What We’re Talking About

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.

Kane Brown and Lainey Wilson — are among the country stars set to tribute Elvis Presley in an NBC holiday special. “Christmas at Graceland” will also feature Kacey Musgraves, War and Treaty, plus John Legend, Post Malone, Lana Del Rey and Alanis Morissette. Christmas at Graceland airs live on November 29th on NBC and Peacock.  It will also include never-before-broadcast footage of Presley.

It’s a tough job, but… If sitting on the couch watching Hallmark Christmas movies is on your holiday wish list, you can do it — and get paid for it. Online flower and gift company BloomsyBox is seeking a “special Christmas movie maven” to watch and rank 12 selected Hallmark holiday movies. Each movie must be ranked on a number of criteria including festivity factor, predictability quotient, chemistry check, tear-jerker test and replay value. And for their hard work, they will receive $2,000 as well as two pairs of comfy socks, “an ample supply of Ghirardelli hot cocoa,” and a 12-month flower box subscription. Those interested need to apply at BloomsyBox.com by December 3rd.

Helping Services for Youth & Families is happy to announce the opening of the 19th annual Holiday Lights event, held at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. Holiday Lights is an annual fundraiser for Helping Services for Youth & Families, a nonprofit organization with programs that promote healthier and safer families throughout Northeast Iowa.

Thanks to the help of volunteers and sponsors, Holiday Lights will be ready for the opening Walk-through Night on Wednesday, November 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is the only night visitors will be able to walk-through to see the lighted displays up close. Parking will be available at the soccer fields on Pulpit Rock Rd with shuttle buses provided by EARL Public Transit to transport visitors into Holiday Lights, or at the Twins Springs side of the campground that connects by a footbridge. Visitors are invited to stroll through the lighted displays and enjoy donated soups, cookies, and hot chocolate while supplies last. There will be a live Nativity hosted by St. Benedict’s Parish, carols performed by local choirs, complimentary photos taken with Santa, and “Pokey Pete” train rides for children (weather permitting).

The Holiday Lights drive-through event begins Thanksgiving and is open nightly, 5:00 to 9:00 pm until Christmas night. Santa will be at Holiday Lights every Friday through Sunday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. leading up to Christmas. Santa’s last night will be Sunday, Dec. 17th. Returning this year is the fireworks show on Tuesday, December 12th, starting at 6:30 p.m. over downtown Decorah. All guests are welcome to enjoy the show in the Decorah High School football stadium.

A free-will donation will be collected as you enter the gates of Holiday Lights. All donations benefit Helping Services for Youth & Families. For the complete schedule and list of sponsors, please visit www.helpingservices.org/holidaylights.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary is just a couple of weeks away from announcing its “Word of the Year,” and Kraft mayo is doing everything it can to influence their decision — by urging them to choose “moist” as 2023’s top word. Kraft is fully aware that the word “moist” makes a lot of people cringe, which is why they are trying to reclaim it. Their campaign, which is dubbed “Operation Moist,” includes a 6-foot replica mayo jar that Kraft has erected outside Merriam-Webster’s headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts. The label on the giant jar reads, “For years, we’ve watched ‘moist’ be degraded by the internet … the media deeming it ‘universally’ hated. We won’t let this slander go on any longer! Our mayo is indisputable evidence that moist is a great word, and that every meal is better moist! With America’s help, we’ll make Moist your Word of the Year.”

 

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Photo Credit:  realkraftmayo via Instagram

Gusty southwest winds 35 to 45 mph winds today with a few gusts of 50 mph possible. The strongest winds are expected to be in open and unsheltered areas in southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Unsecured, lightweight objects will be blown about and travel may be difficult for high profile vehicles on east to west roads.

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM CST THIS EVENING…For Iowa, Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard Counties.  In Minnesota, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, and Wabasha Counties.

Confidence is increasing for gusty southwest winds 40+mph for Thursday. The strongest winds are expected to be in open/unsheltered areas in SE MN & NE IA. Unsecured, lightweight objects will be blown about & travel may be difficult for high profile vehicles on east to west roads. pic.twitter.com/TLf0qyJ5Fz

— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) November 15, 2023

Photo Credit:  NWS La Crosse

A cargo plane from New York to Belgium was forced to turn around and return to JFK International Airport when a horse got loose on board. That’s right, a horse.

