What We’re Talking About

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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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.

(Clive, Iowa) November 1, 2023 – The Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” marketing initiative with Iowa State football players is adding a new element: Linebacker Alec Cook. Through an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal, Cook joins fellow Cyclones Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann, and Caleb Bacon, encouraging Iowans to purchase pork products, and of course cook more ham and bacon.

The Iowa Pork Producers’ original social media post featuring a photo of Purchase, Moore, Hamann, and Bacon with several pounds of ham and bacon has received more than 2.6 million views on X (formerly Twitter) and the initiative quickly garnered statewide and national media attention. Raygun has sold hundreds of Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon t-shirts and Iowa Pork has given away nearly 9,000 posters featuring the original photo.

“We are so overjoyed with the great success of the “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” campaign and love that we’re able to encourage people to Cook Moore Hamann Bacon as well,” said Iowa Pork Producers Association President Trish Cook, a pig farmer from Buchanan County. “We had hoped it would go viral and it did in a very big way. Supporting these players and the We Will Collective has been a rewarding experience, and we’re helping the food pantries in their hometowns with donations of delicious and nutritious Iowa pork.”

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is donating $4,000 worth of pork to food pantries in the hometowns of Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon, on behalf of each player. Caleb Bacon presented the Lake Mills Food Shelf in Lake Mills, Iowa with their donation on October 21.

As part of this new phase of the initiative, an additional $1,000 worth of pork will be provided for each food pantry, as well to Alec Cook’s selection, the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. That totals $9,000 worth of pork, equating to 12,000 servings, to help fight food insecurity in each player’s hometown.

“Thank you to Iowa pork producers for giving us the chance to use our last names to promote the swine industry,” said Alec Cook, a redshirt freshman linebacker from Omaha. “It was a lot of fun to work together while also helping out our local communities.”

Iowa is the number one state in the nation for pork production and nearly 150,000 Iowans are employed by the pork industry.

Another new video, featuring an additional Cyclone football player, will be added to the “Purchase/Cook Moore Hamann Bacon” initiative very soon. Stay tuned.

Photo Credit: Iowa Pork Producers Association via YouTube

Jason and Brittany Aldean got political this Halloween.  The couple dressed as Donald Trump and Joe Biden, respectively, for a debate skit that they posted to Instagram Tuesday (October 31st).  Jason’s orange Trump appears in handcuffs as the singer makes fun of the former President’s legal troubles and love of money while Brittany’s  Biden nodded off on stage and acted confused as she mocked the Presiden’s advanced age.

Happy Halloween, America‼️ Here’s to 2024🇺🇸🥂 pic.twitter.com/7LGk1M38hR

— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) October 31, 2023

Photo Credit:  Jason Aldean Via Twitter

The next time you hear a rustling noise in your ear, your memory is going to take you right back to this nightmarish story.

A woman in Taiwan kept hearing a strange clicking and rustling sound for several days that was so annoying it kept her up at night. She thought it would go away but it didn’t, so she finally visited a doctor who have it checked out. The doctor took a close look inside her ear canal and found a spider that had apparently crawled inside and camped out for a few days.

The spider, the doctor noticed, had discarded its exoskeleton and was crawling around inside the ear canal. The doctor used a suction tube to pull out the spider and its exoskeleton, and the woman’s discomfort immediately went away.

Photo Credit:  NEJM Group via YouTube

A wildlife aficionado witnessed a bear-y sensual moment in the woods. Canadian Tom McClelland captured a hilarious video of a bear after setting up a trail camera in a wooded area in Johnson, Ontario. Footage caught the bear in what seemed like a private moment, breaking out some unique dance moves. The bear can be seen standing up on its hind legs with its front legs raised above its head while sliding its back up and down a tree — most likely for a good scratch. Nevertheless, it appears to onlookers like the bear might be bustin’ a move. McClelland posted the video on Instagram and captioned it, “Sexy Black Bear working the Stripper Pole” with the hashtags #burlesque and #poledancer. Folks on app couldn’t get enough of the bruin’s booty-shaking.

