What We’re Talking About

The board of governors responsible for the Academy Awards has voted to postpone the 2021 ceremony.

ABC will broadcast the Oscars on the final Sunday in April rather than the last Sunday in February. In addition, movies released through the month of February will be eligible for consideration. Typically, the period starts and ends in the same calendar year.

Hollywood studios have not released a major movie to theaters for three months. They’ve drastically altered schedules, jockeying for the best position for once the movie-going public is ready to sit in crowded theaters.

The Oscars were delayed following the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Before that, the Academy postponed the ceremony in April 1968 when Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated and rioting ensued.

If some people have their way, Britney Spears and Dolly Parton will replace Confederate statutes in their home states.

A petition has begun to tear down the nearly three dozen Confederate statues and monuments in Louisiana, and replace them with Brit’s likeness. As of Sunday night, 25,000 people have signed. The petition calls on the state’s officials to “do the right thing: Replace Confederate statues with an actual Louisiana hero and influential human being, Britney Spears.”

Meanwhile, more than 4000 people have gotten behind a petition to erect statues of Dolly in place of the Confederate figures in Tennessee. The petition creator writes, “History should not be forgotten, but we need not glamorize those who do not deserve our praise. Instead, let us honor a true Tennessee hero, Dolly Parton.”

Historical statues have been toppled across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Katherine Williams-Dunning, 27, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 79 in Henry County, Tennessee, on June 13, according to WKRN.com.

Katherine is the daughter of Hank Williams Jr. and his third wife, Mary Jane Thomas. Henry County is approximately 115 miles west of Nashville.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol as reported by WKRN, “Katherine Williams-Dunning was the driver of a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe involved in the single-vehicle crash near Antioch Road. The SUV was towing a boat at 7:44 p.m. southbound on Highway 79 when it crossed the dividing median in the highway and rolled over, crossing northbound lanes and coming to a rest on the shoulder. Williams-Dunning was killed in the crash.”

Katherine’s husband, Tyler Dunning, 29, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where his condition is currently unknown.

Katherine and Tyler are the parents of two children ages 5 and 2.

Another fair in Northeast Iowa has had to cancel most events to COVID-19.  The Delaware County Fair in Manchester will be moving forward with just a 4-H and FFA shows.

DELAWARE COUNTY, IOWA – The Delaware County Fair Society has been working relentlessly for the past year to put together an All-Star Lineup for the 2020 Fair, July 13-19 in Manchester, Iowa. After much conversation and deliberation between the Fair Board, local health officials, Delaware County Extension, and other community representatives, the Delaware County Fair has decided to move forward with the 4-H and FFA programming only.

While we had hoped to host an outstanding and safe fair this year, under the current restrictions and recommendations in place for COVID-19 the ability to continue forward with other portions of  the fair has become much more difficult. At this time, we have canceled all free on grounds entertainment, concerts, and carnival. More information regarding concert ticket refunds can be found on etix.com. In an effect to keep all participants, volunteers, fairgoers, staff, vendors, entertainers, and the whole community safe and healthy, we must scale back to a 4-H and FFA show.

While this decision does not come lightly, we do so to maintain the safety and health of our community. Thank you for supporting the Delaware County Fair, even in these difficult times. We will fight on and look forward to July 2021 when we can all come together and celebrate the Delaware County Fair.

Garth Brooks is set for a concert event at 300 drive-in theaters across North America, only on June 27th.

The concert will be created exclusively for this event, making this a once in a lifetime experience. The concert will be the largest ever one-night show to play at outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada.

The event will be produced by Encore Live, a leading event production company.

“I am so excited to get to play again. I have missed it so much and want to get back to it,” said Brooks. “This drive-in concert allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community. This is old school, new school, and perfect for the time we are in.”

Tickets will be on sale Friday, June 19th at 12:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM CT/ 10:00 AM MT / 9:00 AM PT. They will be on sale at Ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks There, you will also be able to review the drive-in theaters available in your area. Tickets are General Admission and of Limited Availability. They will cost $100, all inclusive. Each ticket will admit one passenger car/truck. The event will take place rain or shine and will begin at dusk.