The plane, operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic, had just gotten over the Atlantic Ocean when the horse broke loose. The pilot got on the radio and told air traffic control they would need to return to JFK. He explained, “The horse managed to escape his stall. We don’t have a problem flying-wise, but we need to return back to New York; we cannot get the horse back secured.”

Once the plane returned to JFK, a veterinarian boarded the plane to examine the horse and make sure it was alright. Once the horse was safely secured in its stall, the flight took off again and later landed safely in Belgium.

Mark Chesnutt took to social media to share an update on his health…

He says in quote, “Many of you who know me well, know that I have been struggling with a battle that I’ve fought to overcome for many years on my own. Now after some extreme health issues I’ve recently experienced the time has come. The fight is over. I’ve made the decision, to take the time to get healthy. I’ll be coming off the road for the next couple of months to concentrate on getting well…..to take care of me, my family and so that I can get back out on the road, to give back to ALL of you who have shown me unconditional support, care and love throughout my entire career. I truly appreciate your heartfelt understanding in my commitment, and your sensitivity to my decision, and the privacy to allow me this time.”

Wynonna Judd has responded to the commentary surrounding her opening performance at the 2023 CMA Awards. The 59-year-old took to Instagram and TikTok to respond to fan concern over her after she took to the stage to sing ‘Need a Favor’ with Jelly Roll. During the performance, Judd held onto Jelly Roll, which prompted several fans to become concerned about her health. In a video post titled “Don’t read the comments, they say…” a smiling Judd said: “I’m just gonna come clean with y’all…he asked me to sing and I said, ‘Absolutely!’ I got out there and I was so nervous that I just held on for dear life. And that’s the bottom line.” She also shared that she was traveling to Texas to resume her “Back to Wy Tour” last night, assuring fans, “All is well!”

 

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It’s deer season, which is bad news for the deer, but it can be very bad news for you if one jumps in front of your car. November is the peak time of year for automobile-deer collisions, because it’s when deer are most active. But there are precautions you can take if you find yourself driving in areas where deer are known to be present. According to AAA, these are the best ways to avoid dangerous deer collisions:

• Pay very close attention to the road ahead of you and be prepared to hit the brakes if you see an animal in the road.
• Use your high beams at night. It’ll light up more of the road and help you spot a deer’s reflective eyes sooner.
• Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk because this is peak time for deer collisions.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Deer collisions can be deadly for the driver, too.
• If you don’t think you can avoid hitting a deer, do not swerve. Swerving could cause you to hit another car.
• Do not speed up. That will cause more damage.
• Grab the wheel and slam on the brakes. Braking can minimize the damage caused by a deer collision.

Here’s what you should do if you hit a deer:

• Try to move the car off the road and put on your hazard lights.
• Report the accident to police and let them know if there’s an injured deer in the road.
• Take pictures of the damage to your car for the insurance company.
• Make sure your car is operable before trying to drive away from the scene of the crash.

With Veterans Day coming up on Saturday, here are a list of area Veterans Day programs happening in our area.

-Veterans Program , Friday, November 10th at 10 a.m. at the Spring Grove School Auditorium.

-South Winneshiek High School will observe Veterans Day with an assembly in the high school gymnasium on Friday, November 10 at 10:15 AM. During the assembly Quilts of Valor will honor eight veterans with quilts. All area veterans and spouses, as well as the Women’s Auxiliary, are welcome to join us for coffee, juice, and rolls in the high school cafeteria at 9:00 A.M.

David Bond, Marine Corps 1997-2001

David Dunt, Navy & Navy Reserves 1960-1966

Robert J. Gross, Army 1995-1999

Carl P. Huber, Marine Corps 1969-1971

Richard L. Ingram, Air Force 1955-1958

Austin Keck, Marine Corps 2016-2020

Roy Prestsater, Army 1970-1972

Dr. Richard J. Wedo, Army 1971-1973

-The Lynch Family Foundation will once again be holding their annual event to honor all area Veteran’s and Active Military Members on Friday, November 10th, at the Winneshiek County Fair Grounds Community Building in Decorah.  Serving Lynch BBQ and Beverages from 4:00-6:30 PM.  Free Barbeque Supper and $20,000 Giveaway!

