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Luke Bryan’s Wife Continues ‘Prankmas’ By Taking His Truck

Posted on by Bob Ballard

You don’t mess with a man’s pickup truck, at least you don’t unless that man is Luke Bryan. Bryan’s wife Caroline posted a video to Instagram of Day Four of “Pranksmas,” and she cooked up a whopper. With some help from major league baseball player Adam LaRoche, she stole Bryan’s truck.

Bryan noticed his truck was missing the next day, and asks his wife on camera, “Have y’all reported it stolen?” while she keeps a straight face. LaRoche finally tells him what happened, and then he and Caroline talked Bryan into offering his truck as a giveaway to raise money for LaRoche’s E3 Ranch, which supports combat veterans, fights human trafficking, and offers relief for humanitarian crises worldwide.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1968, the album, “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” by Jeannie C. Riley was certified gold.
  • Today in 1986, Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1989, Charlie Daniels’ single, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” was certified platinum. It was released in 1979.
  • Today in 1989, the album, “Loving Proof,” by Ricky Van Shelton was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1991, Tanya Tucker’s album, “What Do I Do With Me,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, Collin Raye’s “Love, Me” topped the country singles charts.
  • Today in 1992, Alan Jackson was #1 on the charts with “She’s Got the Rhythm (I’ve Got the Blues),” which he co-wrote with Randy Travis.
  • Today in 1996, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “A Place In The World,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1997, Martina McBride was #1 on the singles charts with “A Broken Wing.”
  • Today in 1999, Garth Brooks’ single, “Lost In You,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, country music legend Hank Snow died in Nashville at age 85.
  • Today in 2000, the January issue of “Ladies Home Journal” magazine arrived on newsstands and featured Faith Hill as one of “The Most Fascinating Women To Watch of 2001.” She shared the distinction with famous faces like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julia Roberts and Bette Midler.
  • Today in 2000, “Entertainment Weekly” magazine’s year-end special issue dubbed Lee Ann Womack’s album, “I Hope You Dance,” as the #1 choice on their annual “Best Country Albums” list.
  • Today in 2000, Shania Twain’s album, “Come On Over,” was voted one of music’s “new classics” by BarnesandNoble.com. She was in some pretty amazing company as her album was one of five and the only country offering. The other albums were U2’s “Joshua Tree,” “Ten Summoner’s Tales” by Sting, “Ray of Light” from Madonna and Andrea Bocelli’s “Romanza.”
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill was named “Billboard” magazine’s Top Country Female Artist, and her hit “Breathe” landed at the top of the 2000 “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. Ironically, the power ballad never made it to #1 on the chart, instead spending three weeks at #2, but sustained airplay helped it earn top honors in the year-end tally. She also turned up at #9 in the Top 40 and #4 in the Adult Contemporary categories.
  • Today in 2000, Tim McGraw was named Top Country Male Artist of the Year by “Billboard” magazine, while Toby Keith topped the country singles category with “How Do You Like Me Now?!” Phil Vassar, who charted the #1 song, “Just Another Day in Paradise,” was named Top New Country Artist.
  • Today in 2000, lots of gold and platinum certifications were announced by the RIAA. Faith Hill’s “Breathe” album was certified for sales of 5-million, Reba McEntire’s “So Good Together” project was certified platinum. Toby Keith also earned platinum certification for his “Greatest Hits, Volume 1” collection, while Tim McGraw’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously. John Michael Montgomery’s “Brand New Me” went gold.
  • Today in 2000, In their year-end wrap-up, the RIAA announced that Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks were tied for the honor of having the best-selling albums of the year for “Breathe” and “Fly” respectively.
  • Today in 2000, folks in Brad Paisley’s hometown of Glendale, West Virginia, began welcoming visitors to the town with a brand new sign that read: “Glendale, West Virginia – Home of Brad Paisley, Member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill participated in the CBS special, “A Home for the Holidays.” The one-hour program was aimed at finding adoptive homes for children in foster care.
  • Today in 2003, Gary Allan’s “Songs About Rain” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2005, Kristen Hall parted ways with Sugarland bandmates Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.
  • Today in 2009, Carrie Underwood got engaged to Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher at his home in Ontario. The happy couple is expecting their first child, a son, this spring.
  • Today in 2012, Tate Stevens was pronounced the winner of FOX-TV’s “The X Factor.” He performed Chris Young’s “Tomorrow” and “Please Come Home For Christmas” in the finale.
  • Today in 2014, Little Jimmy Dickens performed “Out Behind The Barn” in what turned out to be his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2016, a four-acre plot formerly owned by Johnny Cash in Hendersonville, Tennessee, was sold at auction. The main house on the property had been destroyed by fire in 2007.
  • Today in 2017, Michael Ray was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of an illegal substance, hash oil, after rear-ending another car at a McDonald’s drive-through in his hometown, Eustis, Florida. The charge was ultimately reduced to reckless driving.
  • Today in 2019, Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, announced the formation of the River Kelly Fund, a charitable operation named in honor of their son, who drowned in June.
  • Today in 2019, Dierks Bentley’s single “Say You Do” went platinum. The same day, the RIAA awarded Jon Pardi with a double-platinum single for “Heartache On The Dance Floor.”
  • Today in 2020, Miranda Lambert performed an acoustic version of “Bluebird” as CBS airs the adoption special “A Home For The Holidays.” The lineup also included Leslie Odom Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and Meghan Trainor.
  • Today in 2020, CBS aired “Garth & Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event.” The set list included “Silent Night,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Frosty The Snow Man” and “Hard Candy Christmas.”

