What We’re Talking About

They say Oreo’s newest cookie is out of this world – and its makers want you to be, too. To celebrate the launch of a galaxy-inspired limited-edition cookie flavor “Space Dunk”, Oreo has partnered with Space Perspective, the world’s “first and only” carbon-neutral “spaceflight experience” company, to send one lucky cookie lover to space. The winner will be sent on a “transformative 6-hour journey to the edge of space in the Spaceship Neptune. No special training is required, and there’s no weightlessness or heavy g-forces involved.

One small step for man, one giant leap for cookie-kind 🚀🌟OREO Space Dunk will land on shelves 1/29 pic.twitter.com/kZHxff7XHv

— OREO Cookie (@Oreo) January 23, 2024

Photo Credit:  Oreo via X

Ranch for your chapped lips … Is the cold winter air leaving you with dry, chapped lips? Do you also really love Ranch dressing? If you answered “yes” to both, you are in luck, because Hidden Valley is partnering with Burt’s Bees to release a limited-edition Ranch-flavored lip balm. This is not a joke, people. The Hidden Valley lip balm comes in four varieties – original Hidden Valley Ranch, Crunchy Celery, Fresh Carrot, and Buffalo Sauce. You get all four flavors in the pack, which you can purchase for $11.99 only at BurtsBees.com.

 

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Millions of cicadas will again invade parts of the United States this spring and summer with their beady red eyes and hauntingly loud song. These frightening, yet completely harmless, insects come around every year to mate and lay eggs, but they are cyclical and come back more en masse in intervals of either 13 or 17 years. Lucky for us this year, two particular groups, or broods as they’re known, are coming back at the same time. Brood 19, which is on a 17-year cycle, will invade 14 states across the Southeast and Midwest. At the same time, Brood 13 will arrive in five Midwestern states. Those who live in Illinois and Indiana will be lucky (or unlucky) enough to experience both of them.

Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan will pay tribute to Alabama for CMT.  The network announced Wednesdays that “CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA,’ a star-studded salute celebrating one of the most iconic country groups of all time, will also feature Evander Holyfield, Jamey Johnson, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Lorrie Morgan, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis, Riley Green, Sam Hunt and Vince Gill.  The two-hour special will film at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

Photo Credit:  Alabama via Facebook

A mother found something in her young son’s underwear drawer that she never could have expected to find — not even in Australia.

The Melbourne woman was going through her three-year-old’s drawers when she was greeted by a five-foot eastern brown snake, which is one of the world’s deadliest snakes. She called in a snake wrangler known as “The Snake Hunter” who admitted “that’s not something you see everyday.” Fortunately he was able to capture the underwear snake and safely remove it from the house.

If you like cute animals, you have to see this viral TikTok video of a camel that walked into a guy’s kitchen.  This was posted by an animal sanctuary in California.  Albert the camel knows all the food is in there, take a look at the video as finally get the big guy outside.

@ranchograndeojai Albert our camel gets into the kitchen again and reeks havoc in search of food. #ranchograndeojai #ranchogrande #farmlife #ranch #animals #dog #puppy #airbnb #baby #camel #wow ♬ Sneaky Friends – Eitan Epstein Music

Photo Credit: ranchograndeojai via TikTok

Every year there are new words entering our daily vernacular, and some of them even make their way into the dictionary. But sometimes when we start using new words, we stop using old ones, and one university is looking to reverse that by bringing back some old-timey words that our grandparents and great-grandparents may have used back in their day. Wayne State University’s “Word Warriors” have released their annual list of “long-lost” words that they believe are due for a comeback this year. Making the list this year are:

• Blatherskite: A person who talks at great length without making much sense.
• Curglaff: The shock felt when one first plunges into cold water
• Dollop: A shapeless mass or blob of something.
• Kaffeeklatsch: An informal social gathering at which coffee is served.
• Pawky: Having a mocking or cynical sense of humor.
• Petrichor: The pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm and dry weather.
• Pettifogger: An inferior legal practitioner.
• Rawgabbit: A person who speaks confidently but ignorantly.
• Thunderplump: A heavy fall of rain during a thunderstorm.
• Twankle: To twang with the fingers on a musical instrument.

