- Today in 1946, Grandpa Jones wed Ramona Riggins.
- Today in 1957, Elvis Presley’s single, “Jailhouse Rock,” was released.
- Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette had her first solo #1 country hit with “I Don’t Wanna Play House.”
- Today in 1969, the “Galveston” single by Glen Campbell was certified gold.
- Today in 1977, Elvis Presley’s “In Concert” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1985, the “Greatest Hits – Volume 2” collection by Hank Williams Jr. was released.
- Today in 1985, bluegrass legends Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1985, Ricky Skaggs was named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1985. The Judds won first of three straight CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Awards.
- Today in 1985, Lee Greenwood’s single, “God Bless the USA” was the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year.
- Today in 1989, Roy Orbison’s name was added to the West Texas Walk of Fame.
- Today in 1992, John Denver launched a concert tour of China. It was the most extensive tour by a Western artist ever approved by the Beijing government.
- Today in 1997, federal aviation officials said John Denver didn’t have a valid pilot’s license when his plane crashed off the California coast two days earlier. The National Transportation Safety Board said Denver’s license had been revoked in 1996 and he was told he couldn’t get it back until he provided medical certification that he didn’t have a drinking problem. (Denver had been arrested twice on drunk driving charges in Colorado.)
- Today in 1998, Mark Wills’ album, “Wish You Were Here,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1999, Vince Gill was inducted into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. That weekend he also admitted publicly, for the first time, that he and Amy Grant were a couple. The lovebirds have since married and had a child together, Corrina.
- Today in 1999, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood were among the famous folks on hand at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden for a tribute concert honoring Carole King.
- Today in 2000, the Grand Ole Opry’s 75th birthday celebration included a red carpet walk of stars, special weekend performances and the cutting of a large birthday cake.
- Today in 2000, Bryan White and wife, Erika Page, were married.
- Today in 2002, Cyndi Thomson publicly pulled the plug on her recording career by writing an open letter to her fans via Nashville’s “Tennessean” newspaper. The move was a stunner considering the chart-topping success of her debut single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” and the gold certification of her debut album, “My World.” She added that she’d rather continue songwriting than worry about the difficulties of maintaining a performance schedule. In October 2009, Thomson released “This Time,” her first new music album in eight years.
- Today in 2003, Josh Turner’s debut album, “Long Black Train,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2006, Josh Turner stormed to the top of the Billboard country chart with “Would You Go With Me.”
- Today in 2011, the Zac Brown Band’s “Keep Me In Mind” video debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s album, “Anything Goes,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2016, Kris Kristofferson and Shelby Lynne performed “Me And Bobby McGee” in honor of Monument founder Fred Foster as PBS telecasts a “Great Performances” salute to GRAMMY legends. Martina McBride and J.D. Souther delivered “Blue Bayou” to recognize Linda Ronstadt.
- Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton’s concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena includesd a surprise guest: actor Chris Pratt, who joined Stapleton on “Tennessee Whiskey.”
- Today in 2017, the Zac Brown Band generates $1.7-million for Camp Southern Ground with a benefit concert at the Southern Ground Amphitheater in Fayetteville, Georgia.
- Today in 2017, Kacey Musgraves married singer/songwriter Ruston Kelly in Tennessee. Fast forward to July 2020 and the couple released a joint statement confirming (after months of rumors) that they were going their separate ways.
- Today in 2019, the Osmonds give their final public performance on CBS’ “The Talk” to celebrate the 60th birthday of their sister, then-co-host Marie Osmond.
- Today in 2019, Dwight Yoakam and Larry Gatlin joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during an event at the Music City Center. The 2019 class also includedcomposers Rivers Rutherford, Marcus Hummon, Sharon Vaughn and Kostas.
- Today in 2019, Lauren Alaina did a samba to “Under The Sea,” from the movie “The Little Mermaid,” during a Disney-themed edition of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”
- Today in 2019, Kane Brown postponed his October 18th concert at Los Angeles’ Staples Center following the death of his drummer in an auto accident.
- Today in 2021, Miranda Lambert’s single, “If I Was A Cowboy” was released.
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MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: “OREO”
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Oreo”, a male 2 year old Border Collie Mix. Oreo’s an affectionate and energetic fellow who loves attention and loves to play, and he gets along well with kids. And if you’re a jogger or a walker, Oreo would make a great trail companion! Oreo’s fully vetted, vaccinated, and ready to find his ‘furr-ever’ home.
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Oreo or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.