Oskaloosa Basketball Weekend Recap: DCG, EBF Sweep Indians

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

Osky basketball was in action with a pair of girls and boys doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday. The Indians faced stiff competition: Dallas Center-Grimes came to town on Friday with the #2 ranked girls team in the state and the defending state champion boys team, while Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont’s teams each boasted undefeated records.

The girls’ game against DCG saw the Indians hold their own for long stretches of time against the #2 team in the state. Osky trailed by just 1 after the conclusion of the first quarter and the score was 35-28 at half. DCG used overwhelming defense and quick passing to keep the Indians on their heels, but nonetheless a good shooting effort from Lydia Van Veldhuizen kept the Indians hanging with the Mustangs.

Unfortunately, the Indian offense unraveled in the third quarter. The Mustangs held the Indians to just 2 points in the frame and scored 13 of their own, and from there, they coasted to the finish line and secured a 64-42 victory. Despite the cold stretch in the third quarter, Osky battled with DCG in the other 3 frames and played their closest game against DCG since at least the 2013 season.

The boys game saw a similar story play out, but with a few new wrinkles. Osky startled DCG out of the gates by taking a 16-11 lead after the first quarter, but their cold quarter would come in the 2nd. DCG outscored Osky 22-3 in the second quarter to make the score 33-19 at half. The Indians would show quite a bit of life in the second half against the defending state champs, however; they outscored the Mustangs in quarters 3 and 4, 21-15 and 20-17, respectively, and were in the game in the final minute, but the Mustangs kept the Indians at arms’ length and ultimately prevailed 65-60. 4 Indians tallied double digit points in the game (Nathan Kelderman, Jakob Stek, Waylon Bolibaugh, and Max Roach).

On Saturday, the girls and boys of Osky battled for the Eddybylooska Trophy against the girls and boys of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, both of whom were undefeated going in. The EBF girls were the 5th ranked team in the most recent 2A rankings from the IGHSAU and used their size to compete with Dasia Foster in the post and outrebounded the Indians all night. Junior Aliya Wagamon had a brilliant performance with 19 points and 10 (unofficial) rebounds. The Rockets maintained control throughout the evening and defeated the Indians 62-42 despite a routine strong performance from Osky senior Presley Blommers (24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals).

The boys game was a bit of a different story, though the final result was similar. Oskaloosa and EBF were evenly matched in the first half with Osky shooting the ball well and having success keeping the Rockets’ taller players from driving inside. The Indians held a slim 31-29 advantage midway through the contest.

The Rockets, however, would adjust well in the second half and began using their size to their advantage more effectively. Brooks Moore and Carsen Wade came alive in the second half and Jesse Cornelison set a career high in trips to the free throw line to give control of the game firmly to the Rockets as they pulled away in the 2nd half and took the game 72-52.

The Oskaloosa girls (3-4) do not have another game scheduled until after the holiday break. The Oskaloosa boys (0-6) play again tonight in a home tilt with Ottumwa.

Girls stats (Friday)

Boys stats (Friday)

Girls stats (Saturday)

Boys stats (Saturday)

Arctic air will blast much of US just before Christmas

Posted on by Sam Parsons

ATLANTA (AP) — Forecasters are warning of treacherous holiday travel and life-threatening cold for big parts of the nation, an arctic air mass blows into the already-frigid southern United States. In a special weather statement Sunday, the National Weather Service predicted “extreme and prolonged freezing conditions for southern Mississippi and southeast Louisiana.” The rare arctic air mass comes as an earlier storm system gradually winds down in the northeastern U.S., after burying parts of the region under two feet of snow. Utility companies brought in extra workers from other states but were hampered by slick roads and dangerous conditions.

