 1 seed in the Albany Region.  They’ll face the winner of the Holy Cross and UT Martin game on Saturday, March 23rd in Iowa City at 2:00 PM.

The Iowa State Women earned the No. 7 seed in the Portland Region.  They’ll take on No. 10 Maryland in Stanford, California.  The game will be played Friday, March 22 at 6:30 PM

The Drake Lady Bulldogs will be the No. 12 seed and will tale on No. 5 Colorado in the Albany Region on Friday, March 22 at 6:00 PM in Manhattan, KS.

The Iowa State Men earned a No. 2 seed in the East Region and will face No. 15 seed South Dakota State on Thursday, March 21, in Omaha. Tipoff is set for 6:35 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, March 21st.

The Iowa Hawkeye Men  will host No. 4 seed Kansas State in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday, March 19th at 8 p.m. in  Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

MASON CITY, Iowa – March 15, 2024 – Traveling between Lansing, Iowa, and Crawford County, Wisconsin, will become a bit easier on Monday, March 18, 2024 with the implementation of a free water taxi. This service will be in place until repairs are made to the existing bridge connecting the two states.

The water taxi will travel between the Lansing Marina and Big Slough Landing and will be available seven days a week on the following schedule.

• 7 to 10 a.m.
• 11 to 1 p.m.
• 3 to 6 p.m.

A one-way trip is estimated to take about 30 minutes.  All riders will be required to get off the water taxi at each stop.

On the Iowa side, parking and a shuttle is available at the Lansing City Hall and  Middle/Kee High School in Lansing.

Lansing City Hall
201 John Street
Lansing, IA  52151

Middle/Kee High School
269 Center Street
Lansing, IA  52151

Travelers on the Wisconsin side will need to park at the DeSoto Community Center and take a shuttle to the water taxi. Parking is not allowed at Big Slough Landing.

De Soto Community Center
57 Crawford Street
De Soto, WI  54624

Contact: Pete Hjelmstad at pete.hjelmstad@iowadot.us or 641-430-9718

Traffic was rolling along just fine on I-5 in Santa Clarita, California until a truck wiped out and spilled hundreds of rolls of toilet paper all over the freeway.

The California Highway Patrol is trying to get to the bottom of what caused the TP to roll off the back of a Ford pickup truck. The mess clogged up traffic for about 20 minutes as highway patrol officers walked along the road and tossed rolls of toilet paper over a cement barrier. (CBS News)

Coming up in May, two local high school baseball teams are set to play a game at the home of the Minnesota Twins! The Kee Hawks of Eastern Allamakee, and the South Winneshiek Warriors will battle at Target Field in Minneapolis on Thursday, May 30th.  The Twins play the Royals at Noon, the high school will start approximately an hour after the conclusion of the Twins game.

For tickets, if you are a Kee Hawk fan, contact an 8th-12th grade baseball player to purchase. Tickets will also be available at the High School office. Checks payable to Kee High Athletic Booster Club.  Any questions on the event, you can contact Athletic Director  Danny Love; dlove@kee.k12.ia.us.

If you are a South Winneshiek Warrior fan, contact a 10th-12th grade baseball player to purchase. Pay in advance and tickets will be distributed every two weeks beginning in February. Checks payable to South Winn Athletic Booster Club.  You can contact Coach Alex Smith with any questions; alex.smith@swinn.k12.ia.us

Cost for the game, which includes the Twins game is $20.00.

A 14-karat gold Lego piece has sold for over $18,000 at auction. The Lego was originally donated to a Pennsylvania Goodwill along with a bag of jewelry. The piece is a small, Bionicle mask. The piece was initially listed for $14.95 online, but employees realized they had something special when potential buyers began to offer $1,000 for the Lego. Only 30 of the rare Kanohi Hau masks were made 23 years ago.

MASON CITY, Iowa – March 8, 2024 –Repairs are underway on the existing Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 2 Office.

The bridge was closed on Feb. 25, 2024, after it was discovered that two of the bridge piers shifted, making the bridge unsafe for traffic.

During the repair process, portions of the bridge deck will be removed, leaving large gaps in the bridge surface. The bridge is not safe for pedestrian use and will be closed to all traffic during repairs.

The bridge will not reopen until it is safe for public use. The repairs are expected to be complete by late April.

Construction continues on the new bridge adjacent to the existing bridge.  Project completion is anticipated in 2026.

For more information go to the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing website or Facebook page.