-Thursday, November 9, 4:30 – 7:30pm: New Albin VFW Annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Community Center. Please plan to attend to support our friends from Kenneth Casey Post & Auxiliary #5603.

-Friday, November 10, 9:00am: Veterans Day Program at New Albin Elementary School.

-Friday, November 10, 10:15am: Veterans Day Program at Kee High School. Please arrive between 9:45 – 10:00am as the program starts promptly at 10:15am.

-Friday, November 10, 11:30am: Immediately following the Program at Kee High School, the Lansing Library is hosting a lunch with soup & desserts to honor Veterans and their families! This is an Open House Social to honor all Veterans, families, and friends. Door prizes will be raffled off.

-Saturday, November 11 (Veterans Day), noon: Veterans Day Celebration honoring all Veterans at AJ Bar & Grill, Waukon. Awards begin at 1:30pm. 36 local Veterans will be honored during this celebration. Several Veterans from our area will be honored.  Sponsored by Midwest Veterans of America.

-Cresco, IA American Legion 135 & VFW Post 4561 is hosting the 15th annual Veteran’s Banquet on Saturday, November 11th.  The banquet will be held at the Expo Center at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco.  Social Hour at 5 PM, Dinner at 6 PM, with the program at 7 PM.  Advanced ticket sales only.  Tickets are available at the Cresco Chamber, CUSB or CB&T, or call Cindy at 719-237-6102.

-Waukon Patriot Quilters will present quilts to area veterans to honor and thank them for their service. The presentation will be on Friday, November 10 at 11:00 am at the community room of Robey Library. All are welcome to attend.

-Veteran’s Day Program on Friday, November 10th at the Waukon High School Gym at 11:15 AM. Public is invited.

-ALL VETERANS CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2023. HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION CLAY-GAR POST 723 GARNAVILLO IOWA

(Rededication of Clay-Gar Veterans memorial) 2013 (10 year anniversary ) 2023

VETERANS ASSEMBLE AT THE GARNAVILLO COMMUNITY CENTER NO LATER THAN 10:00 AM

OTHERS ARE ASKED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL IN THE GARNAVILLO CITY PARK NO LATER THAN 11:00 AM

LIGHT LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AFTER THE PROGRAM.

A deer crashed into a lingerie store in Michigan and trashed the shop before finding its way back outside.  Here is the store owner of Curvaceous Lingerie, Lauren Palmer, talking about the ruckus caused by the deer.

Of Note:  No employees or people in the store were injured during the incident.

Photo Credit:  Curvaceous Lingerie via Facebook

Here’s what you need to know before tomorrow’s 57th annual CMA Awards. 

The show will be hosted for the second time by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning and will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC at 8 pm ET.

Lainey Wilson leads the way with a whopping nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, and duet partner Jelly Roll follows with five. Luke Combs and Hardy land four each.

Entertainer of the Year

• Luke Combs
• Chris Stapleton
• Carrie Underwood
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Ashley McBryde
• Carly Pearce
• Lainey Wilson

Male Vocalist of the Year

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

​​​​​​Vocal Group of the Year

• Lady A
• Little Big Town
• Midland
• Old Dominion
• Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

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

Album of the Year

• Ashley McBryde – Ashley McBryde: Welcome to Lindeville
• Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country
• Luke Combs – Gettin’ Old
• Morgan Wallen – One Thing at a Time
• Kelsea Ballerini – Rollin’ Up the Welcome Mat

Single of the Year

• Luke Combs – “Fast Car
• Lainey Wilson – “Heart Like a Truck”
• Jelly Roll – “Need a Favor”
• Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
• Hardy (featuring Lainey Wilson) – “Wait in the Truck”

Song of the Year

• Luke Combs – “Fast Car”
• Lainey Wilson – “Heart Like a Truck”
• Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
• Megan Moroney – “Tennessee Orange”
• Hardy (featuring Lainey Wilson) – “Wait in the Truck”

