What We’re Talking About

The federal agency responsible for promoting the safety of consumer products has employed plenty of tactics over the years, from recalls to regulations to PSAs. Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is trying a new — and catchier — approach: It’s released an album. We’re Safety Now Haven’t We packs in six genre-spanning, safety-focused songs (seven if you count the one that also got a Spanglish version). There’s an EDM banger about wearing helmets, a K-pop number about firework safety, and even a reggaeton track about smoke alarms. The artists are officially anonymous.

Photo Credit:  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission via YouTube

Join the fun on Saturday, October 14th as the 2nd Annual LA Communications ATV/UTV Ride!  Register at 8:30, and the ride leaves Green Valley Getaway in Waukon at 10:00 AM.  This year’s benefactors will be the Allamakee County Fairgrounds and NEIA Community Action.  The ride will include lunch, and a 50/50 raffle.  Enjoy the rolling hills and scenic views of Allamakee County, including Yellow River State Forest!  See the ride map HERE.

To register for this years ride, click here.

For more details visit the ride’s Facebook Group.

NEW YORK — Senior guard from the University of Iowa, Caitlin Clark, was named the winner of the 93rd AAU James E. Sullivan Award on Tuesday, presented annually since 1930 to the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States.

The winner is determined by AAU Sullivan Award Committee, AAU Board of Directors, sports media, and past winners. Former Iowa Wrestler, Spencer Lee, is the only other Hawkeye to win the award in school history (2019).

“I am incredibly humbled,” Clark said. “It is an honor to be selected for this prestigious award that elects a student-athlete that excels on the court and in the classroom. All the finalists are equally as deserving. It is special to represent the University of Iowa on this stage.”

Clark also won the 2023 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year Award, Honda Cup and was named Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year as by THE Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA). She also won the 2023 Naismith, Wooden and Wade Trophies along with the Associated Press and USBWA Ann Drysdale Player of the Year honors.

She is also a two-time winner of the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award and is the first-ever three-time winner of the Dawn Staley Award. She also won the Honda Sport Award for Basketball in April.

Clark led her team to its first-ever NCAA Championship game and helped post the Hawkeye’s most wins in a single season. During the NCAA Tournament, she posted the first 40-point triple-double in NCAA Tournament history (men’s or women’s) and broke the NCAA single-tournament records for most 3-point FG made (24) and most points scored (191). This season, she is the only player in the nation with 1,000 points, 240 rebounds, 310 assists and 45 steals.

Overall, Clark became the first player in Division I women’s basketball history to record more than 1,000 points and 300 assists in the same season and was fastest Division I player (men’s or women’s) to reach 1,500 career points over the last 20 seasons.

Off the court, she is a two-time First Team Academic All-American and was named the 2023 CSC Academic All-America of the Year.

In addition to athletic excellence, the AAU Sullivan Award aims to recognize the qualities of leadership, citizenship, character, and sportsmanship on and off the field.

“Caitlin Clark is the epitome of what this award represents,” said Jo Mirza, AAU President. “We’re honored to have her name forever entwined with the AAU Sullivan Award and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”

The other finalists for the award included baseball player Dylan Crews, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, University of Tennessee swimmer Jordan Crooks, Olympic swimmer Kate Douglass, and Purdue basketball center Zach Edey.

Clark is the eighth basketball player to take home the AAU Sullivan Award in its 93-year history. Previous winners include Sabrina Ionescu (2019), Breanna Stewart (2015), J.J. Redick (2005), and Bill Walton (1973).

ABOUT THE AAU:

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the country. As a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports programs. Founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in sports, the AAU philosophy of “Sports For All, Forever” is now shared by more than 720,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 45 sports programs and 55 U.S. districts. For more information, visit www.aausports.org.

Photo Credit:  AAU Sports via Facebook

Big congratulations to our Great Giveaway Semifinalists!

Thursday night the side by side and Car Care Package will be given away at Iron Hill in Waukon. Check in between 5-6 and giveaway at 6PM.