Josh Blake had a chance to catch up with Northeast Iowa native Cory Farley.  Cory talks about opening up for Alan Jackson, writing some new music, and whats been happening in Nashville during the Coronavirus.  Take a listen to their conversation below!

***UPDATE***  The Wisconsin DOT now says work on hhe closure of Highway 82 across the Mississippi River between Highway 35 and Lansing, Iowa, has been extended to July 2.

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – June 11, 2020 – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation began a project on June 5 to repair overflow bridges in the marsh area on WIS 82 on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River. This project caused the closure of the Iowa 9 (Black Hawk) bridge over the Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa. The closure was scheduled to end June 15, but delays are causing the closure to be extended until June 24, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.

During this closure, the Iowa DOT has replaced two deck panels on the Iowa side of the bridge. Electronic message signs will be in place along state highway routes in both Iowa and Wisconsin prior and during the road and bridge closure to alert motorists.

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.

Source:  Iowa DOT

The band Lady Antebellum has changed their name.  They will be now known as Lady A from now on.  The band released a statement on why they have decided to ditch the “Antebellum”.

“As a band, we have strived for our music to be a refuge…inclusive of all. We’ve watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks, and our hearts have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality and biases Black women and men have always faced and continue to face everyday. Now, blindspots we didn’t even know existed have been revealed.

After much personal reflection, band discussion, prayer and many honest conversations with some of our closest Black friends and colleagues, we have decided to drop the word “antebellum” from our name and move forward as Lady A, the nickname our fans gave us almost from the start.

A girl tries to rescue a squirrel from a small pool….let’s just say they squirrel was ungrateful.  -EK

Credit:  TaraNicole333 via YouTube

NASCAR announced yesterday that it is banning the Confederate flag at all of its races and venues, a striking decision as the flag has long been a common sight at its races. The announcement came ahead of last night’s race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, during which the car driven by BUBBA WALLACE, NASCAR’s only black driver, had a #BlackLivesMatter design.

There will be no Iowa State Fair this year….the first time since World War II.  Check out the statement from the fair.

“Dear Fair Friends,

The Iowa State Fair Board today made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Iowa State Fair due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision was complex and considered a wide array of factors. The Iowa State Fair’s top priority is protecting the health and safety of Fairgoers, staff, volunteers, exhibitors and entertainers. Amid the pandemic, we couldn’t, in good conscience, put on the Fair when we knew access to emergency safety services at the Fair could be limited, public transportation to and from the Fair would not be possible, the constant sanitization of a seemingly infinite amount of high touch surfaces lacked feasibility and social distancing in lines to get your favorite Fair food or walking the Grand Concourse would be difficult.

While we can’t predict what the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in August, we can make educated decisions based on information and guidance available today from health. Waiting any longer to make a decision would have been more potentially damaging to our great Fair partners and our planning. 

Not getting together this August at the Iowa State Fair will be disappointing. Our staff, volunteers, entertainers, vendors and sponsors love to come together to put on 11 fantastic days each summer. We know that the Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a way of life for many, including our friends in agriculture and our young exhibitors.

Thank you for your patience in allowing the Iowa State Fair Board, staff and partners the time we needed to thoroughly review our options for the 2020 Iowa State Fair.

And thank you for your unwavering support. We can’t wait to get together again in 2021.

“Fairwell” for now and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Gary Slater- CEO and Fair Manager”

Source:  Iowa State Fair Website

HBO Max has removed Gone With the Wind from the streaming service.

On Monday, a Los Angeles Times op-ed successfully convinced HBO Max to shelve the 1939 classic film because it “romanticizes the horrors of slavery.” Academy Award winning writer-director John Ridley said the Civil War drama “perpetuates some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color.”

The Best Picture winner 80 years ago is the all-time highest grossing film adjusted for inflation. It consistently ranks among critics as one of the best movies in Hollywood history.