 

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How you butter your bread may tell a lot about your personality. Whether you like to spread a thin layer of butter on your toast or thick globs of it from crust to crust, a body language expert says you’re revealing a lot about yourself. Research suggests that the average person spreads butter on 574 slices of bread a year, and human behavioral researcher Darren Stanton examined all the different ways of doing it and what each method tells about the type of person you are.

• The Glider: 50% of people say they glide their knife over the toast for an even spread. These people tend to be easygoing and calm in nature.
• Total coverage: 19% say they like a thick spread right up to the edges of the bread. They are very precise, methodical and organized.
• Clumper: 6% plop clumps of butter on their bread and don’t spread it evenly. They do things their own way and aren’t very good with time management.
• Crust-avoiders: 5% say they butter their bread but avoid the crust. They are typically very neat and tidy and consider themselves perfectionists.
• Double-sider: Those who butter both sides of a slice of bread tend to be creative, extroverted, and enjoy being the center of attention.
• Tear and spread: People who tear a slice of bread into pieces and then butter each piece are better communicators and are good at building trust.
• Barely there: Those who use very little butter on their bread are described as busy, outdoorsy go-getters.

This video clip popped up while I was Facebook one day this past week.  I though it had a great message on preparing kids for adulthood.  Randall Zimmerman is a football coach in Junction City, Kansas.  -EK

If you listen to nothing else tonight, make it this

Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman preaches life beyond the field every time we talk

Tonight, it was how adults prep students

Just 7.6% of HS athletes play in college

“God-willing, 100% of them be adults” pic.twitter.com/XwjmX3xsSE

— Landon Reinhardt (@landonian87) August 26, 2023

The fine folks at NOAA released their winter outlook yesterday, and it looks like above normal temps around area area….

Temperature

• Warmer-than-average temperatures are favored across the northern tier of the U.S. and much of the Far West
• The greatest odds for warmer-than-average conditions are in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and northern New England.
• Near-normal seasonal mean temperatures are most likely for a region from the south-central Rockies to the southern Plains.
• Remaining areas fall into the category of equal chances for below-, near-, or above-average seasonal mean temperatures.

Precipitation

• Wetter-than-average conditions are most likely in northern Alaska, some areas of the West from parts of California to the south-central Rockies, the southern Plains, Gulf Coast, Southeast and lower mid-Atlantic.
• The greatest odds for drier-than-average conditions are forecast in portions of the northern Rockies and central Great Lakes region, especially for Michigan and northern Ohio and Indiana.
• Much of the central portion of the U.S. falls into the category of equal chances for below-, near-, or above-average seasonal total precipitation.

Drought

• Widespread extreme to exceptional drought continues to persist across much of the South, and portions of the central U.S.
• Drought conditions are expected to improve across the Southeast, the Gulf Coast (including the lower Mississippi Valley), and Texas due to the expected wetter-than-average forecast.
• Drought conditions are expected to persist for the northern Rockies, northern Great Plains, and portions of the desert Southwest this winter.
• Drought development could occur in the interior Pacific Northwest given the chance for drier-than-average conditions.
• Drought is likely to persist or develop across Hawaii.

Check out the full report here.

What conditions could you expect in your neck of the woods this #Winter?

Check out NOAA’s #WinterOutlook: https://t.co/K0HGEch6LJ@nws #SnowOrNo pic.twitter.com/I38TKiWU0h

— NOAA (@NOAA) October 19, 2023

A man in Spain has been arrested and charged with faking a heart attack at 20 different restaurants to avoid paying his bill.

Prosecutors say the 50-year-old man scammed free meals at restaurants in Spain’s Costa Blanca region, by theatrically faking a heart attack as soon as he was done eating. Each time, he would clutch his chest and faint on the floor, leading restaurant staff to call for an ambulance. This worked at at least 20 eateries until one restaurant owner suspected he was faking it and, instead of calling an ambulance, they called police. They also shared his photo with other restaurants with a warning to look out for the scammer. Meanwhile, a group of restaurants have filed a joint criminal complaint against him and are seeking to get him locked up.