After 2022 setbacks, Iowa Democratic Party’s chairman won’t seek another term

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

After significant setbacks in the 2022 election and the apparent loss of the lead-off spot for the Iowa Caucuses, the chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party is stepping down.

In early 2021, the Iowa Democratic Party’s State Central Committee elected Ross Wilburn to lead the party through the 2022 campaign. Wilburn announced Saturday he will not seek another term. Wilburn said he has faith the party’s next chair “will lead Iowa Democrats through the challenges ahead.”

The November election saw Republicans gain seats in the state legislature. Republicans won every seat in Iowa’s congressional delegation and only one Democrat on the statewide ballot won — by a narrow margin.

Earlier this month, a panel of national Democrats voted to dethrone the Iowa Democratic Party’s Caucuses. The plan is to have South Carolina’s Primary go first in 2024, followed by four other states.

Wilburn, who’s been reelected to another term in the Iowa House, said he’ll join other Democrats in working to grow the party and support candidates who’ll fight for the ideas “a strong majority of Iowans support.”

Iowa Farm Bureau donates $100,000 to Iowa Food Bank Association to combat food insecurity during time of extreme need

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WEST DES MOINES, IA – Inflation and surging food prices have amplified the needs of many Iowans struggling with food security, with requests for food assistance now nearly five times greater than an average year.  To assist the growing number of Iowa families facing food insecurity during the holiday season, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) today announced a $100,000 donation to the Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA), which will provide half a million meals to impacted Iowans across the state.  According to IFBA, the spike in food prices this year has resulted in an unprecedented demand, with many Iowans reaching out for the first time.

“This rise for assistance has significantly strained our resources – both in terms of donations and volunteers – and the demand for food continues to rise in every corner of the state,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director, Iowa Food Bank Association. “The IFBA member food banks provide more than 45 million meals to Iowans annually, and they are in great need of support in the form of food or funds to provide the much-needed food to nourish Iowans.  This generous gift from the Iowa Farm Bureau comes at a crucial time and will make a tremendous impact helping us meet the increase in demand for food assistance.”

According to the IFBA, for every dollar received, they can distribute five meals to Iowans in need.  IFBF’s donation will provide a minimum of 500,000 meals for Iowa families struggling through this challenging time.

“We recognize this is an especially difficult time for so many Iowans, and Iowa farmers have always rallied together to help their neighbors and communities during times of need,” said IFBF President Brent Johnson. “We are currently in one of those times of need with many Iowans struggling with food insecurity heading into the holidays, and we are happy to do what we can to help our communities during this crisis.”

In addition to the need for monetary and food donations, IFBA is facing several other challenges, including a significant decline in volunteers to stock shelves, prepare food and package meals. The donation of food is the first step in providing assistance, but IFBA says volunteers are essential to complete the distribution of food to Iowans in need, and a standing need for volunteers remains.

“We are grateful for our partners and supporters like Iowa Farm Bureau, which are essential in our fight against hunger and food insecurity in the state,” Gorkow said.  “IFBA and its members rely on funding through private and public donations and are completely reliant upon the generosity of Iowans to provide meals to all areas of the state throughout its six regional food banks. We encourage anyone who is able to join our cause and help support our neighbors in need.”

For more information about how you can volunteer or donate to the food banks, please visit https://www.iowafba.org/.

Oskaloosa, Knoxville Councils to Host Final Regular Meetings of 2022

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

Two city councils in our area have their final regular meetings of the year lined up for tonight.

The Oskaloosa City Council will meet to hold a public hearing on an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, which includes the addition of $600,000 in expenses for a new pump truck for the Oskaloosa Fire Department.  They’ll also consider a resolution amending the contract for the Wastewater Facility Plan Long-Term Improvement Project for pre-design of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and conduct the 2nd readings for ordinances instituting no-parking restrictions on sections of North B Street and South B Street.

The Knoxville City Council will meet tonight to receive a Year in Review presentation from the Knoxville Chamber, consider a resolution approving preliminary plans and specifications for the 2022 Veterans Park Project, and discuss the possible approval for the Knoxville Fair Board/Raceway team and Knoxville Community School District to use portions of the Veterans District, for which a concept plan will be presented.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ on Track For $590M In Ticket Sales

Posted on by Bob Ballard

When Taylor Swift sells the remaining 170,000 tickets for her “Eras Tour” later this month, the U.S. tour will have brought in an estimated $591 million in sales, per Billboard. This total will make Swift the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time! The singer will end up beating out Madonna whose 2008-2009 “Sticky & Sweet Tour” currently holds the number one slot with a gross of $407 million.

Swift’s U.S. tour will also put her in fourth place on the all-time Billboard Top Tours chart, which is currently led by Ed Sheeran, whose 2017-2019 “Divide” shows grossed a total of $776.2 million.