A spokesperson for HBO said late Tuesday night (quote) “Gone With the Wind is a product of its time. It depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society. These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today. These depictions are certainly counter to WarnerMedia’s values. So Gone With the Wind will return with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement of those very depictions.”

Flood Warning for Fayette County in northeastern Iowa, Southwestern Winneshiek County in northeastern Iowa, and Eastern Chickasaw County in northeastern Iowa…Until noon CDT Wednesday. At 534 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated rainfall of 4 to 6 inches has fallen since yesterday with some rivers and streams continuing to rise. Additional rainfall around half an inch is possible today.

The Flood Warning continues for
The Turkey River at Spillville.
* until Thursday afternoon…Or until the warning is cancelled.
* At 4:30 AM Wednesday the stage was 11.1 feet.
* Flood stage is 9.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is occurring and Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…The river will continue rising to near 11.6 feet by
today. The river will fall below flood stage this evening.

Forecast flooding increased from Minor to Moderate severity…
The Flood Warning continues for
The Turkey River at Elkader.
* until Saturday morning.
* At 3:45 AM Wednesday the stage was 11.5 feet.
* Flood stage is 12.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by this morning and continue to
rise to near 18.1 feet by Thursday morning. The river will fall
below flood stage by Friday.

Forecast flooding increased from Minor to Moderate severity…
The Flood Warning continues for
The Turkey River at Garber.
* from this afternoon to late Friday night.
* At 4:15 AM Wednesday the stage was 13.0 feet.
* Flood stage is 17.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast…Rise above flood stage by today and continue to rise to
near 21.5 feet by Thursday morning. The river will fall below flood
stage by Friday morning.
* Impact…At 19.0 feet…County Road X3C at the south end of Garber
becomes inundated.

The Clayton County Agricultural Society has decided to postpone the 2020 Clayton County Fair.  Read their statement below.

A woman was arrested for attacking her boyfriend with a hamburger in Florida yesterday (Monday).

Tanya Cordero and her unnamed boyfriend were arguing inside of their mobile home when things took a turn for the worst and got physical. Largo police says that the 47-year-old woman was upset that her boyfriend closed a window in her room, so she smashed a hamburger in his face.

When the cops arrived, her boyfriend had shards of meat still stuck in his ear, though Tanya denied assaulting him. Police added that she’d “hoped he choked on the burger.”

Cordero was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery and was ordered to stay away from her boyfriend.

After nearly two weeks of protests after the death of GEORGE FLOYD, NASCAR took a few moments before its Cup race yesterday at Atlanta Motor Speedway to say it must do better on racial justice. NASCAR President STEVE PHELPS said, in part, “Our sport must do better. Our country must do better. The time is now to listen, to understand and to stand against racism and racial injustice.” The drivers then observed a 30-second moment of silence, and the broadcast played a video made by a number of Cup drivers. Several drivers also tweeted the video promising to “listen and learn,” “no longer be silent” and “work together to make real change.”

Elmer J. Fudd’s gun license has been revoked.

Showrunners for the updated Looney Tunes shows say the cartoon hunter won’t be allowed to have a rifle in new episodes on HBO Max. According to Deadline, “Fudd will still be hunting, but will use a scythe. That’s a modification in response to U.S. gun violence.”

Executive producer Peter Browngardt tells The New York Times, “We’re not doing guns. But we can do cartoony violence – TNT, the Acme stuff.”

Hot and somewhat humid weather briefly returns to the area on Monday with temperatures climbing into the low to mid 90s for most of the area under mostly sunny skies. The weather will then take a turn Tuesday into Wednesday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal cross the region, bringing heavy rain and windy conditions.

Credit:  NWS La Crosse

Grab the kids, the gear, and enjoy the great outdoors during the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) free fishing weekend June 5, 6 and 7th.