Check out our visit about Oreo with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Social Security recipients expected to get big benefit boost
Posted on by Sam Parsons
WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of Social Security recipients will soon learn just how high a boost they’ll get in their benefits next year. The increase will be announced Thursday morning. It’s expected to be the highest in 40 years, fueled by record high inflation and is meant to help cover the higher cost of food, fuel and other goods and services. How well it does that depends on inflation next year. The boost in benefits takes effect in 2023. It will be coupled with a 3% drop in Medicare Part B premiums, meaning retirees will get the full impact of the jump in Social Security benefits.
Iowa State Fair leader announces retirement
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)
The CEO and Manager of the Iowa State Fair is retiring.
Gary Slater is a Missouri native who served as manager of the Missouri State Fair and the World Pork Expo before taking the top job at the Iowa State Fair 21 years ago. During his tenure, the Iowa State Fair topped the one million attendance mark, saw multiple upgrades and changes to the buildings on the grounds, and came through the pandemic cancelation in 2021.
Slater released a statement saying it has been “an honor of a lifetime to lead the Iowa State Fair.” Slater says his retirement comes with the Fair in a good place, having returned to prepandemic revenue levels, and he looks forward to spending more time with his family.
Oskaloosa CSD Hears Update on ISASP Scores
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Community School Board met earlier this week and heard an update on last year’s testing results in the district from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress, or ISASP. Dr. Mike Fisher, superintendent of the district, had some encouraging comments on the reported results.
Dr. Fisher also added that the district continues to look for more growth in its math proficiency scores as well as further growth from proficient and advanced students. The Oskaloosa School Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for November 15.
Pella’s Tulip Queen Nominations Announced
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
Nominees for the city of Pella’s Tulip Queen were just unveiled, and the time has come for voting to trim the list from 18 nominees down to 12.
The Pella Historical Society and Museum just released the list of 18 names up for the 2023 Royal Tulip Time Court. Voters who live in the Pella School District will choose up to 3 young women who are senior high school students within the community to continue as Tulip Queen Candidates.
The Pella Tulip Time Royal Court is the ambassador for Pella’s Tulip Festival. The Court consists of the Tulip Queen and her four attendants. The Queen also chooses two pages and two attendants to join the Court during the festival in May.
The candidates who advance will prepare for a night of interviewing and presentations before 30 judges on November 12. Each candidate first interviews with the judges in small groups. Next is the public performance, where each finalist gives a presentation of a talent or interest that depicts her personality. She will also be interviewed by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. After the tallying of ballots from both the interviews and the public performances, the Tulip Queen and Court are announced.
Ballots are available to be printed at Pella Historical Society and Museum’s website, pellahistorical.org. You can fill it out and drop it off at the museum, Marion County Bank, Hy-Vee, or Fareway. The deadline is next Tuesday, October 18, at 5pm.
Trailer Released For New Johnny Cash Documentary
Posted on by Bob Ballard
A new Johnny Cash documentary is hitting theaters in December and now we’re getting our first look at the film.
“Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon” features audio taken from 100 tapes originally recorded for Cash’s biography, which have have never been heard by the public. It mainly deals with the years surrounding Cash’s album “Man In Black,” as well as his faith, and his struggle with drug addiction.
In addition to interviews by his sister Joanne Cash Yates and son John Carter Cash, the film features interviews from stars like Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Jimmie Allen, Alice Cooper, Franklin Graham, and more.
The documentary is set to hit theaters for a limited run December 5th to the 7th.
Source: Billboard
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go smoothly as 1974 Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich, who was there to award the trophy, pulled out a lighter and torched the envelope to express his outrage.
- Today in 1978, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Only One Love In My Life,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1980, at the 14th annual CMA Awards, Johnny Cash was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Barbara Mandrell was named Entertainer of the Year, Emmylou Harris and George Jones were Female and Male Vocalists of the Year and the Single of the Year was “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
- Today in 1986, at the 20th annual CMA Awards, Reba McEntire became the first woman in five years to be named Entertainer of the Year. She was also named Female Vocalist of the Year, while George Strait was named Male Vocalist. The Horizon Award went to Randy Travis, and the Single of the Year was “Bop” by Dan Seals.
- Today in 1992, Reba McEntire scored another #1 hit with “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”
Today in 1993, the “Haunted Heart” album by Sammy Kershaw was certified gold. - Today in 1998, Travis Tritt’s “No More Looking Over My Shoulder” CD arrived in stores.
- Today in 1999, Vince Gill confirmed that he and Amy Grant were an item.
- Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of seven million.
- Today in 2001, Martina McBride thrilled thousands of fans as she performed her very first live concert on pay-per-view.