This all sounds way too familiar….

Move over, Carolina Reaper. Your reign as the world’s hottest pepper is over. There’s a new painfully spicy king of capsaicin and it’s called Pepper X. A South Carolina pepper grower named Ed Currie, who previously introduced the world to the Carolina Reaper, has grown a pepper that’s about twice as hot. Pepper X averages about 2.6 million Scoville Heat Units. To put that in perspective, the Carolina Reaper averages about 1.6 million Scoville Units and a jalapeno is anywhere between 3,000 and 8,000. Pepper X has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the hottest pepper in the world, and Currie says he’s already working on growing an even hotter pepper.

Dolly Parton will be the halftime show performer during the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game next month.  The country star wrote on social media Monday (October 16th), “Can’t wait to see everyone at the @SalvationArmyUS Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys game.” The game will air Thursday, November 23rd on CBS at 3:30 p.m. CST.   Parton promised “a performance that will rock,” suggesting that she’ll be choosing selections from her upcoming Rockstar album.

Can’t wait to see everyone at the @SalvationArmyUS Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the @DallasCowboys game. Tune in to @CBSSports November 23, Thanksgiving Day, at 3:30 P.M. CST for a performance that will rock 🎸 pic.twitter.com/Tw1KuYJeFM

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) October 16, 2023

A couple on a romantic break in Colorado claims to have captured the mythological creature Bigfoot on camera, wandering on the side of a mountain before sitting down to rest — all in broad daylight. Professed eyewitnesses Shannon and Stetson Parker — enjoying a trip for their tenth wedding anniversary — claim to have observed the legendary lummox while enjoying a sightseeing tour on the narrow gauge rail line between Durango and Silverton, in the Centennial State’s far southwest. “We were looking for elk in the mountains and my husband sees something moving and then can’t really explain it. So he’s like ‘Bigfoot!’” Shannon, a 44-year-old contractor from Cheyenne, Wyo. told The Post. “It was at least six, seven feet or taller. It matched the sage in the mountains so much that he’s like camouflaged when crouching down…if you asked before our trip we would have said maybe [Bigfoot] could be real, but now we’re convinced.”

On October 16, 2023, the Iowa State Patrol will be dedicating two bridges to fallen hero’s Sgt. Jim Smith and Trooper Ted Benda who both died in the line of duty in 2021.

It has been a long standing tradition of the State Patrol to name a bridge after a trooper who has paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting Iowans. Following these dedications, there will be a total of 12 bridges named across the state.

The Sgt. Jim Smith Memorial Bridge dedication will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Iowa DOT Independence Maintenance Garage located at 2001 240th St. in Independence. The sign will be placed at a later date on the Wapsipinicon River Bridge on Hwy 20 in Independence.

The Trooper Ted Benda Memorial Bridge dedication will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Iowa DOT Waukon Maintenance Garage located at 1380 9th St SW in Waukon. The sign will be placed at a later date on the Yellow River Bridge on Hwy 51 north of Postville.

The approximate cost of the signs total $2,400.00 which was graciously paid by the Iowa State Patrol Troopers Association, the Iowa State Patrol Supervisors Association, and the Iowa State Patrol Retirees Association.

Both Sgt. Smith and Trooper Benda were based out of the District 10 office in Oelwein.

Photo Credit:  Iowa State Patrol via Facebook

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose are married! The couple surprised fans on Wednesday with the announcement of their nuptials, which took place Tuesday. He’s 62, she’s 34. His daughter Miley is 30.  They posted on social media saying, “It was the most perfect, ethereal celebration of love we could have ever imagined.”  The couple announced their engagement in November 2022.

 

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Here’s Jon Pardi serenading his giggling, eight-month-old daughter Presley.

 

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Crocs is kickin’ it country style this month. The foam footwear brand has just unveiled their new cowboy boots, which will be available for a limited time starting October 23rd, which is Croc Day. The boot features western-themed stitching and shiny metallic charms that spell out “Crocs.” But the best feature is in the back where there are two spin-able spur charms.

