- Today in 1981, George Strait made his debut on the country chart with his first single, “Unwound.” Garth Brooks has said many times, “When I heard ‘Unwound,’ that was when I decided what I wanted to do with my life.”
- Today in 1986, Johnny Paycheck was found guilty of shooting and wounding a man after an argument in an Ohio bar. He was sentenced to 9 1/2 years in prison, but was released in 1991.
- Today in 1987, “To Know Him Is To Love Him” by the “Trio” of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris hit #1 on the country charts.
- Today in 1989, Reba McEntire’s first collection of “Greatest Hits” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, the “Soon” album by Tanya Tucker was certified gold.
- Today in 1994, Diamond Rio released the single, “Love A Little Stronger.”
- Today in 1998, Faith Hill began a three-week run at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “This Kiss.”
- Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood told “The Tennessean” that the duet album that she and Garth Brooks had reportedly been planning for three years would not happen. She said quote, “I feel like the golden opportunity was then (referring to their 1998 tour), but that time has passed.” She went on to say that she and Garth are sometimes on completely different wavelengths. Maybe so, but at least they’re still happily married!
- Today in 2000, Kathy Mattea released her album, “The Innocent Years.” BlackHawk also released their “Greatest Hits” album and Tracy Byrd’s “Wonders of Wildlife” project also hit stores.
- Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney performed “There Goes My Life” and “Back Where I Come From” for president George W. Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard at the White House in Washington, D.C.
- Today in 2009, David Nail made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2013, Keith Urban performed “Little Bit Of Everything” during the season finale of FOX-TV’s “American Idol.” The Band Perry played “DONE.” Urban and contestant Kree Harrison also did “Where The Blacktop Ends” with Blink-182’s Travis Barker on drums and Randy Jackson on bass.
- Today in 2015, Elvis Presley’s former tour bus sold for $263,000 during an auction of The King’s memorabilia by Julien’s at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. Also among the more than 100 items were Presley’s Martin D-28 guitar, $76,800; his marriage certificate, $41,600; and his 1968 drivers license, $5,120.
- Today in 2014, Jerrod Niemann performed during the 33rd annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in advance of a speech by Vice President Joe Biden.
- Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn’s team revealed she’d been moved from the hospital into a rehab facility as she recuperated from the stroke she’d had May 4th.
- Today in 2017, Randy Rogers and his wife, Chelsea, welcomed daughter, Rainey Ryan Rogers.
- Today in 2020, Russell Dickerson snapped up a platinum single from the RIAA for “Every Little Thing.”
- Today in 2020, a day after Hannah Mulholland announced her departure, Runaway June revealed Natalie Stovall was joining the trio.
- Today in 2021, the state of Tennessee recognized Eddy Arnold with the installation of a Music Pathways marker at Sue Shelton White Park in Henderson.
- Today in 2021, Ryan Hurd made his Grand Ole Opry debut. His wife, Maren Morris, made a surprise appearance to duet on “Chasing After You,” while Hurd joined Lady A on “What If I Never Get Over You.”
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Mahaska County Board of Supervisors: “We are not a party” to Oskaloosa Annexation
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors met this morning and once again discussed the city of Oskaloosa’s possible annexation of land near Leighton for the purpose of building a new airport. The city, in partnership with the Iowa DOT, has asked the board of supervisors to sign a letter of support for the annexation, but the board tabled the signing of the letter in multiple recent meetings.
Supervisor Chuck Webb said that county engineer Andrew McGuire was currently working on finding an alternate route to present to the FAA because they had not yet identified a suitable replacement for 220th street, but until that route was found, he would not vote in favor of signing the letter. The Board of Supervisors reiterated that they lacked the authority to unilaterally block the annexation, and supervisor Steve Wanders said that until the board receives more information, he wanted the board to table it again.
Board chair Mark Gronendyk said that the public wanted to know where the board stood.
The board of supervisors jointly agreed to say that the county was “not a party” to the annexation and that the negotiations are specifically between the city of Oskaloosa and the Iowa DOT. The city of Oskaloosa has a regular council meeting scheduled for tonight; however, there is not an item on the agenda related to this annexation.
Oskaloosa State Track and Field Qualifiers
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Indians will be sending over a dozen members of their track and field teams to the state meets this week. Below is a list of all Osky tracksters to suit up, by day, time, and event.