Saturday morning the Bronco/Jeep and Roofing package will be given away at Decorah Ford. Check in between 9:30-10AM with giveaway at 10AM sharp.

KAR Auto Giveaway:

Dave Ameling

Julie Kriener

Amy Scolet

Brian Baumler

Karen Bruns

Gretchen Janvrin

Terry Rose

Susan Todzy

John Otterness

Bailey Kach

Side by Side Qualifiers:
Rachel Mueller
Arthur Messler
Cheryl Rude
William Wagner
Erin Klotzier
Todd Erickson
Damon Gragert
Rebecca Rutgers
Al Schott
Ruth Stortz

Roof Qualifiers:
Tony Lentz
Joe Thomas
Holly McCabe
Dean Carolan
Al Lansing
Todd Walch
Jeff Hanken
Mike Dahl
Carey Nordheim
Kayla Waters

Car Care Qualifiers:

Pat Lybbert

Darrel Stoskopf

Jerry Rogan

Joe Saddler

Eliseo Calero

Rick Hughes

Corey Kampshroer

Brandon Eagle

Brian Schneberger

Pam Brown

Here’s a tease of Chris Stapleton singing new “Monday Night Football” theme “In the Air Tonight”, which debuted last night.  (It’s a cover of the Phil Collins classic “In The Air Tonight”.)

New Monday Night Football Anthem “In The Air Tonight” premieres tonight on @ESPNNFL. @SnoopDogg @Drumstress pic.twitter.com/eLjmjNwf1d

— Chris Stapleton (@ChrisStapleton) September 18, 2023

In the full song Chris is joined by Snoop Dogg and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana.

Can you feel it? 🔥

The new Monday Night Football Anthem is HERE!@ChrisStapleton x @SnoopDogg x @Drumstress pic.twitter.com/hbuTMMHIT9

— ESPN (@espn) September 19, 2023

Photo Credit:  Chris Stapleton via X

Remember that three legged bear that broke into a Florida home and drank all of the White Claws from the fridge??

A California woman who came home to find her house had been broken into says she knew immediately it wasn’t the work of a sneaky cat burglar, but instead the act of a bear burglar.

Chelsea Mapanda of Sierra Madre noticed her side door was open and called 911. But after looking through the kitchen window and seeing the refrigerator door open and food scattered all over the floor, she knew it had to be a hungry bear in the house. She says, “I automatically knew that a bear was in my house because we had been alerted that a bear was around.” The hungry intruder helped himself to fresh honey and mangoes.

Police were sent to the house and confirmed there was a bear inside. They secured the area around the house and waited for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to arrive to help get the bear out, but the well-fed intruder found his own way out before they arrived. Chelsea later called it a “fun” invasion and said, “I’m very chaotic so this situation fits me.”

And that’s not it, A mama black bear and her cub in Alaska broke into a Krispy Kreme delivery van as it was dropping off products to a store.

Hide your White Claws, mangoes, honey, and Krispy Kreme donuts!

Photo Credit:  Krispy Kreme Alaska (7710 Grass Creek Rd, Anchorage, AK) via Facebook

We had an opportunity to talk with Lauren Livingston from The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter about the Walk To End Alzheimer’s happening Saturday in Decorah.  Hear our conversation below.

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Northeast Iowa area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^® on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Decorah City Hall.

The Alzheimer’s Association and its volunteers and walk participants are fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today, for more time, for treatments. Alzheimer’s research is closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s, but to get there, the Alzheimer’s Association needs Northern Iowa to join them for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

There is no fee to register for Walk, however, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with Promise Garden flowers which signify our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers – purple, yellow, blue and orange – represent the different reasons why people walk to end this disease.

We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s,” said Walk Manager, Christine Hess. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In Iowa alone, there are more than 66,000 people living with the disease and 98,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.

Motorists in Houston did a double take on the road earlier this week when an electronic construction sign flashed a strange and offensive message at them.