 

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Tired of your typical weather terms, like “scattered showers” or “hot and humid”? Try working one of these into your next weather conversation…

-Frog strangler: This goes back to the 1870s, and refers to a heavy downpour…apparently capable of drowning frogs. Also acceptable: ‘frog choker’, ‘frog drowner’, or substitute the word ‘toad’ for extra oomph.

-Gorilla hail: Coined by Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timmer during a Texas storm in 2020. It means just what you think it means – huge hail.

-Monkey’s wedding: Also known as a sunshower. Legends vary, but rats, bears, jackals and tigers have also been accused of arranging nuptials in this type of conditions.

–Turkey Towers: Storm chaser slang for clouds that rapidly build upwards, exhibiting a turkey-like “neck.”

-Microburst: When a surge of rain falls out of a thunderstorm and hits the ground, and pushes outward into a foot shape.

-Sting jet: A small area of intense winds that can cause extensive damage. The formation looks like a bee’s stinger or scorpion’s tail on weather maps.

-Bear’s cage: The area of a tornado where the view is literally blocked by rotating walls of rain or hail.

-Suck zone: The point basically when a twister literally sucks you up. (That’s not the technical term for it, obviously…)

A highway in Ontario, Canada was turned into the world’s largest salad bar after a truck overturned and spilled a huge load of celery all over a stretch of highway.

Ontario Provincial Police shut down traffic and issued an alert telling drivers there was “so much celery” on Highway 400. Video of the spill shows thousands of stalks of celery strewn across all lanes of traffic and a tractor trailer on its side. The highway was closed for several hours while crews worked to remove the truck and clean up all of the veggies. Luckily, no injuries were reported.

So much celery! #AuroraOPP working hard to keep motorists safe Hwy 400 S/B. Please be patient. #Celery https://t.co/TXRNxiR85z pic.twitter.com/ygAYQCPJtQ

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) October 3, 2023

Photo Credit:  OPP Highway Safety Division via X

Hardy is canceling some of the upcoming shows on his The Mockingbird & The Crow Fall Tour as he deals with his mental health. He wrote on Instagram Tuesday that refunds will be made available for shows on October 5th and 7th and his October 6th appearance at the Georgia Rodeo will be moved to April 12th, 2024.  The singer wrote, “I need to be honest with everyone for a second.  I’ve been dealing with some serious anxiety since the bus accident last year and over the last two weeks, it has taken control of my life.  It’s caused me to suffer many panic attacks which have landed me in the hospital.  I need a moment to focus on me and to make myself better for my wife, family and you, the fans.”  Hardy writes that he plans to resume touring on October 12th in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

October 31st-  Stone Ridge Community Church in Decorah, IA will be hosting their annual community Trunk or Treat. This event is open to children and families of all ages and requires no pre-registration! Trunk or treating will be held in the church parking lot next to Kwik Star off Montgomery Street from 5:00-6:30. Bring out your family and enjoy a safe event with cookies and hot chocolate! Watch for the signs!

Waukon, IA- Trick or Treat at the Allamakee County Courthouse Tuesday, October 31st from 1-3 PM.

Decorah, IA- Decorah Trick or Treating is happening October 31, from 5-8 PM.

Waukon, IA- St. Paul’s United Methodist Church will be hosting their annual “All Hallows Eve” event on Oct 31st from 5 to 7 pm. Trick-or-treaters are asked to enter the building on 2nd Ave. NW & exit on 1st St. Come see our many displays & receive a book along with numerous treats.

Waukon, IA- Trick or Treating at Northgate Care Center from 3:30-5:30 PM.

Decorah, IA-Barthell Eastern Star Home & Arlin Falck Assisted Living is hosting Trick or Treat on Tuesday, October 31st from 3-5 PM.

Spillville, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 6-8 PM.

Calmar, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 4-7 PM.

Ossian, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday October 31st from 4-8 PM.