Thursday, May 18
2:40 – Shuttle Hurdle Relay prelims – Dom Piersel, JT Baker, Waylon Bolibaugh, Tatum Westercamp
4:20 – 200 m prelims – Maleah Walker
6:30 – 100 m prelims – Maleah Walker
7:40 – Shuttle Hurdle Relay prelims – Sadie Blommers, Lydia VanVeldhuizen, Emmalee Wells-Stout, Hannah Quang
Friday, May 19
2:00 – Long Jump – Tatum Westercamp
2:40 – Distance Medley Relay final – Hannah Quang, Maleah Walker, Evelyn Adam, Tierney Carter
4:00 – 100 m hurdle prelims – Hannah Quang
4:20 – 110 high hurdle prelims – Tatum Westercamp
4:30 – Long Jump – Maleah Walker
5:40 – 400 m hurdles finals – Evelyn Adam and Emmalee Wells-Stout
6:00 – 400 m hurdles finals – Waylon Bolibaugh
7:00 – 4×400 prelims – Ryleigh Wilken, Hannah Quang, Evelyn Adam, Tierney Carter
Saturday, May 20
10:30 – 800 m run finals – Tierney Carter
11:50 – Shuttle Hurdle Relay finals – Sadie Blommers, Lydia VanVeldhuizen, Emmalee Wells-Stout, Hannah Quang
12:15 – Shuttle Hurdle Relay prelims – Dom Piersel, JT Baker, Waylon Bolibaugh, Tatum Westercamp
12:45 – 100 m dash finals – Maleah Walker
1:05 – 100 m hurdle finals – Hannah Quang
1:15 – 110 high hurdle finals – Tatum Westercamp
3:55 – 4×400 finals – Ryleigh Wilken, Hannah Quang, Evelyn Adam, Tierney Carter
2-time world champion Doyle Brunson, called the Godfather of Poker, dies at 89
Posted on by Sam Parsons
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Doyle Brunson, one of the most influential poker players of all time and a two-time world champion, died Sunday, according to his agent.
Brunson was 89.
Brian Balsbaugh, Brunson’s agent, posted a statement on Twitter from the family.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father, Doyle Brunson,” the statement read. “He was a beloved Christian man, husband, father and grandfather. We’ll have more to say over the coming days as we honor his legacy. Please keep Doyle and our family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.”
Brunson, called the Godfather of Poker and also known as “Texas Dolly,” won 10 World Series of Poker tournaments — second only to Phil Hellmuth’s 16. He also captured world championships in 1976 and 1977 and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988.
He wrote a book called “Super System” in 1979, which was one of the first books to delve into poker strategy and created a lasting impact that helped bring many others to the game.
Five-time WSOP winner Scotty Nguyen tweeted that he “can’t believe this day has come – you will always be held high in our hearts, the man, the myth, the legend & THE GODFATHER of poker baby! Mr Brunson, you made poker what it is baby! thank you for what you give to all of us baby! RIP Mr Doyle Brunson THE GODFATHER OF POKER.”
His influence carried beyond poker.
“This one is a heartbreaker,” actor James Woods tweeted. “Doyle Brunson, the greatest poker player who ever lived, has cashed in his chips.
“Doyle was so kind and helpful to me. He was gracious to my late dear brother and every friend I introduced him to. A gentleman and a genuine legend.”
Food Bank of Iowa continues to see need increase
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Pat Powers (Radio Iowa)
There are Iowans who continue to struggle to put food on the table. Food Bank of Iowa spokesperson, Annette Hacker, says their demand has not eased at all.
“We have really seen the numbers just continue to rise for the last 12 months or so ever since the emergency proclamation lifted and SNAP benefits returned to normal levels back in April of 2022. Nearly every month since then has been a record in terms of people needing food assistance,” she says.
The Food Bank of Iowa serves 55 of the state’s 99 counties. “We served about 110-thousand in March of 2022 compared with 169-thousand in March of 2023,” Hacker says. Hacker she fears the numbers aren’t going to drop anytime soon. “I hate to say it but we don’t see any ceiling in sight. The people who need food assistance are being crushed from all sides with the SNAP legislation that appears it will be signed soon,” Hacker says. “That will make SNAP benefits even more difficult to get. It will make some people not even apply and others perhaps eliminated from SNAP benefits.”
Hacker said the summer ahead will be a critical time. “Because kids are out of school, and those children who rely on free and reduced price meals suddenly don’t have those at school. And parents who have kids at home have to come up with an extra 10 to 15 meals every day per child,” she says. “And if your budget is stretched thin and you’re already having a hard time affording groceries, that just makes it even more difficult.”