Drivers saw the sign which first read, “Due to the weather,” and were shocked when it then flashed “Go [expletive] yourself.” Some were able to snap photos of the messages and shared them on social media. The sign apparently displayed the message for several hours before a city inspector showed up and shut it down. Houston Public Works said they do not operate the sign and are investigating who may have been able to access the controls which are locked inside a box.

Test Messages Will be Sent to All TVs, Radios and Cell Phones

WASHINGTON — FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

• Beginning at approximately 1:20 p.m. CST, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Important information about the EAS test:

• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 1:20 to 1:50 hours CST. This is only a test. No action is required by the public

Reminder: On Wednesday, October 4th, at 2:20 p.m. ET, we will conduct a nationwide emergency alert test in coordination with the @FCC.

The test helps ensure that systems are operational to warn the public about emergencies if and when they happen.

Info: https://t.co/ke0EOoSYPK pic.twitter.com/QYTkdZ6zbF

— FEMA (@fema) September 13, 2023

Photo Credit:  FEMA via Twitter

A Utah family weathered some scary moments when a chair flew into their windshield while they were on the highway. A family of five was driving on Interstate 15 near Lehi, Utah, which is slightly less than 30 miles south of Salt Lake City on Saturday. Their dashboard camera captured the moment the bottom of an office chair hurtled through the air and crashed into their vehicle from two lanes over. In the video you can hear screaming when the chair part hits the windshield, then someone repeating “I’m fine, I’m fine,” as another person wonders what just hit them. No one was seriously injured. The windshield was shattered and there was also some damage to the dashboard.

Photo Credit:  NBC News via YouTube

A Pennsylvania man saw 777 movies in theaters over the past year, setting a new Guinness World Record. To raise awareness for autism and suicide prevention, 32-year-old Zach Swope began his movie journey on July 5, 2022, watching “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” The film fanatic, who has Asperger’s syndrome, watched approximately 3 movies during each week, still working his full-time job early in the day. Weekends were all-day endeavors. Swope watched “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” as the last movie of his year-long binge on July 5. His most-watched film over the year was “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” which he viewed 47 times. His least favorite movie? The sci-fi horror “The Devil Conspiracy,” which he only saw once, and calls “a movie I’d rather forget.”

Who ready to watch 778 films and break Zach Swope’s record ??🙆🙆 pic.twitter.com/QRtghheM71

— Karthik2.0 ✪✫ (@Mysterio_87_) September 12, 2023

A couple in New Jersey recently bought a house. When they had to replace some drywall in the basement when it flooded following a storm They opened the wall up, dozens of empty Captain Morgan spiced rum bottles started falling out.  The previous owner saw the video and followed up with them by saying there are hundreds more hidden in the walls, but he’s three years sober now.

 

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Photo Credit:  cataukamp via Instagram

The Country Music Association has announced the nominees for this year’s CMA Awards. 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 also land four each.

The CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville November 8th on ABC.

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 Morney – “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

A three-legged bear broke into a Florida family’s enclosed porch and helped itself to three White Claws from the fridge. Josaury Faneite-Diglio said her 13-year-old son, Joseph Diglio, was inside their Lake Mary home when the family dog’s barking alerted him to a bear outside. Security camera footage and cellphone video recorded by Joseph shows the three-legged bear, known to neighbors as Tripod, breaking through the screen into the home’s lanai. “He ate the fish food we had outside next to our fish tank and then proceeded to the bar,” Faneite-Diglio told WESH-TV. “He took three White Claws, drank, and left very happy. His favorite flavor is mango and strawberry.” Joseph said seeing the bear open the fridge spurred him to lock the doors of the house in case Tripod went looking for more snacks. The family said the bear left after a few minutes, with the only damage being the stolen snacks and a hole in the screen.