Festina, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 5-7 PM.

Monona, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 5-8 PM. Trunk or Treat from 5-7 PM on West Center St.

West Union, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 5-7 PM.

Canton, MN- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 4-7 PM. At the Canton Town Hall.

Waukon, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday October 31st from 4-8 PM.

New Albin, IA- Trunk or Treat, Saturday October 28^th from 10-1 PM at the Christ Community Evangelical Free Church

Fort Atkinson, IA- Trick or Treat Tuesday, October 31st from 4-7 PM.

JOHNSTON, Iowa (Oct. 3, 2023) – NASCAR today announced that it is bringing its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race to Iowa Speedway on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT on USA Network. This inaugural Cup Series race in Iowa Speedway culminates a weekend that will also include the NASCAR Xfinity Series at 2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network and ARCA Menards Series racing on June 14-16, 2024.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting one for NASCAR and for race fans in the state of Iowa,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President, Racing Development and Strategy. “They have long sought a NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway, and we’re happy to deliver that for them. We fully expect this to be one of the most highly-anticipated dates on the 2024 schedule and an amazing weekend of NASCAR racing in The Hawkeye State.”

“The things Iowans value most are what NASCAR represents best—hard work, family, and community—which is exactly why our partnership has always been a natural fit,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “We’re thrilled to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to Iowa Speedway next summer and for this incredible opportunity to introduce millions of racing fans to our great state.”

Iowa Corn will be the entitlement partner for the first-ever Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. Comprised of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn works to unlock the potential of corn in a sustainable manner to meet the global need for food and energy. The name and logo of the Cup Series race will be announced in the near future.

“Iowa Corn is no stranger to racing and the Iowa Speedway as we helped introduce farmer produced biofuels to consumers through race sponsorships for a dozen years,” shared Craig Floss, Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. “By bringing the NASCAR Cup Series to Iowa, farmers are able to showcase the power and performance of Sunoco Green E15 at the fastest short-track on the planet, which is surrounded by corn fields, the very source of that amazing, renewable, homegrown and affordable biofuel.”

Iowa Speedway successfully hosted the Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series from 2009-2019, while the ARCA Menard Series has competed at the track in all but one season since the facility opened in 2006. Yet, since the racetrack opened in 2006, and was acquired by NASCAR in 2013, placing a Cup Series race at the venue had yet to materialize – until June 16, 2024.

Iowa Speedway is the latest new venue added to a season schedule as NASCAR continues making bold moves with its schedule, entering new markets and engaging new audiences with its premier series, the sanctioning body brought the Cup Series to the streets of downtown Chicago earlier this year and began its season with an exhibition race on a temporary oval inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 2022.

Now NASCAR is bringing a Cup Series race to Iowa Speedway’s 7/8ths-mile tri-oval, considered one of the most challenging short tracks in the country. The race will feature the best drivers in the world vying for a ‘win-and-you’re-in’ berth to the Cup Series Playoffs.

“This is a dream come true,” said NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, Iowa Speedway’s co-founder and designer. “This track was built with the intent of hosting a NASCAR Cup Series race one day, and to finally see it come together is a testament to the tenacity of the great race fans in Iowa.”

The action will begin on Friday, June 14 with the ARCA Menards Series, continuing on Saturday, June 15 with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and concluding on Sunday, June 16 with the NASCAR Cup Series.

Of the drivers projected to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series next year, 19 have won at Iowa Speedway in other NASCAR national and touring series, including Brad Keselowski, who joined NASCAR and state dignitaries for the announcement Tuesday on the Iowa State Capitol steps.

“For years, the Iowa community has patiently waited for the NASCAR Cup Series to come to town,” said Keselowski. “It is with great pleasure for all of the racing community to announce they will finally see that dream come together. Iowa truly is a hotbed for motorsports fans, I saw that enthusiasm firsthand in 2009 for the inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series race, and can’t wait to see the atmosphere on race day in 2024.”