Another significant winter storm is expected to cause travel impacts from late tonight into Saturday across the region. Besides the potential for heavy snow, winds will be on the increase, leading to blowing and drifting. There could also be pockets of whiteout conditions, especially in open areas.

Currently a broad swath of 6 to 10 inches is forecast, but those amounts could still change based on storm track and amount of moisture the storm has to work on. There is still the possibility for higher amounts if bands move repeatedly over the same areas.

Widespread travel impacts should be planned for Friday into Saturday. Near white-out conditions could develop at times Friday into Saturday morning as winds gust upwards of 30 to 40 mph. Consider altering, delaying or even canceling travel plans if conditions warrant it.

Bitterly cold air arrives as this storm system exits the area. This will lead to wind chills of 20 to 30 below by Saturday night.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM CST SATURDAY… WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

WHERE…Portions of north central and northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin.
WHEN…From midnight tonight to 9 AM CST Saturday.
IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute Friday.

A winter storm remains on track to bring heavy snow and gusty winds to parts of the region Tonight into Tuesday night. Locally, the heaviest snow and impacts are forecast for parts of northeast Iowa into southwest and west central Wisconsin. Be sure to check back for updates to the forecast and the latest road conditions if traveling!

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM
CST WEDNESDAY…WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

WHERE…In Iowa, Allamakee and Clayton Counties. In Wisconsin Crawford and Grant Counties.
WHEN…From midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Wednesday.
IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Power outages will be possible.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM
CST WEDNESDAY…WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
WHERE…Floyd, Chickasaw and Fayette Counties.
WHEN…From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Wednesday.
IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM
CST WEDNESDAY…WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
WHERE…Winneshiek County.
WHEN…From midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Wednesday.
IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

There’s been a TON of talk about the potential winter storm headed our way early next week.  Things are becoming a little more clear.  Check out the latest from the National Weather Service in La Crosse and Des Moines.

A winter storm is on track to bring snow and wind to southern portions of the region Monday through Tuesday night. Locally, Monday night through Tuesday is the time frame of concern, with the impacts currently focused on northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. Uncertainty continues on the track of the storm, and some adjustments to the track and forecast are anticipated. Monitor a trusted source for the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential impacts – especially if you have travel plans south or east.

Photo Credit:  NWS La Crosse

A New Jersey bride was, unfortunately, not the focus as her father walked her down the aisle. He was – due to an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.

New bride Sarah Grundman-Connors took to TikTok to share an unexpected memory from her recent wedding: Her 74-year-old father’s rear end, courtesy of an innocent fashion malfunction.

In the video, Sarah’s dad, Leonard Grundman, is seen trying unsuccessfully to secure his sliding pants before they find a new home around his ankles. As the he bends over for recovery, he unintentionally treats the onlooking crowd to a glimpse of his tighty-whities.

“To all my 2024 brides,” Grundman-Connors said in her video. “Make sure that whoever is walking you down the aisle is wearing suspenders.”

@sarahcongrun PSA to all the 2024 brides- whoever is walking you down the aisle make sure they’re wearing suspenders or a belt! #bride#wedding#bridesoftiktok#funny#fyp#bridal#humor#weddingsgonewrong #greenscreenvideo ♬ original sound – Sarah_conhers

Rascal Flatts’ J.D. Rooney posted on X Wednesday, and opened up about why he’s been so quiet on social media.  The country star set aside the rumors that he’s been transitioning to a women, writing, “There have been so many rumors and opinions thrown around about me – but I’m finally healthy and ready for t he world.  And NO, I’m not transitioning to be a woman.  That thought has never entered my mind.  Nothing against the trans community whatsoever but I needed to set the record straight.”  Instead, Rooney began seeking treatment for his alcohol addiction after a serious drunk driving accident in September 2021.  He added, “My life has been changed forever – and I’m grateful for the change.  I’ve been sober for almost 28 months come this Jan. 13th.”