A three-legged bear named Tripod was caught taking a Florida family’s White Claws. pic.twitter.com/KrBLg9irgQ

— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 6, 2023

Photo Credit: CBS News via X

On this day in 1979, the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, better known as simply ESPN, was officially launched. The first-ever all-sports cable network signed on with the debut of SportsCenter hosted by Lee Leonard and George Grande. Following SportsCenter was the coverage of a slow-pitch softball game. Actually, it was a softball double-header. So you can see that the network has certainly come a long way.

Photo Credit:  IceManNYR via YouTube

➢ Hefty Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Ultra Strong Trash Bags: Forget about scented candles. What you need is trash that doesn’t smell like trash. These things are available this month only at major retailers for $5.99.

➢ Busch Pumpkin Spice Dog Brew: It’s an alcohol-free drink for dogs made with pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and water. Sold in 4-packs for $15.

➢ Krispy Kreme Pup’kin Spice Doggie Doughnuts: These baked doughnut-shaped dog biscuits contain pumpkin, peanut butter, and carob, and flavors include Pup’kin Spice Original Glazed, Pup’kin Spice Cake, Pup’kin Spice Maple Peanut, and Pup’kin Spice Cheesecake Swirl.

➢ Pumpkin Spice Avocado Oil Caviar: Chosen Foods came up with this one. It is made from their avocado oil and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice—no fish eggs included. Just $19.99. (Wow – three things I try to avoid – all together!)

➢ Pumpkin Spice Latte Body Wash: Part of Tree Hut’s Café Collection, it contains notes of pumpkin, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. (For the type of person who loves pumpkin spice so much that they want to coat their entire body in it!)

➢ Pumpkin Spice Latte Engagement Ring: Jewelry company Angelic Diamonds is offering “The perfect ring for when it’s love at first sip”. This $12,500 custom ring features a rose gold band that holds white diamonds and orange sapphires in a conical shape mimicking the foam atop a PSL. It comes in a box with a pumpkin-shaped clasp and a cardboard wrap, similar to the sleeve on a hot cup of coffee.

➢ DUMPkin Spice Wipes from DUDEwipes: These wipes are exactly what you think they are: rear-end wipes “made with clove, nutmeg and other fall (“crap”), says its maker. And yes, the idea came from an April Fool’s Day joke.

Happy birthday to Jeff Foxworthy. He turns 65 today! Let’s celebrate with some classic redneck comedy from Jeff!

Photo Credit:  Warner Records Vault via YouTube

We had a chance to visit with Ashley Elsbernd from Calmar, who was crowned the 70th Iowa Dairy Princess during an evening ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 9.  Also we chatted with Elizabeth Fossum of Waterville, who was named Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate.  They both begin their duties today(September 1st).

A new survey says that couples today are looking to make their wedding as unique…as they are.

The poll of 2,000 adults in serious relationships, engaged or married, of various ages, found that 68% feel it’s important that their wedding is customized to be unique to them — rather than follow tradition. 45% said that means hosting the ceremony in a place with personal significance.

What else makes a wedding unique to the couple? 36% said that involves staying away from “traditional” wedding music and choosing a different song to walk down the aisle. 29% feel the need to change up the traditional wedding dress code, and 18% are looking to choose an unconventional wedding theme.

Customs considered outdated by respondents include: Not seeing each other before the ceremony (36%) and wearing a white dress (36%). But that doesn’t mean guests should show up in white. Almost one in 5 Gen-Zers say wearing white is the rudest thing you can do as a guest, but only 2% of baby boomers would take offense.

TOP LOCATIONS FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY
Beach – 24%
House of worship – 23%
Garden – 23%
Backyard – 17%
Banquet hall – 14%
Hotel or resort – 12%
National park – 9%

There have been a lot of unusual truck spills in the news, but this one takes the cake.

A semi truck overturned in Utah’s Logan Canyon, but that was the yeast of the problem. The truck was hauling baking flour and spilled the entire load all over the place. One of the two occupants of the truck suffered minor injuries. Cleaning up the mess was no piece of cake, but crews rose to the challenge. After all was bread and done, the wrecked truck was removed from the road and the flour was eventually cleaned up.