On-sale ticket information for the first-ever Cup Series Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway will be announced in the near future. Today, fans can put down a $25 deposit for priority access to purchase tickets before the public on-sale at iowaspeedway.com.

Thomas Rhett led his crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in prayer on Saturday after a fan suffered a medical emergency. Video shows Rhett making his way to the side of the stage near where the fan had been carried away by medical personnel. There, alongside the fan’s visibly distraught group of fellow attendees, Rhett sat down and began to pray, asking God “for your healing over Terry”.

@jessmoho #thomasrhettconcert #nashville #prayforterry #thomasrhett #coleswindell #hometeamtour ♬ original sound – Jessmoho

(Clive, Iowa) September 29, 2023 – Following a record high of more than 9,000 nominations, the prestigious title of “Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin” is down to just five restaurants. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is nearing the conclusion of its 21^st annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.

The winner will be announced as part of National Pork Month, aka Porktober, a monthlong celebration of the pork industry that takes place each year in October.

The top five restaurants this year, listed alphabetically, are:

·      Cliff’s Place – Manning

·      Spillway Supper Club – Harpers Ferry

·      Stumpy’s Bar & Grill – Duncombe

·      ToJo’s Bar & Grill – Jamaica

·      The Roadhouse – Orange City

A total of 774 restaurants were nominated this year.

“It’s exciting to see such an overwhelming response from Iowans who love breaded pork tenderloins,” said Kelsey Sutter, marketing and programs director for IPPA. “There certainly isn’t a shortage of restaurants serving them up!”

To qualify, pork tenderloins must be hand-breaded or battered. A traditional tenderloin starts with a pounded-out slice of pork loin that’s dredged through flour, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers. The meat is then fried to a crispy, golden brown and served on a bun.

The Iowa restaurant serving them needs to be open year-round and offer the sandwich as a regular menu item. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal eateries, and catering businesses are not eligible for the contest.

“The breaded pork tenderloin is an Iowa tradition,” said Linda Schroeder, chair of the IPPA Restaurant and Foodservice Committee. “Winning Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest is an exemplary honor, and that recognition will last forever!”

Judging of the top 40 restaurants took place this summer. That list included the five restaurants with the most nominations in each of IPPA’s eight districts, which helps ensure statewide representation.

IPPA members and industry affiliates anonymously visited those locations and scored the tenderloins based on pork taste and quality, physical characteristics, and presentation.

IPPA’s Restaurant and Foodservice Committee reviewed those 40 evaluations and selected the five contenders to advance to the next round. That same committee appointed a panel of three judges to travel to each of the finalists to determine the first and second place winners.

The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque, a banner to display, and statewide publicity that will drive new business. The runner-up is awarded $250 and a plaque from IPPA.

First-place restaurants are not allowed to compete for five years afterward.

Winners from the past five years:

2022 –- Lid’s Bar & Grill, Waukon

2021 — Victoria Station, Harlan (closed)

2020 — PrairieMoon On Main, Prairieburg

2019 — The Pub at the Pinicon, New Hampton

2018 — Three C’s Diner, Corning

See the full list of past winners, dating back to 2003.

Photo Credit:  Iowa Pork

An educator in Illinois helped her students learn to count by nines . . . by using Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night.  Take a look!

@mcpeek_teaches Counting by 9 – morgan wallen style! #teachersoftiktok #teachingontiktok #thattiktokteacher #teacherlife #teacher #youngteacher #classroommanagement #resorce #teachingresources #multiples #multiplication #morganwallen #fyp ♬ original sound – Faith McPeek

Speaking of Morgan Wallen, he just announced his 2024 stadium tour…with a stop in Minneapolis in June.

 

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Photo Credit:  mcpeek_teaches via TikTok

Check out this  NIL agreement with Iowa State football and the Iowa Pork Producers!

(Clive, Iowa) September 25, 2023 – The Iowa Pork Producers Association is partnering with four Iowa State University football players to promote the pork industry. Through an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal, Cyclones Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann, and Caleb Bacon are leading the new “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” marketing campaign. The goal is obviously to push Iowans to buy pork products. More specifically, they want you to purchase more ham and bacon.