Free fishing weekend is a great time to take kids fishing. Outdoor fun awaits at hundreds of Iowa lakes, thousands of miles of rivers or a neighborhood pond. There are plenty of options to help you find a spot that is less crowded, so you can easily keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and other groups.  If the parking lot is full when you get to a fishing spot, pick a new location or come back at a time that is not so busy like early morning or later at night.  Check out the Iowa DNR’s interactive map to find a fishing spot near you!

Check out some tips for taking kids fishing here.

The Crawford County Fair will not be happening this summer in Gays Mills.  Check out the press release from the Crawford County Fair Board.

“The Crawford County Fair has joined with the people of Crawford County to provide a place to gather with friends and family to catch up with each other.  The purpose of the Crawford County Fair Association has been to promote the interests of agriculture, household and the industrial, mechanical and cultural arts through its annual fair and its exhibits.  It provides an arena to showcase the efforts of both junior and open class exhibitors.

   After contact and consultation with the Crawford County Health and Human Services department, Crawford County Emergency Management, the fair board met to discuss the future of the 2020 Crawford County Fair.  After consideration of the health and societal issues surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is with an extreme deal of sadness and regret that the difficult decision to cancel the Crawford County Fair scheduled for August 27-30, 2020 was made. 

  We fully realize how Covid-19 has had negative effects on big moments, experiences and milestones in all of our lives.  The cancellation of the fair brings a great deal of disappointment to those people who plan, attend, exhibit, participate and support the fair.  However, the safety and well-being of all involved are of utmost importance.  The difficulties encountered in social distancing, limiting the number of attendees, maintaining a high level of sanitization and insuring a safe and healthy experience as well as the liability involved were huge.

  The Crawford County Fair is so grateful and appreciative for all the effort and support from everyone who has had a part in the planning of the 2020 Crawford County Fair, no matter how large or small.  It was one of the most difficult decisions that the fair board has to make.  We wish everyone good health and thank you for your support during this time.  We are going to work hard on the 2021 fair making it one to remember to celebrate our past traditions and to make new memories at the 2021 Crawford County Fair.”

An update from the Allamakee County Fair Board.

“The Allamakee County Fairboard is looking forward to offering fun and affordable family activities.

Although guidelines prevent us from having the full fair experience that we all know and love, we are still dedicated to offering the best experiences we can. At this time, we are sorry to inform you that the scheduled concert and the rodeo have been cancelled, however 4-H and FFA activities will occur with certain guidelines being implemented. The Fairboard continues to consider and evaluate the Governor’s Proclamations, as well as CDC and IDPH guidelines. More information regarding grandstand events and ground entertainment will be finalized as more information becomes available.”

A Romanian shoemaker has come up with a shoe design that he hopes will help people respect social distancing rules.

According to The Telegraph, Grigore Lup has created a specially-designed leather shoe that features a really long nose for keeping people far apart.

It’s said that these long-nosed shoes will ensure that people stand at least five feet apart.

Lup says of the shoes, “I saw people crowding and not respecting the social distancing rules and I said to myself let’s make a shoe either to punish them or something they could actually wear and maybe that way they will keep the distance.”

A pair of these social-distancing shoes costs $115, about takes about 10 sq. ft. of leather to make.

Today will be mostly sunny, but be on the lookout for scattered late day and overnight showers and thunderstorms. A few storms could be severe with a risk for hail and damaging winds, particularly this evening. At this time, widespread severe storms do not appear likely. Sunshine along with dry and much less humid conditions return for the end of the week and into the weekend.

Credit:  Storm Prediction Center

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – May 26, 2020 – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be completing a project to repair overflow bridges in the marsh area on WIS 82 on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River which will require temporarily closing the Iowa 9 (Black Hawk) bridge over the Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa beginning Friday, June 5, until Monday, June 15, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office.

During this closure, the Iowa DOT will replace two deck panels on the Iowa side of the bridge. Electronic message signs will be in place along state highway routes in both Iowa and Wisconsin prior and during the road and bridge closure to alert motorists.

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.

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special, on June 3 at 7 p.m. CT.