Photo Credit: Logan City Fire Department via Facebook

A woman in Texas was taking a bath when a scorpion started poking its pincers through the overflow valve.    Check out her video and hilarious commentary.

 

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Photo Credit:  BVIRAL Licensing via Instagram

Imagine a 314 ft. Slim Jim.  That’s kind of what the Wisconsin company, Wenzel Farms, just cooked up and achieved a Guinness World Record.  There wasn’t one on record.  All they had to do was make it 13 feet.  But for their 75th anniversary, they knew length matters. FYI…They had to roll it off of a giant spool.  It covered 40 long tables.

Patty Loveless will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year, but Tuesday, she was there to celebrate the opening of her new exhibit “No Trouble with the Truth”. It explores Loveless’ story from musical prodigy to a Grammy award-winning country star, and it’s open through Oct. 2024.

 

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A Florida man “mustard” up the courage to propose to his girlfriend using a hot dog  — and she said yes!

Brad Richardson gave his girlfriend Brooke James a memory to relish by getting down on one knee to pop the question by popping a frankfurter into her hand while they were dining at Wacked Out Weiner.

The bride to be told a local news outlet “It took me a few seconds to really understand it wasn’t a joke. But when I saw the smile on his face and the sparkle in the middle of the hotdog, I knew.”

Photo Credit:  Wacked out Weiner via Facebook

A baby giraffe with no spots was born at the Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee, three weeks ago. It’s just a solid brown. She is doing well being cared for by her mother and is already 6 feet tall. But what she still needs is a name. Zoo officials have narrowed it down to four names, all Swahili words, and you can vote for your favorite on Facebook:

• Kipekee — Unique
• Firali — Unusual or extraordinary
• Shakiri — She is most beautiful
• Jamella — One of great beauty

The winning name will be announced on September 4th.

Photo Credit: Brights Zoo via Facebook

Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health will open its main building, located at 905 Montgomery St., Decorah, as a cooling center. The cooling center will be open from Tuesday, August 22nd through Thursday, August 24th. Hours will be 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Anyone in the community in need of a cool place to get out of the heat is welcome at the Center. We want people to stay safe and healthy as this heat wave passes through northeast Iowa.
We encourage community members to utilize the space. Feel free to bring snacks to share, games or a book to read. Everyone is welcome.

Power was knocked out for part of a New Jersey town this week and the cause of the outage sounds a little fishy.

A large section of Sayreville was knocked off the grid for several hours and a repair crew concluded that the transformer exploded when a bird flying overhead dropped a fish onto it. Sayreville sits on the water so it’s not unusual for a seagull to pluck a fish out of the ocean and fly off with it. The humor of the situation was not lost on the local police department which urged residents in a Facebook post not to forget the “victim in this senseless death,” referring to the fish as “Gilligan.” The post continues, “Gilligan was a hard working family man. He was a father to thousands of children. The suspect was last seen flying South. If you see him do not try to apprehend him. Although he isn’t believed to be armed he may still be very dangerous. If you have any information in this case please contact Detective John Silver who handles all of our fish cases.”

Enjoy the next few days of cool to seasonal temperatures as summer warmth surges in for the weekend and early next week. Heat indices this weekend top out from the mid-90s to low 100s with Sunday looking to be the warmest of the days. Be sure to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated if outside this weekend. Aside from some light sprinkles in central Wisconsin today, no rainfall is forecast for the next seven days.

☀️Starting this weekend, an extended period of very warm (or HOT!) temperatures are expected. If you have weekend activities, take into account the heat expected, find ways to stay cool or take breaks from the warmth.☀️ pic.twitter.com/i0DdndY1y4

— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) August 16, 2023

Country on the Creek is on this Saturday(August 19th) in Waterville, IA.  Tickets and camping are still available by checking out there Facebook page. We had a chance to catch up with one of the co-headliners Ashley Wineland!  This is her second appearance at Country on the Creek.  We talked about her early days getting started in the music biz, and her long time connection with co-headliner Cory Farley.  Take a listen to our conversation below.