I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve posted on any socials. It’s actually been a couple years since I’ve engaged with fans and friends on Twitter (now X) or Instagram.
But I figured today, at the beginning of this brand new year 2024, would be a good day to send a message out…

— JDR (@JoeDonRooney) January 3, 2024

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – Putting truth to the viral rumors, Joe Bonsall, tenor singer for fifty years for The Oak Ridge Boys, has officially announced his plans to retire from touring. During a Saturday, December 30th concert in Greenville, Mississippi, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban introduced Ben James (Doyle Lawson, Dailey & Vincent) to an enthusiastic audience at Harlow’s Casino Resort.

Bonsall shares this message with his legion of Oak Ridge Boys Fans:

“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over four years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years, and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys, band, crew, and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget, and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer, I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying. There is a young man named Ben James singing for me out there, and he needs your love and encouragement … his sound is different than mine, but he brings a ton of talent to the table! The Oak Ridge Boys will finish the Farewell Tour without me, but rest assured, I am good with all of it! God’s Got It!!!”

Ben James was no stranger to The Oak Ridge Boys, being introduced to them in 2022 during a concert in Wheeling, West Virginia, where Daily & Vincent were also on the bill.

“Joe handed me the mic and said, ‘You’ve got the next verse,’ James said. “And I’m not sure I will ever get over that moment. ‘Elvira’ was always on repeat when I was growing up. It’s still one of those timeless songs that never grow old.”

The Oak Ridge Boys are planning a full touring calendar for The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Farewell Tour. They anticipate returning to the studio with Grammy-winner Dave Cobb in late January, their fifth pairing with the legendary super-producer.

The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Farewell Tour:
Sat, JAN 20 The Grand 1894 Opera House Galveston, Texas
Sun, JAN 21 The Grand 1894 Opera House Galveston, Texas
Fri, FEB 02 Boot Barn Hall (Gainesville) Gainesville, Ga.
Sun, FEB 04 Family Gras Mardi Gras Plaza Metairie, La.
Sun, FEB 11 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo San Antonio, Texas
Thu, FEB 29 Florida Strawberry Festival 2024 Plant City, Fla.
Fri, Mar 01 The Alliance Center Burlington, N.C.
Sat, MAR 02 Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Montgomery, Ala.
Sun, MAR 03 Norton Auditorium University of North Alabama Florence, Ala.
Fri, MAR 15 Foxwoods Resort Casino Ledyard, Conn.
Sat, MAR 16 American Music Theatre Lancaster, Pa.
Sun, MAR 17 American Music Theatre Lancaster, Pa.
Sat, MAR 23 Sugar Creek Casino Hinton, Okla.
Thu, APR 04 Oxford Performing Arts Center Oxford, Ala.
Fri, APR 05 City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium Morganton, N.C.
Sat, APR 06 Alabama Theatre North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Wed, APR 10 Clay County Agricultural Fair Green Cove Springs, Fla.
Sat, APR 13 George H Henderson Jr. Exposition Center Lufkin, Texas
Sat, APR 27 Paramount Arts Center Ashland, Ky.
Fri, MAY 17 Peoples Bank Theatre Marietta, Ohio
Sat, MAY 18 The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Farewell Tour Defiance, Ohio
Fri, JUN 07 Hartville Kitchen Hartville, Ohio
Sat, JUN 08 Hartville Kitchen Hartville, Ohio
Wed, JUN 26 Blue Gate Performing Arts Center Shipshewana, Ind.
Thu, JUN 27 Blue Gate Performing Arts Center Shipshewana, Ind.
Fri, JUN 28 Meramec Music Theatre Steelville, Mo.

To catch The Oak Ridge Boys in concert and for all the latest news, visit oakridgeboys.com or follow them on social media.

Photo Credit: Brandon Wood

Dolly Parton helped a fan with cancer complete his bucket list by giving him a call and having a conversation with him.  Here is LeGrand Gold (LG) from Utah speaking to Dolly over the phone and her serenading him at the end.