Lineup: Blake Shelton, Gary Sinise, Jake Owen, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Olivia Munn, Reba McEntire, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Penn, Bobby Bones, Cody Alan, Zac Brown, Brandi Carlile, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kane Brown, Kristen Bell, Lauren Daigle, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett.

The special will feature one-of-a-kind tributes and performances as the stars perform from their own homes. The show will highlight stories of unsung heroes who have done exceptional things for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In words and music, participating artists will recognize the following categories of COVID-19 heroes: Healthcare, Education, Business, Community Leaders, Food Industry, Infrastructure, First Responders, U.S. Military and more.

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special will air on June 3 at 7 p.m. CT on CMT, Paramount Network, Pop TV and TV Land.

The 2020 Fillmore County Fair will not be happening due to COVID-19, the Fillmore County Ag Society released a statement on their Facebook page.

“We, the Fillmore County Ag Society, were hoping to not have to make this announcement, but after careful consideration and consultations with the county, state and other organizations regarding the health and safety of everyone in our community, visitors, volunteers, exhibitors, our long time fair partners and supporters, it is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 163rd year of the Fillmore County Fair that was scheduled for July 21-26th in Preston, Minnesota.
With the current restrictions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, wearing masks and the need to sanitize everything, it would be impossible to meet the standards for attendees to gather safely in a large group setting. The fairboard, in good conscience, cannot risk people getting sick, or worse, because of attending the Fillmore County Fair. It is the reality of the current situation.
While we know this announcement is upsetting for our supporters and participants, who look forward to the Fillmore County Fair, it is also unimaginable for the fairboard members as well. The Fillmore County Fair is extremely proud of the public support it has received over the years, all of our awesome sponsors, those that volunteer, the community organizations, the vendors, the exhibitors and everyone that provides a positive experience and contributes to the success of the Fillmore County Fair, for not only the last 162 years but the future!
With this decision made we can refocus our energy towards the continued improvements and projects on the fairgrounds that will help us focus on our mission, to promote agriculture and education in our county. We would like to thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.
July 2021 will be here before you know it, when we can gather and celebrate 163 years of the Fillmore County Fair because “We are Fair Strong!”

The Winneshiek County Agricultural Association has made the difficult decision to cancel grounds and entertainment activities for the 2020 Winneshiek County fair.

This cancellation includes Fair Races, Rodeo, Tractor Pull, Joe Stamm Band for Friday night, and Saturday night acts Gabby Barrett and Jordan Davis. All carnival and grounds entertainment are also cancelled. The Nitty Gritty Dirt band, scheduled for Friday night, had already canceled their appearance at the 2020 Fair. Public Health comments, CDC guidelines, along with legal guidance from the County Attorney were considered throughout this decision making process, in addition with the concern to keep residents of Winneshiek County safe and healthy.
Should the CDC guidelines still be in place at the time of the fair, it was felt that the 6 foot social distance rule would be virtually impossible to enforce in most, if not all scheduled activities. The rule also severely limits the Fair’s ability to remain financially viable. Due to the requirement of only 50% capacity at any event, revenue deficits are simply too great to overlook.

The Fair Board is working with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to find a workable solution to schedule the 4-H and FFA shows. Details will come in the near future.

A great amount of time and thought was put into this decision. While it is deeply disappointing the Fair Board looks forward to 2021. We are all very grateful for the great community support we receive each year to be able to put on the “Biggest Little Fair in Iowa.” Thank You to each and every one of the businesses and individuals who help make this fair what it is.

Minnesota baker Bill Hanisch and his ex-wife Robin Hanisch are working overtime to decorate 800 cakes for graduating high school students. The bulk of the cake order is due by graduation day, June 4th.

Bill owns Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop, which was voted “Best Bakery in Minnesota.” He said, (quote) “These cakes are a way to let the kids know that we’re proud they made it through 12 years of school. Even though they can’t graduate together, they deserve to be recognized.”