A Michigan family nearly croaked when they found a live frog in the bagged spinach they bought from the supermarket.

Amber Worrick says she got home with a package of Earthbound Farms Organic Spinach, and her daughter opened it up and screamed when she saw the hopping hitchhiker inside. Amber was relieved that the frog didn’t become a meal and said “Just thank God I didn’t eat the frog.” She planned to return the spinach with the frog, but the frog hopped out of the bag and she just decided to let it go free. However, she did bring the package back to the store and received a full refund. Taylor Farms, which is Earthbound Farms’ parent company, says it is investigating how it happened so that it never happens again.

We had a chance to catch up with out friend Cory Farley, who will be co-headlining Country on the Creek in Waterville this Saturday night with Ashley Wineland!  Tickets and camping are still available by checking out Country on the Creek on Facebook.  Here our conversation below!

Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton are part of the star-studded lineup of artists who have come together for a Judds tribute album to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic duo.

Wynonna says, “To have all of these artists, most of which are my friends, come together and lend their voices and artistry to reimagine these songs, is so special. These songs are so timeless and I am so excited for them to live on for generations to come.”

A Tribute To The Judds comes out on October 27th.

A Tribute To The Judds Track List:
1. “Girls Night Out” – Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles, Gabby Barrett
2. “Mama He’s Crazy” – Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton
3. “Why Not Me” – Megan Moroney
4. “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)” [feat. Sonya Isaacs] – Cody Johnson
5. “Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain” – Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild
6. “Young Love (Strong Love)” – Ella Langley and Jamey Johnson
7. “Have Mercy” – LeAnn Rimes
8. “Love Is Alive” – Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
9. “Had A Dream (For The Heart)” – Wendy Moten and O.N.E The Duo
10. “I Know Where I’m Going” – Barnett, Lynne & West
11. “Let Me Tell You About Love” – Carl Perkins and Raul Malo
12. “John Deere Tractor” – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and Molly Tuttle
13. “Cry Myself To Sleep” – Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood
14. “Love Can Build A Bridge” – Jelly Roll, K. Michelle, and The Fisk Jubilee Singers

George Strait recently performed in Tampa, Florida.  Check out Bay News 9 meteorologist Kyle Hanson honoring The King by peppering his weather forecast with references to George’s music.

Photo Credit:  Meteorologist Kyle Hanson via Facebook

ANKENY, Iowa – Ashley Elsbernd, a 19-year-old from Calmar, was crowned the 70th Iowa Dairy Princess during an evening ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 9. Ashley, daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd, will spend the year serving as a goodwill ambassador for Iowa’s dairy farmers. Throughout her year-long reign, she will make public appearances to connect with consumers and help them understand the dedication of dairy farm families to their cows, their land, and the milk they produce.

Ashley represented Winneshiek County in the contest and will be a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville this fall, where she studies dairy science and agriculture business. Ashley was also recognized for her performance in the public speaking portion of the contest.

Elizabeth Fossum, 18, of Waterville, was named Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate. Elizabeth, the daughter of Kevin and Julie Fossum, will share duties with the princess. She represented Allamakee County and will be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville studying agriculture business. Elizabeth was also named Miss Congeniality in the contest.

Six candidates competed for the Iowa Dairy Princess title, with the judging held on August 8 and 9 in Ankeny. The winners were selected based on an application, answers to essay questions, interview and public speaking skills, professionalism, and ability to advocate for dairy farmers.

The outgoing 2022-23 Iowa Dairy Princess was Naomi Scott, daughter of Mike and Kathleen Scott of Westgate, and the Alternate Princess was Emily Manweiler, daughter of Wil and Karen Manweiler of Sumner. Their reigns will be completed at the end of the month, and the new Princess and Alternate will begin their duties on September 1.