- Today in 2001, Alan Jackson’s “Where I Come From” topped the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Better Life” video debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2007, Sammy Hagar’s 60th birthday bash featured performances by Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Ted Nugent and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith at Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
- Today in 2008, Darius Rucker’s “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2009, Keith Urban hosted a concert at Nashville’s Sommet Center, raising $500-thousand for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Also on board: Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.
- Today in 2010, Elvis Presley’s album “How Great Thou Art” was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2010, Blake Shelton launched his first headlining tour at the Ogden Theatre in Denver.
- Today in 2011, Martina McBride completed a cross-country train trip to promote her album “Eleven” as she arrives in New York City. McBride gives a performance at Manhattan’s Penn Station that includes her current single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”
- Today in 2014, Luke Bryan was the only country artist to appear on the ballot twice as nominees for the American Music Awards are announced.
- Today in 2015, RaeLynn announced her engagement to Josh Davis on Instagram. The couple married the following October. The year after their marriage…he enlisted in the military and she’s since said she loves being a military wife.
- Today in 2015, Sam Hunt leads the country field with three nominations in the American Music Awards. Taylor Swift tops the entire list with six nominations as a pop artist.
- Today in 2016, Garth Brooks single, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down And Dance” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2017, Carly Pearce’s album, “Every Little Thing,” was released. On the same day, Jessie James Decker’s “Southern Girl City Lights” album arrived on shelves.
- Today in 2017, Dolly Parton visited patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. She also announced she was making a $1-million donation to the facility.
- Today in 2017, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers and Ralph Peer were among the honorees as PBS airs a “Great Performances” episode that featured a GRAMMY salute to legends. Dwight Yoakam delivers a three-song medley of Rodgers’ hits, Neal McCoy covers Pride’s “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone” and Pride sings “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
- Today in 2018, Kellie Pickler played a benefit for Tyler Rich, a 29-year-old who had a lung transplant, at the Campos Family Vineyards in Bryan, California.
- Today in 2019, Gretchen Wilson and her entourage were told to leave Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after allegedly making excessive noise in the early hours. Body cam footage released by police two weeks later suggests the hotel may have sent officers to the wrong room.
Indians Collect Thrilling Conference Win in Regular Season Finale
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Indians hit the road to Dallas Center-Grimes yesterday in search of one more conference win before the LHC tournament on Thursday, and though the Mustangs made them work for it, they got what they wanted.
The Mustangs jumped on the Indians in the first set with a convincing win. After they led 8-7 early, the Mustangs embarked on a 10-2 run to go up 18-9 and they maintained that advantage until late in the set, cruising to a 25-19 win after silencing a late comeback effort from Osky.
Set #2, however, proved to be a vastly different story, as the Indians seized control early and never let go. After leading the Mustangs 7-6, Osky scored 11 of the next 12 points, and they also wrapped up the set on a 5-1 run, with it all adding up to a dominant 25-13 win to tie it up at 1-1.
The third set was far more competitive than each of the first two. The teams battled back and forth until Osky led 23-22 late, but the Mustangs rattled off 3 straight points to take the lead 2-1. Osky would again answer the bell in the fourth set to stay alive, however, with another big run playing a key role. Down 15-13, the Indians scored 9 points in a row and traded points from there to win it 25-18.
That made things interesting entering the fifth and final set, and the match would save the best for last. Neither squad was able to establish a firm grip on it at any point, but the game was clutched out in the end by the Indians, who put the Mustangs away 15-13.
The match featured excellent attacks from Maleah Walker (24 unofficial kills) and Hannah Quang (18 unofficial kills). Hannah Nelson (7 unofficial kills) also factored into the offense significantly and the Indians got great play at the net from her as well as Pressley Blommers, Dasia Foster, Walker, and Quang. Sydney Meints led the Mustangs with 13 unofficial kills.
Oskaloosa (19-9, 4-3) will be in action tomorrow at the LHC tournament in Indianola, with their first matchup TBD. The same goes for DCG (17-14, 4-3).
Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudis after OPEC+ cuts output
Posted on by Sam Parsons
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says there will be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia as his administration begins reevaluating the U.S. relationship with the kingdom. That’s after the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance of oil-producing nations announced it would cut oil production. Biden said in a CNN interview Tuesday that he was weighing action against the Saudis but declined to detail potential next steps. The OPEC+ production cut is expected to help Russia pad its coffers as it continues its nearly eight-month war in Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Ro Khanna of California have introduced legislation that would immediately pause all U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
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