Saturday is the Iowa postal service annual “Stamp Out Hunger” event. The carriers will pick up non perishable food items from customers at their mailboxes to be delivered to the community food banks.
Another Round of Computer Basics Classes offered at Ottumwa Public Library
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Public Library is happy to announce that they will be offering two free computer classes.
The first, Thursday, May 18th at 10:30 am, will be Computer Basics. It will teach the basic parts of the computer, how to minimize, restore, and close windows, and become more confident using a mouse.
The second class will be Thursday, May 25th at 10:30 am and will be on Email Basics. It will teach how to compose and send an email, log into email without assistance, attach a file to email and organize your email.
“We are so excited to be able to offer these classes again. The first ones in February were so popular we had to add an additional time. We are utilizing laptops purchased with Legacy Foundation Bright Idea Grant funds and will be able to offer a quiet classroom setting for this instruction,” Sonja Ferrell, Ottumwa Public Library Director said. “So much of our society relies on basic computer and internet knowledge today and it is necessary that we help educate our community with those skills.”
This will be the same content as the first round of classes. Participants are not required to attend both classes. Space is limited so registration is required. Please call 641-682-7563 to sign up.
Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held this Saturday
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale Saturday May 20, 2023. It will be held 8 – 11 am at the Mahaska County Extension and Outreach Office auditorium.
They will be selling a limited selection of annuals including vegetables – many heirloom, perennial divisions, and second time around gardening items.
Proceeds from the sale support Master Gardener activities in Mahaska County including future speaker fees. Many of the Mahaska County Master Gardener events are free and open to the public because of plant sale proceeds.
Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twentieth year. The local program organized after the county held their first training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.
More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.
KEITH URBAN RETURNS TO “AMERICAN IDOL” AS FINALE MENTOR
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Keith Urban is returning to “American Idol” as Season 21’s mentor for the final three contestants in the series finale on May 21.
It’s familiar turf for Keith, who served as one of the three judges for “AI” in Seasons 12-15. He also served as a mentor on Australia’s version of “The Voice”.
Not only will Keith be working with and advising this season’s Top 3, he’ll be performing as well, singing his hit from last year, “Wild Hearts.” Watch Keith do his thing – both things, mentoring and performing – this coming Sunday (May 21) at 8p Eastern on ABC.
Source: People
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1918, Eddy Arnold was born in Henderson, Tennessee. He was called the Tennessee Plowboy in his solid recordings and shifted into string-laden recordings in the 1960s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966.
- Today in 1978, Willie Nelson released his landmark album “Stardust.” It went on to spend 10 years on the country charts, selling over five million copies.
- Today in 1982, Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 1988, Martina Schiff became Martina McBride when she married John McBride in Wichita, Kansas.
- Today in 1990, the “Livin’ It Up” album by George Strait was released.
- Today in 1990, Patty Loveless’ “On Down The Line” album was released.
- Today in 1993, John Michael Montgomery earned the first #1 single of his career with “I Love The Way You Love Me.”
- Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin’s album, “Lookin’ Back at Myself,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, Martina McBride’s “The Way That I Am” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1995, Pam Tillis released the single, “In Between Dances.”
- Today in 1997, Lee Ann Womack’s self-titled album was released.
- Today in 1997, Bill Monroe was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Cleveland, alongside The Bee Gees, Joni Mitchell, The Young Rascals, The Jackson 5, King Records founder Syd Nathan, Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
- Today in 1998, the “Evolution” album by Martina McBride was certified platinum.
- Today in 1999, Keifer Thompson marries Shawna McIlwain in Nashville. Of course, the couple ultimately meshed their lives as performers as well – becoming Thompson Square.
- Today in 1999, Tim McGraw’s “Please Remember Me,” which was written by Rodney Crowell, began a five-week stay at #1 on Billboard.
- Today in 2000, NBC-TV aired Arista Records’ celebration of 25 years of music with archival footage and live performances with artists like Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson.
- Today in 2003, June Carter Cash died in Nashville at the age of 73. She had been in the hospital for eight days following heart surgery. She had developed complications following the operation and remained in critical condition until her death. An old saying holds that behind every successful man is a woman, and June Carter spent roughly 40 years as the woman behind Johnny Cash.