Photo Credit:  Midwest Dairy

One lucky individual is about to get a new first name and free heroes for life. Subway announced that nearly 10,000 sandwich lovers entered a sweepstakes to legally change their name to that of the popular chain in exchange for a lifetime’s worth of its Deli Heroes. Each signed up for the “Subway Name Change Challenge” over a 96-hour entry period between Aug. 1 and Aug. 4. A winner will be announced later this month. Subway became the latest eatery to give customers a chance to win free food for an extended period. Chick-fil-A has long celebrated the grand opening of new restaurants with a “First 100” giveaway where those who camp out overnight in the parking lot receive one free meal per week for a year. Mcdonald’s in December of 2022 held a contest to give away its exclusive McGold Card that provides free food for life and is typically reserved for high-profile celebrities.

The Subway promotion comes amid the chain’s menu reboot, which includes its first offering of freshly sliced meats at its more than 20,000 U.S. restaurants. One hungry individual will soon be able to order as many subs as they’d like from any of those locations, even if they don’t have a penny to their name.

Lots of things have “gone pink” to celebrate the Barbie movie … but cheesesteak? Josh Amidon, owner of Gino’s Cheese Steak & Onion in Fayetteville, New York, jumped in on the Barbie craze by adding a  “Malibu Barbie Dream Drizzle” to their signature cheesesteaks. The pink sauce is made with red dragon fruit and house-made ranch, with garlic, chili and lemon, according to Amidon. And the sandwich has been a big hit – with people flocking to the small sandwich shop. In fact, the restaurant has gone through through nearly 20 gallons of its pink sauce since the “Barbie” movie premiered, says Amidon.

Photo Credit:  Gino’s Cheese Steak & Onion via Facebook

The Arkansas Department of Transportation had to dispatch a crew to Interstate 30 in Prescott to clean up a spill that fittingly happened on Taco Tuesday.

A truck collided with a car and overturned, spilling its entire load of nacho cheese all over the road. Luckily, no one was badly hurt, but the accident caused a gooey, cheesy, delicious mess that tied up traffic for a while. Crews attacked eventually removed the cheese and all lanes were reopened.

Taco Tuesday, anyone? A truck carrying cans of nacho cheese spilled today on I-30 west near Prescott.

Things are all clear now and traffic is moving. pic.twitter.com/e6rKMXTk5Q

— Arkansas Department of Transportation (@myARDOT) August 2, 2023

Photo Credit:  Arkansas Department of Transportation via Twitter

CRAIG MORGAN surprised Saturday night’s sold-out audience by enlisting and being sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry by GENERAL ANDREW POPPAS, Commander, US Army Forces Command. The newly sworn in Staff Sgt. and Warrant Officer candidate returned to the stage to close out the show in official uniform to perform his hit “Soldier.” Morgan shared, “I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be …God Bless America. Go Army.”

“I love being an artist but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow soldiers. God Bless America. Go Army.” – @cmorganmusic

Congratulations, Craig! We love you. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wjn8ut2Myc

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) July 30, 2023

Photo Credit:  Grand Ole Opry via Twitter

It’s a Racing Reunion at the Winneshiek Raceway this Saturday night in Decorah.  Meet and Greet is happening at 5PM, Hotlaps at 6:30, and Racing starts at 7PM.  Jim Juve, who is sponsoring the races this Saturday night called in and gave us some history of racing in Northeast Iowa, and gave us the event details.

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING…

* WHAT…Heat index values up to 105 expected.

* WHERE…Portions of north central and northeast Iowa and
southwest Wisconsin.

* WHEN…From noon today to 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Ready for another hot and humid day? 🥵 It will be hottest this afternoon across northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, not *quite* as hot further north. This will be the end of the heat — a bit cooler and not as humid for the weekend. pic.twitter.com/2OJPWdbd73

— NWS La Crosse (@NWSLaCrosse) July 28, 2023