For those with travel plans across the central U.S. early next week, keep an eye on the forecast as there is an increasing signal for widespread accumulating snow and strong winds Tuesday. Details are few and VERY MUCH in flux, but the higher probabilities for impactful snow are currently lining up through Iowa into southern Wisconsin. The forecast track of the storm WILL continue to shift over the coming days, so please monitor a trusted weather source this week and into the weekend for updated information.

Movie theaters have been struggling to stay afloat over the past few years as people are opting to watch movies at home. Theaters are expensive, movies are getting longer, and it’s just more comfortable to be on your own couch. So, in an effort to make up for lost revenue, many theater chains have been offering more food options in the hopes of attracting more customers and bringing in more revenue. Some theaters, according to The Hollywood Reporter, are even toying with the idea of adding an intermission to longer movies. The idea is that movie-goers will use the 10- or 15-minute break in the middle of a film to use the bathroom and load up on more snacks. The film production companies, however, are totally against the idea as they worry the break will ruin the film.

Photo Credit:  Burrns Luciano via YouTube

Holding a ceremonial ball drop to signify a specific moment in time actually dates back to the early 19th century. A time ball was installed at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, in 1833, according to the Times Square official website.  The ball would drop every day at 1 o’clock, allowing nearby boats to synchronize their timing instruments. These time balls soon became common at naval academies and observatories and eventually made their way to the United States, according to the site.

The first ball drop in Times Square

The first Times Square ball drop took place in 1907, according to the website, but Times Square had become the focal point of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations starting in 1904. The first ball was made of iron and wood. It weighed 700 pounds and was emblazoned with 100 25-watt bulbs, according to the website.

Take a look at this years Ball for 2024!

A North Carolina couple was in for a surprise on Monday morning when they woke up to find that their three-year-old had unwrapped every single present under their Christmas tree. Writer Scott Reintgen, the father of the stealthy three-year-old, shared a photo to X documenting the scene of the crime. “Yall. My three year old came down at 3am and unwrapped EVERYONE’S presents,” he said, alongside a photo showing a mess of wrapping paper and gifts, with no present spared. In a follow-up to the viral post, Reintgen said the family managed to re-wrap some of the presents, “to stop the villain origin story” of their oldest son. “We, on the other hand, are sipping coffee and plotting to tell this story at his wedding,” he added.

Yall. My three year old came down at 3am and unwrapped EVERYONE’S presents. pic.twitter.com/8dlfqdwHO7

— Scott Reintgen (@Scott_Thought) December 25, 2023

Photo Credit:  Scott Reintgen via X

A 103-year-old artificial Christmas tree, one of the first to be mass produced, was auctioned for more than $4,000 in Britain.  Hansons Auctioneers said the 2.5-foot-tall tree, described as the “humblest Christmas tree in the world,” sold for a total $4,296.13.  The tree was brought to Dorothy Grant’s family home when she was 8 years old in 1920 and it became a staple of her holidays for her entire life until her death at the age of 101. The tree, which features 25 branches, 12 berries and six mini candle holders, is believed to be one of the first mass-produced artificial Christmas trees and was likely purchased by Grant’s mother at Woolworth’s in London. “As simple as it was, Dorothy loved that tree,” Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said in a news release. “It became a staple part of family celebrations for decades. The fact that it brought her such joy is humbling in itself. It reminds us that extravagance and excess are not required to capture the spirit of Christmas. For Dorothy it was enough to have a tree.” The tree was passed down to Grant’s daughter, Shirley Hall, 84, who lives near Loughborough, England.

 

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A survey found that the average American will drink 6 spiked egg nogs – an estimated 1.2 billion eggnogs nationally. That number is a lot higher in Vermont, where people will have an average of 19 cups of egg nog cheer. Other survey findings:

• The acceptable time to start drinking over the holidays is 2:42 p.m., but 18% admit to starting before lunchtime.
• North Dakota is ranked as the drunkest state during the festive season, with an average of 8 boozy drinks per day per person.
• The mornings after July 4th, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, and Thanksgiving are notably prone to hangovers, with January 1st being the peak day for hangovers.