- Today in 2004, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus married Allison Alderson in Nashville. His groomsmen included fellow band members Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney, plus comedian Cledus T. Judd. Vince Gill sang “When Love Finds You” during the ceremony.
- Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood won three times at the 42nd annual Academy of Country Music awards. She took Top Female Vocalist; Album of the Year, for “Some Hearts”; and Video, for “Before He Cheats.”
- Today in 2012, Glen Campbell joined Massachusetts congressman Edward Markey in Washington, D.C., in a call for legislative action to address research on Alzheimer’s disease.
- Today in 2013, Lee Brice performed “I Drive Your Truck” during a Washington, D.C., event honoring fallen officers. President Barack Obama delivers the keynote address.
- Today in 2014, it was revealed that Randy Houser was planning to divorce songwriter Jessa Lee Yantz after just two years of marriage – he also filed for a restraining order. Houser went on to marry Aussie Tatiana Starzynski in May 2016 after a yearlong engagement.
- Today in 2014, Jerrod Niemann performed during the 33rd annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in advance of a speech by Vice President Joe Biden.
- Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn’s team revealed she’d been moved from the hospital into a rehab facility as she recuperated from the stroke she’d had on May 4th.
- Today in 2017, Randy Rogers and his wife, Chelsea, welcomed their daughter, Rainey Ryan Rogers.
- Today in 2020, Russell Dickerson snapped up a platinum single from the RIAA for “Every Little Thing.”
- Today in 2020, a day after Hannah Mulholland announced her departure, Runaway June revealed Natalie Stovall was joining the trio.
- Today in 2021, the state of Tennessee recognized Eddy Arnold with the installation of a Music Pathways marker at Sue Shelton White Park in Henderson.
- Today in 2021, Ryan Hurd made his Grand Ole Opry debut. His wife, Maren Morris, made a surprise appearance to duet on “Chasing After You,” while Hurd joined Lady A on “What If I Never Get Over You.”
District Track and Field: Osky Auto-Qualifies in 12 Events
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
Oskaloosa’s track and field teams were in Pella last night for their district meets with trips to the state meet next week on the line.
The full list of qualifiers will be released today, but the Indians know they will be competing in at least a dozen events.
Tatum Westercamp was the headliner for the Indian boys last night. He took 1st place in the 110m hurdles with a 14.84 mark, and was 2nd in the Long Jump at 21’0″. He was an automatic state qualifier in both events and will look to finish off a senior season in which he has been the top contributor for Osky boys track and field.
The Indian boys also had a trio of third-place finishes that could earn at-large state bids. Senior Waylon Bolibaugh placed 3rd in the 400m hurdles with a time of 57.69, and two relay teams earned district bronze: the team of Dom Piersel, JT Baker, Waylon Bolibaugh, and Tatum Westercamp finished 3rd in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay, and the team of Javion Reeves, Blake Henry, Will Roach, and Reed Peterson was 3rd in the 4×800 relay.
In total, the Indian boys team placed 7th at the meet.
The lady Indians, on the other hand, had perhaps their best showing on the season and automatically qualified in 10 different events.
The list of individual qualifiers begins with senior Maleah Walker, who continued her strong campaign with district titles in both the Long Jump (17’9.25″) and the 100m sprint (12.88s). Freshman Tierney Carter also auto-qualified for two individual events, finishing 2nd in both the 800m (2:25.50) and the 1500m (5:22.17).
The rest of the individual automatic state qualifiers included Evelyn Adam, who won the district title in the 400m hurdles; Hannah Quang, who was district runner-up in the 100m hurdles; and Emmalee Wells-Stout, who placed 2nd in the 400m hurdles.
The Indian girls will also partake in 3 relay events in the state meet next week after auto-qualifying with a 1st place finish in the Distance Medley Relay (Hannah Quang, Maleah Walker, Evelyn Adam, Tierney Carter), a runner-up finish in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay (Sadie Blommers, Lydia Van Veldhuizen, Emmalee Wells-Stout, Hannah Quang), and another 2nd place finish in the 4×400 Relay (Ryleigh Wilken, Hannah Quang, Evelyn Adam, Tierney Carter).
As a team, the Indians placed 2nd at the 8-team meet, trailing only the host school.
“To say I’m proud of this team is a huge understatement,” Indians coach Elizabeth Luck said after the meet. “I can’t wait to see what these young ladies do next weekend at the state meet.”
The state track and field meets will take place at Drake Stadium next weekend from May 18-20.
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