The remaining 170,000 tickets will be distributed through a digital lottery, with fans being invited by Ticketmaster through email. Sales are limited at two tickets per person. Swift fans who are part of Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan program started receiving emails about a new chance to get these reserved tickets last week.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1947, “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart.
  • Today in 1980, Dolly Parton’s first movie, “9 to 5,” premiered. It was a huge hit and the title song went on to hit #1 on the country charts and pop charts — Dolly also won two GRAMMY Awards for the song.
  • Today in 1985, Johnny Paycheck shoots a man in a barroom brawl in Hillsboro, Ohio. He was released from prison in 1991.
  • Today in 1988, Johnny Cash and friend Waylon Jennings were in the same hospital recovery room. Both had undergone heart bypass surgery, though six days apart.
  • Today in 1991, Collin Raye was enjoying his first #1 hit, “Love, Me.”
  • Today in 1991, the Judds’ “Greatest Hits Volume 2” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, the album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” by Garth Brooks was certified for sales of 5-million.
  • Today in 1994, Reba McEntire’s album, “It’s Your Call,” was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 1994, the “Pocket Full Of Gold” album by Vince Gill was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Travis Tritt’s album, “Ten Feet Tall And Bulletproof,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, the album, “The Song Remembers When,” by Trisha Yearwood was certified platinum, while her self-titled debut album went double platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Garth Brooks was #1 on the charts with “That Ol’ Wind.”
  • Today in 1997, Shenadoah’s lead singer and founding member, Marty Raybon, made his last appearance with the group at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon.
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill was among the picks for “Entertainment Weekly” magazine’s “Best of 2000” list.
  • Today in 2001, gold certifications were awarded for to George Strait for his album, “The Road Less Traveled,” Reba McEntire for her “Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m A Survivor” album and to Lee Ann Womack for her single, “I Hope You Dance.”
  • Today in 2001, Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” became the fastest-rising single in four years to reach the #1 spot on both the “Radio & Records” and “Billboard” country charts. The song, which Jackson debuted the previous month during the 2001 CMA Awards, climbed to the peak position in only six weeks. The last tune to hit #1 that fast was Garth Brooks’ 1997 single, “Longneck Bottle.” This isn’t the only time Alan had a song top the charts so quickly. He also did it in 1994 with “Summertime Blues.”
  • Today in 2005, Gary Allan collected a gold album for “Tough All Over.”
  • Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood got engaged to Warner Bros executive Kelli Cashiola at her home in Nashville.
  • Today in 2014, A Thousand Horses’ debut single, “Smoke,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Lee Brice performed “Go Rest High On That Mountain” during a military funeral for Air Force major Troy Lee Gilbert at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
  • Today in 2017, Jason Isbell played the last of three artist-in-residence concerts at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, joined by unbilled guests Emmylou Harris, Jerry Douglas, Buddy Miller, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings and Mac McAnally, who gave his first public performance since a November heart attack.
  • Today in 2018, Michael Ray and Carly Pearce got engaged in Tulum, Mexico. While the couple married October 6, 2019 near Nashville, Tennessee. In June 2020, Pearce filed for divorce from Ray after eight months of marriage.
  • Today in 2019, John Prine was a 2020 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, along with Isaac Hayes, Chicago and Roberta Flack. Former MGM president Frank Walker, who signed Hank Williams to a recording deal, was named a Trustees Award recipient.
  • Today in 2019, Cam and husband Adam Weaver welcomed their daughter, Lucy Marvel Weaver.
  • Today in 2019, Jerry Lee Lewis was recognized with a Mississippi Country Music Trail marker, placed at his ranch in Nesbit, Mississippi. On hand for the event are Marty Stuart, Steve Azar and Connie Smith.
  • Today in 2019, John Prine was named as the 2020 GRAMMT Lifetime Achievement Award winner, along with Isaac Hayes, Chicago and Roberta Flack. Former MGM president Frank Walker, who signed Hank Williams to a recording deal, was named a Trustees Award recipient.

US recession a growing fear as Fed plans to keep rates high

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WASHINGTON (AP) — After scaling 40-year highs, inflation in the United States has been slowly easing since summer. Yet the Federal Reserve seems decidedly unimpressed — and unconvinced that its fight against accelerating prices is anywhere near over. On Thursday, stock investors were spooked by the growing understanding of how much further the Fed seems willing to go to defeat high inflation. A statement the Fed issued Wednesday and the message that Chair Jerome Powell sent in a news conference appeared to suggest that the Fed’s policymakers expect — or at least would accept — an economic downturn as the price of taming inflation.

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