Mayim Bialik has been fired from Jeopardy!.

The game show said that Ken Jennings will be the sole host next season.

Mayim broke the news on Instagram, writing, “Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy! I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Jeopardy! family.”

In their own Instagram post, the show said that it “made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers.” They left the door open for her to host prime-time specials.

Since July 2022, Bialik and Jennings had been co-hosting the show.

 

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Iowa Women’s Basketball star Caitlin Clark has signed another NIL deal, this time with iconic sports drink Gatorade.  The was announced Tuesday with a new ad titled “You Can Too”.   Gatorade has also donated $22,000 to the Caitlin Clark Foundation.  The Iowa Basketball star has NIL deals with State Farm Insurance, Hy-Vee, Nike, Buick, and Topps, and others.

Photo Credit:  Gatorade via YouTube

Some fans of the Christmas movie “Home Alone” are reacting with shock after finding out how much money little ‘Kevin McCallister’ (played by Macaulay Culkin) would have to come up with, if he were to go grocery shopping today. After being left alone for the holidays in the 1990 film, the 8-year-old famously went to the local supermarket, purchasing a large haul of food and household items for under $20. What was on his list? A half gallon of milk, a half gallon of orange juice, a TV dinner, bread, frozen mac and cheese, laundry detergent, cling wrap, toilet paper, a pack of toy army men (“For the kids”) and dryer sheets, which came to a total of $19.83. Someone did the math for the same shopping list last year, and came up with a total of $44.40. This year? Try a whopping $72.28.

Photo Credit:  MulaMovieclips via YouTube

A giant inflatable Santa Claus is drawing a lot of visitors to a neighborhood in Texas, but no one seems to know how it got there.

The jolly mystery has left people completely stumped in the Hollytree neighborhood of Tyler, Texas. The large, blow-up St. Nick suddenly appeared in a vacant lot about a week ago. No one has claimed responsibility for it, which has added to the intrigue. Locals have been flocking to see it and take photos with it.

During Monday’s “Tonight Show” Brad Paisley performed a comedy song that he wrote and performed for his wife at their wedding 20 years ago…..Take a listen!

You have a chance to win some great Christmas gifts from great local businesses with the 12 Days of Christmas!

Starting Thursday, December 7th listen for the KNEI Bluff Country Elf, when you here him be caller 6, and tell us the sponsor and prize of the day and you win!!
You have a chance to win some great prizes from these local businesses:

Wiebke Fur in Eitzen

Iron Hill Powersports, Waukon

Elliott Jewelers in Waukon

Sportsmans Unlimited in Waukon

Becker Hardware of Ossian

Country Garden in Decorah

Hy-Vee Decorah

Country Boom

Mark’s Jewelry in St Lucas

Twin Springs Supper Club of Decorah

Iowa Diecast Toys of Clermont

Fareway Waukon

The phone numbers to win are:  563-568-3476 or 563-568-6056

Every once in a while a good Christmas commercial comes out, and this year brings a good one.  This year Chevrolet released “A Holiday to Remember”.   The description from the company reads, “Watch this heartwarming story about a woman’s holiday journey to gift her grandmother the memories from years past. All told from the front-seat of a classic Chevrolet Suburban.”

Take a look for yourself below.  -Erik & Kathy

Photo Credit: Chevrolet via YouTube

Music history was made this week when Brenda Lee’s classic song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time ever since being released 65 years ago. This makes Brenda the oldest artist to ever top the charts at the age of 78.

Brenda was only 13 when the song came out in 1958.  For the 65th anniversary, she released a fun YouTube video where she lip-syncs the original while family, friends, and Santa, enjoy the holidays around her.  There are cameos from Trisha Yearwood and Tanya Tucker.  It already has more than 3 million views.

The CPKC Holiday Train will be will rolling through area on Friday!  Since its inception in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $22.5 million and more than 5 million pounds of food for community food banks across North America.