Hanisch originally agreed to bake for free 220 cakes for seniors at his alma mater, Red Wing High School in Red Wing, Minnesota. His Facebook post went viral and people donated to his bakery. Then more schools in the region along the Mississippi River reached out asking Hanisch to bake cakes for their graduating seniors.

Happy birthday to Dana Carvey. The comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member turns 65. He’s best-known for characters such as “The Church Lady” and “Garth Algar” from Wayne’s World, and impersonations of George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot.

Credit:  Saturday Night Live via YouTube

George Strait stars in a new public service announcement offering tips to Texans on reopening the state safely during the pandemic. The PSA comes from Governor Greg Abbott’s office. He sings a bit of his hit “Write This Down” followed by reminders to practice good hygiene, wear a face mask, and stay six feet apart from others in public.

Severe storms will be possible Tuesday evening into Tuesday night with a risk for large hail, damaging winds, locally heavy rain, and perhaps an isolated tornado. Stay weather aware and monitor the latest forecast for updates, as the threat area and timing continue to be refined.

Credit:  NOAA NWS Storm Prediction Center

A 103-year-old Massachusetts woman survived coronavirus — and celebrated with an ice-cold Bud Light. Jennie Stejna fought the disease in the hospital for 20 days. Her grandson, David said, “She put it to her lips and said, ‘Ooh, that’s cold. It’s good when it’s cold.” This Bud’s for you, Jennie.

Credit:  WICKED LOCAL South – Raynham via You Tube

The last couple days have been warm and sticky, but today and weekend are looking cooler and less muggy.  It neither pleasant, or muggy 73 years ago.  The National Weather Service from La Crosse remembers the forgotten snow storm of May 27-29, 1947.

“On the morning of May 27, 1947, a developing low pressure system was located over central Nevada. It was this low which would be responsible for the snow storm over the Central Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley, and Upper Michigan from May 27th through May 29th. A strong arctic high pressure system was located over the Mackenzie Basin in northwest Canada. This high would provide the cold air needed for a winter storm to develop. A mixture of rain and snow developed over Colorado and Wyoming during the day on May 27th and changed to all snow during the night as the low deepened and moved slowly east through southern Colorado.

On the morning of the 28th, the high pressure center had moved rapidly south to southern Saskatchewan. This high pressure area brought unprecedented cold for late May to North Dakota. Temperatures fell to as low as 15 degrees at Eckman, which is located near the Canadian border. In addition, the mercury fell to 23 degrees at Bismarck which is the lowest ever recorded there after May 20th. Meanwhile, below freezing temperatures were found across Montana, Wyoming, northeastern Colorado, western Nebraska, northern Minnesota, and western South Dakota. The sub freezing temperatures caused a partial to total loss of fruits and tender plants. During the day, this cold air surged southward across eastern Nebraska, eastern South Dakota, Iowa, southern Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Many cold maximum temperatures were established across the region for the day.

At the same time this was occurring, the area of low pressure was continuing to strengthen as it moved east through southern Kansas. From the evening of the 27th through the 28th, this low produced a 6-12″ snow band from southeast Wyoming east across northern Nebraska into northwest Iowa. The heaviest snow in this band was found in Alliance and Harrison, Nebraska where 12″ had fallen. The weight from the heavy wet snow caused considerable damage to power lines, telephone lines, telegraph lines, trees, and shrubs.

During the late afternoon and evening of May 28th, the surface low began to move northeast across northern Missouri, northwest Illinois, and southeast Wisconsin. The reason for this change in direction was due to a strong upper level disturbance that had dropped into the base of the upper level trough over Nebraska during the day. This upper level disturbance caused an amplification of the upper level ridge over the Ohio Valley and much of New England. As a result, temperatures in this region climbed into the 80s instead of the 50s and 60s which were seen the day before. However on the cold side of the system, temperatures remained in the 30s and 40s in the Upper Mississippi Valley. In addition to the cold temperatures, rain changed to snow across southern Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and across much of Wisconsin. This was the latest snow ever reported in a season in this area, with some places experiencing their biggest May snow storm on record.