“After the ‘Hamann Bacon’ photo went viral on social media following the Cyclones’ season opener, we knew we had to jump on this opportunity,” said Trish Cook, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “These four young men are not only great football players, they also have strong academic records, and great last names! We couldn’t be more excited to work with them in this fun initiative to publicize Iowa pork.”

October is National Pork Month, aka Porktober, and this promotion will be part of that monthlong celebration. The Iowa Pork Producers Association will run ads on social media featuring the four players surrounded by delicious Iowa pork and strategically using their names to encourage pork consumption.

In conjunction with the NIL partnership, the Iowa Pork Producers Association will donate $1,000 of pork to each player’s food pantry of choice.

“Iowa pork producers and pig farmers care about their communities, and while this partnership is a fun way to promote our industry, it’s also one way we can give back,” Cook said. “Food insecurity remains an issue for many people and we’re glad to partner with these Cyclone football players to help their local food pantries.”

Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, and Caleb Bacon were all named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2022. Tommy Hamann was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2022. The Iowa Pork Producers Association is pleased to work with these student-athletes to promote pork and the work of Iowa pig farmers, while aiding local communities.

“It’s something unique and it feels good to be able to do something for a good cause,” said Cyclones Defensive Back Myles Purchase, a junior from Denver, CO.

“It’s a really crazy way to incorporate all of our names and I think it’s a great way to promote Iowa pork producers too,” said Cyclone Tight End Tyler Moore, a redshirt sophomore from Des Moines.

When the picture of Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon together on the field went viral on social media, the players had several friends sharing the photo with them.

“I think it’s just hilarious being able to use play-on words on our last names in a super clever way to promote Iowa pork and it’s just an all-around great opportunity to bring us all together,” said Hamann, a redshirt freshman defensive end for the Iowa State Cyclones.

Caleb Bacon has heard jokes about his last name for much of his life. “People said I should take advantage of it, and it just came to fruition in that picture. I think it’s just good for our teammates and I’d like to thank the Iowa pork producers for the opportunity.” Bacon is a sophomore linebacker from Lake Mills, Iowa.

Iowa is the number one state in the nation for pork production and nearly 150,000 Iowans are employed by the pork industry.

Photo Credit:  Iowa Pork Producers

With fall officially arriving tomorrow, for some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: Pumpkin Spice season. And if you’re one of those people who want pumpkin spice in everything from your Oreos to your…pumpkin spice…here’s some good news: The spices that are mixed together to create pumpkin spice each have their own health benefits. That’s right: Pumpkin spice is actually pretty good for you. The flavor is generally made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Cinnamon is thought to help control blood sugar levels, nutmeg has been used to treat many afflictions, including cancer and kidney disease, but more research is needed. Ginger seems to be an effective treatment for nausea and morning sickness. Cloves are used to treat toothaches, and allspice is good for things like intestinal gas, diarrhea, flu and colds. And let’s not forget pumpkin. While it isn’t actually an ingredient in ALL pumpkin spice products, if it is used, you’re in luck. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, skin, and fighting infections.

A Georgia dentist earned a Guinness World Records title for his collection of 2,037 different toothpaste tubes, with unusual flavors including wasabi and whiskey. Dr. Val Kolpakov, who practices dentistry in Alpharetta, said his collection includes rare toothpastes from countries including Japan, Korea, China, India and Russia. “I started my collection in 2001 to learn more as a dentist about all available toothpastes on the market,” Kolpakov told Guinness World Records. “Soon I realized that this is a very interesting hobby and tried to collect some old toothpastes and tubes from other countries.” Kolpakov said some of the most unusual tubes displayed at his dental practice’s “mini museum” include a trio of whiskey-flavored tubes in rye, scotch and bourbon varieties. He said the novelty toothpastes, manufactured by Don Poynter in the 1950s, contain 3% alcohol. Kolpakov said he also has a wasabi-flavored toothpaste, but he has no plans to try it.