Here’s the schedule for the day:

-Ossian, Iowa West Mechanic Street – Between Becker Avenue and North West Street from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

-Marquette, Iowa Marina parking lot, north off Casino Queen Marquette at Water Street and Hwy 76 from 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

-Lansing, Iowa Ball field on South Front Street between North 2nd and Dodge Street from 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

-New Albin, Iowa Parking lot adjacent CPKC tracks on Railroad Avenue between Ross Avenue and Oak Street from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

-La Crescent, Minn. The Commadore Food and Spirit parking lot, 215 South Chestnut Street from 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

We had a chance to visit with one performers on the Holiday Train this year, Tenille Townes!  She be performing with Breland at all the stops mentioned above.

Photo Credit:  CP Holiday Train Live via Facebook

Rapunzel is real … and she lives in India. A 46-year-old woman named Smita Srivastava, who hasn’t had a haircut in over 30 years, has just set a Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a living person. Her fairy tale locks were recently measured at 7-feet-9-inches long. Her record should be safe for a long time as she has no plans to cut her hair anytime soon. She says, “I want my hair to grow more and see how long I can manage it.”

Is your slang bussin’? A survey by Preply polled 682 parents of teenagers about the slang words their kids use and compiled a list of the ones most commonly used in 2023. And by the way, only 2% of parents said they know what each of them mean.

• Sus – “Giving the impression that something is questionable or dishonest; suspicious.”
• Bet – “An expression that means ‘I agree’, ‘good news.'”
• Yeet – “To violently throw an object that you deem to be worthless, inferior or just plain garbage.”
• Salty – “When you are upset over something little.”
• Cap – “Another word for lying. It can be used like no cap or you can say stop capping.”
• Extra – “Being over the top, excessive, dramatic behavior.”
• Bussin’ – “What you would say if something was really good.”
• Bougie – “Used to describe someone as high class, literally or figuratively.”
• Sheesh – “An expression when you’re impressed or amazed by something.”
• Drip – “When something is very cool. Can be used to describe an outfit/accessory, person, song, etc.”
• Oof – “Can be used to express discomfort, stress, or sadness.”
• Finna – “Abbreviation of ‘fixing to.’ Normally means ‘going to.'”
• Shook – “Being shocked or surprised. When you can’t believe what you’re seeing.”
• Simp – “When someone does way too much for a person they like.”
• Mid – “Used to insult or degrade something or an opposing opinion, labeling it as average or poor quality.”
• Hold This L/You Took an L – “What someone says to another person when they lose at something.”
• IYKYK – “If You Know You Know.”
• NPC – “Someone, regardless of their views, who doesn’t think for themselves.”

MASON CITY, Iowa – Nov. 29, 2023 – If you travel on the Iowa 9 bridge over the Mississippi River from Lansing to Wisconsin 82 in rural Crawford County, WI you need to be aware of an upcoming construction project that may slow down your trip.

Starting on Monday, Dec. 4, until Friday, Dec. 15, weather permitting, construction crews will close the eastbound lane on the bridge so the bridge rail can be repaired. You will be guided across the bridge with flaggers while work is taking place.

You can learn more about this project on the Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs website. You can also
follow posts on the project’s Facebook page.

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.

The owner of a car in Colorado learned why you should never leave food unattended inside a vehicle when bears are preparing to hibernate.

Wildlife officials were called out to a vehicle in Littleton to remove a bear which had climbed into the backseat. Apparently, the owner had left a bag of peanut M&M’s inside and this particular bear had a sweet tooth. Colorado Parks and Wildlife shared a video on social media showing the officer opening the car door and yelling at the bear to leave. The officer then showed the inside of the vehicle, which had been destroyed by the bear. The seats were torn apart and the bear left behind a large pile of poop as payment for the candy.