From the late afternoon of the 28th into the early morning hours of the 29th, 7-10″ of snow fell across Allamakee County in northeast Iowa, and Vernon, Crawford, southern Monroe, and Richland Counties in southwest Wisconsin. The heaviest snowfall amount was 10″ in Gays Mills, WI. Meanwhile, a 7-9″ band of snow fell across northern Adams, Waushara, Winnebago, Outagamie, and Waupaca Counties in central and east central Wisconsin. The weight of the heavy snow caused severe damage to power lines, telephone lines, bushes, and trees.”

Tim McGraw released a new video for his current single, “I Called Mama,” on May 26.

The new video features fan-submitted clips and photos of their moms.

Penned by Lance Miller, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary, “I Called Mama” is about the special connection mothers share with their children, especially when times are tough.

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON…

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for portions of northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, including the following areas, in northeast Iowa, Allamakee, Clayton, and Fayette. In southwest Wisconsin, Crawford, Grant, Richland, and Vernon. * Until 3 PM CDT this afternoon *

Heavy rain with some embedded thunder could produce 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short period of time, resulting in localized flash flooding. Some local amounts of 3 to 4 inches are possible for parts of Grant…Clayton and Richland counties. * Heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding of low lying or poor drainage areas and could contribute to localized mud or rock slides. Significant rises on larger streams and rivers will also be possible.

Showers and storms are expected today into Thursday. Rainfall in the 1/2 to 2 inch range is expected, but locally higher amounts could occur. Flooding is not expected at this time but those with outside interests, especially along river ways, may want to pay close attention to rising water levels.

The Iowa State Cyclone Football season will open the 2020 season on Saturday, September 5th.  The catch is….the stadium will be limited to approximately 50% capacity.  ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard issued a statement on Tuesday explaining how that will work.  Take a look at part of the statement below.

“First, we fully anticipate playing football this fall. In order to do that, we have to overcome several initial hurdles (i.e., getting the players safely back on campus, officially starting team activities, conducting preseason practice, etc.) before we can truly start to assess this fall’s season. As of today, we fully anticipate playing football in Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The second question is more challenging to answer. Attendance at Jack Trice Stadium would be limited to approximately 50% capacity in order to meet the current guidelines established by state and local officials. Those guidelines may be adjusted as time passes. Right now, we are planning as though the capacity of our stadium would be limited to 30,000 spectators.”

To read the entire statement, click here.

Less than a week after scoring his third No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with “Chasin’ You,” Morgan Wallen, 27, was arrested in downtown Nashville on May 23 on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to The Tennessean.

The Tennessean noted that Morgan was arrested around 11 p.m. after getting kicked out of Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse on Lower Broadway.

Fox 17 Nashville reported that “an officer observed security guards kick Wallen out of the bar due to being disorderly inside. According to the affidavit, Wallen was given several opportunities by police to walk away with his friends but refused.”

Morgan was bonded out at 1:47 a.m., according to Davidson County booking.

Morgan posted two initial messages via Twitter on May 24: “Hey y’all just wanted to clear the air. I went out downtown last night with a few old friends. After a couple bar stops, we were horse-playing with each other. We didn’t mean any harm, and we want to say sorry to any bar staff or anyone that was affected.”

Morgan followed up the initial tweet by posting, “Thank you to the local authorities for being so professional and doing their job with class. Love y’all.”

Late Sunday night on May 24, Morgan posted a Twitter pic with Kid Rock, captioning the photo with: “Fresh Out.”

Morgan’s court date is in July.

We got to thinking the other day, since 2020 has turned out to be a difficult year so far(to say the least).   Wouldn’t it be fun to go back to a better period of time?

How about the 1980’s?  The 80’s were full of great movies, TV, and great country music.

Make sure to join Kathy and myself on Friday as we hop in the time machine and go back to 80’s!  We’ll play old movie and TV clips, old commercials, and it will be all 80’s country from 7-10AM!