Musical Event of the Year

• Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson) – “Save Me”
• Cole Swindell and JoDee Messina – “She Had Me at Heads Carolina (Remix)”
• Kane Brown (featuring Katelyn Brown) – “Thank God”
• Hardy (featuring Lainey Wilson) – “Wait in the Truck”
• Carly Pearce (featuring Chris Stapleton) – “We Don’t Fight Anymore”

Music Video of the Year

• Ashley McBryde – “Light On in the Kitchen”
• Old Dominion – “Memory Lane”
• Jelly Roll – “Need a Favor”
• Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
• Hardy (featuring Lainey Wilson) – “Wait in the Truck”

New Artist of the Year

• Zach Bryan
• Jelly Roll
• Parker McCollum
• Megan Moroney
• Hailey Whitters

The performances include:

• Kelsea Ballerini – “Leave Me Alone”
• Luke Combs – “Where the Wild Things Are”
• Dan and Shay – “Save Me the Trouble”
• Jordan Davis – “Next thing You Know”
• Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
• Ashley McBryde – “Light On in the Kitchen”
• The War and Treaty – “That’s How Love is Made”
• The show will also include a tribute to Jimmy Buffett featuring Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band.
• Post Malone, HARDY and Morgan Wallen will sing a medley of country classics.
• Jelly Roll and K. Michelle will sing The Judd’s “Love Can Build a Bridge,”
• Little Big Town will join Tanya Tucker on “Delta Dawn”
• Old Dominion and Meg Moroney will perform their song, “Can’t Break Up Now.”
• Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton present their current single, “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”

The presenters will be: 

• Paula Abdul
• Bill Anderson
• Nate Bargatze
• Kevin Cahoon (actor, Shucked)
• Jordan Davis
• Cynthia Erivo (actor, singer, author producer)
• Sara Evans
• Brian Kelley
• Lady A
• Martina McBride
• Parker McCollum
• Craig Morgan
• Darius Rucker
• Corey Seager (World Series MVP)
• Gerry Turner (The Golden Bachelor)
• Keith Urban
• Hailey Whitters
• Chris Young

Photo Credit:  CMA Country Music Association via Facebook

UPDATE:  “The Simpsons” co-creator James L. Brooks has confirmed that ‘Homer’ will continue to strangle ‘Bart’ on the show. Earlier this month, the show appeared to confirm it had retired the long-running joke. The reveal was made in season 35 episode “McMansion & Wife”, in which Homer tells ‘Marge’ that he’s changed his ways. But Brooks suggested to People that the gag will continue after all, saying: “Don’t think for a second we’re changing anything. Nothing’s getting tamed…He’ll continue to be strangled—[if] you want to use that awful term for it. He’ll continue to be loved by his father in a specific way.”

After 35 seasons, Homer Simpson will no longer strangle Bart.  In a recent episode, he explained why as a new neighbor welcomed him with a hearty handshake.  (Homer says “Times have changed.”)

I just found out that, after over 30 years, The Simpsons has finally retired their long-running gag of Homer strangling Bart.

Took them long enough lmao pic.twitter.com/JuHyNu1eiK

— Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations) (@BabyLamb5) November 2, 2023

Sunday is the end of Daylight Saving Time for most people — and the start of shorter days and longer nights. With that comes an increase in nighttime snacking, according to a survey. 79% of respondent say they do more nighttime snacking when it gets darker earlier.

Here’s what Americans say they snack on at night:

1. Ice cream — 31%
2. Cookies — 24%
3. Chips — 21%
4. Popcorn — 11%
5. Candy — 9%
6. Veggies — 3.5%

While most people think of the fall-back clock change as the good one, because we get an extra hour of sleep, the time change can still have some undesirable effects. It can mess with your natural body rhythms, including sleep cycles and eating habits. It can also affect your kids and even your pets. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has some helpful steps you can take to ease the transition into standard time:

• Tonight and tomorrow night, go to bed 15 to 20 minutes later than your usual bedtime.
• Turn your clocks back before going to bed on Saturday night.
• Wake up at your regular time on Sunday.
• Limit light exposure in the mornings until wake-up time.
• F​or your young children, wake them up 10 minutes later in the mornings leading up to the time change.