👀 Look at what a bear can do to a car when they’re hungry and smell food left inside 👀 pic.twitter.com/asvwA1BZJ5

— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) November 20, 2023

DES MOINES, IOWA (November 27, 2023) – Festive parties, family gatherings, shopping for loved ones, giving blood? Make giving the gift of life part of your holiday traditions this year!
The winter weather and hustle and bustle of the season often keeps people away from LifeServe Blood Center’s Donor Centers and mobile blood drives, but the warmth a lifesaving donation can bring is worth experiencing. Make plans today to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Waukon Community Blood Drive, 12/04/2023 from 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
at 614 Rossville Road, Waukon.(First Baptist Church)

Elgin/Clermont/Wadena Communities Blood Drive, 12/06/2023 from 12:30 pm –
05:30 pm at 308 Mill Avenue, Elgin.(American Legion)

Fort Atkinson Community Blood Drive, 12/11/2023 from 12:30 pm – 05:30
pm at 303 3rd Street NW, Fort Atkinson.(Community Center)

Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call
800.287.4903.

Help us fill the Northeast Iowa Community Action (NEICAC) Food pantry shelves!

Thursday Dec 7^th we will be accepting donations of non-perishable items or Cash donations at our downtown Decorah studio at 501 West Water Street.

NEICAC is a 5013C non profit so all cash donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to NEICAC Food Pantry

Every dollar donated is worth $5.00 in purchasing power for items to stock the shelves at NEICAC food pantry.

Blake Shelton has his next Hallmark movie is on its way. He has announced plans for the premiere of “Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas”, the latest holiday-themed Hallmark movie that he has executive produced. The film, featuring “Nashville” star Chris Carmack, premieres this Thursday.

We’ve got a brand new movie coming y’alls way!!!! “Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas” premieres Thu Nov 30 at 8/7c on @hallmarkmovie!!!! #ComeHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/Tz5S53D3NE

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 22, 2023

Photo Credit:  Blake Shelton via X

Drink your green bean casserole … A holiday dinner staple now has a drink to wash it down with. Aura Bora, a brand of herbal sparkling water, has concocted a Green Bean Casserole Sparkling Water. The calorie free bubbly beverage is made with natural green bean flavor and sage extract. You’ll have to add your own French fried onions and cream of mushroom soup. Aura Bora is known for its whacky flavored drinks, which also includes Honey Pumpkin, Cactus Rose, Mango Chili, and Lavendar Cucumber. You can purchase them all, including the new Green Bean Casserole, on the Aura Bora website.

HONEY PUMPKIN & GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE ARE HERE 🦇🎃🍂🛒🔮👻https://t.co/8lkBfgsfjx pic.twitter.com/2AiQQTbG21

— Aura Bora (@drinkaurabora) October 17, 2023

Photo Credit:  Aura Bora via X

Iowa Women’s Basketball star Caitlin Clark is set to star in a pair commercials for State Farm. State Farm and Clark announced the partnership last month. The ads will start airing this weekend.  Check them out below!

Photo Credit:  State Farm Insurance via YouTube

We all have a favorite pie that we often only eat on Thanksgiving, and those pie picks could be regional. According to Google searches, these are the most popular pies in every state:

Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware opt for sweet potato pie.

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Washington, Arizona and Hawaii prefer traditional fruit pies like apple, cherry, blackberry and grape.

Florida, of course, picks Key Lime pie, but oddly, so do Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Minnesota, South Dakota and Nevada choose cream pie while Nebraska and Alaska choose banana cream specifically.

Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and pick peanut butter pie.

Mississippi has chocolate pie on their menu, while Louisiana, oddly, chooses Mississippi mud pie.

Traditional pumpkin pie is beloved in California, New Mexico, New York, and New Jersey.

Neighboring Tennessee and North Carolina are exchanging recipes for their favorite buttermilk pie.

The remaining states had one-off and occasionally unusual picks like Texas’ pecan pie, Ohio’s butterscotch pie, Virginia’s coconut pie, Pennsylvania’s shoo fly pie and Maryland’s banoffee pie.

And finally, there may be fewer sweets eaters in Oregon and Kansas. They searched for savory pies – tamale for the former and Frito chili for the latter.