- Today in 1951, Hank Williams signed a movie contract with MGM.
- Today in 1955, a little known singer, Elvis Presley, played at a sock hop at Brooklyn High School (a Cleveland suburb) in his first appearance outside his native South (along with Pat Boone and Bill Haley and the Comets).
- Today in 1967, Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry hosted the first CMA Awards presentation.
- Today in 1982, the Statler Brothers’ “Christmas Card” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Clint and Lisa Hartman Black were married on a farm outside of Houston. In his vows, Clint told Lisa, “Our two lives will become one life and together the two of us will overcome what would overcome one.”
- Today in 1992, Travis Tritt’s album, “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1992, the film, “Pure Country,” starring George Strait, premiered in Nashville. Attendees included George, Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie and Randy Travis.
- Today in 1993, Mark Chesnutt’s “Almost Goodbye” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1994, the “Heartaches” album by Patsy Cline was certified gold.
- Today in 1998, Deana Carter’s Everything’s Gonna Be Alright album was released.
- Today in 1999, Martina McBride’s album, “Emotion,” was certified gold.
- Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant adopted a mixed-breed puppy from Love at First Sight in Nashville’s Sylvan Park. The family’s new addition was a 6-week-old golden retriever-Shetland sheep dog mix.
- Today in 2008, The Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried” video debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2009, Curb released Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” album
- Today in 2011, The Eli Young Band earned its first platinum single for “Crazy Girl.”
- Today in 2012, Brad Paisley headlined the historic Hollywood Bowl for the first time. The bill also included The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery.
- Today in 2013, Kelly Clarkson married Brandon Blackstock in Tennessee.
- Today in 2016, Little Big Town’s “Better Man,” which written by Taylor Swift, hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2017, Shay Mooney married Hanna Billingsley on his family’s property in Arkansas. Dan Smyers, the other half of Dan + Shay, is a member of the wedding party.
- Today in 2018, Eric Church’s “Desperate Man” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2019, Brooks & Dunn, Ray Stevens and record producer Owen Bradley were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 2020, Tim McGraw was honored with the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in an online ceremony. McGraw performs “I Called Mama.”
- Today in 2020, a life-size statue of Loretta Lynn was unveiled outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
- Today in 2020, David Nail and his wife, Catherine, welcomed their daughter, Ellie Britton Nail.
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3 Indians Qualify for State Cross Country
By Sam Parsons
3 members of the Oskaloosa Indians cross country team qualified for the state meet yesterday as the squad competed in their district meet at Pella Sports Park.
In the girls 5k run, sophomore Tierney Carter was the top finisher for the Indians with a time of 20:05.62, which earned her a 7th place individual finish. It was the second year in a row that Carter was able to punch a ticket to the state meet after being the lone member of the Indians to qualify last year.
This year, she’ll be joined by two teammates: junior Emmalee Wells-Stout also qualified on the girls side with a time of 20:26.48, which was good for a 14th place finish and enough to qualify for state.
For the boys, senior Will Roach missed the top 10 in the district by a fraction of a second, but his time of 16:44.32 was still good for 11th place and a state qualifying nod.
Carter, Wells-Stout, and Roach give the Indians the most qualifiers they have had for state cross country since 2016. The state meet is scheduled for next Saturday (10/28) at Fort Dodge.
BLAKE SHELTON WILL RE-LAUNCH HONKY TONK TOUR IN 2024
If you’ve been wondering what Blake Shelton has been up to since leaving “The Voice,” you can stop. The country singer has given fans and followers an answer: he’s reuniting his “Honky Tonk Tour” early next year.
“We’re going #BackToTheHonkyTonk in 2024,” posted Shelton on his social media. Previously traveling the country in February and March of this year, the new trek will kick off February 22nd in Hershey, PA before making 17 stops around North America.
And Shelton’s bringing some friends along with him. Former “Team Blake” contestant on “The Voice,” Emily Ann Roberts, and Dustin Lynch will be opening up for Shelton along the way. Tickets drop next Friday, October 27th, and you can see some dates below in the meantime.
2/22- Hershey, PA
3/01- Austin, TX
3/09- Calgary, AB
3/16- Portland, OR
3/29- Wichita, KS
We’re going #BackToTheHonkyTonk in 2024!!! Looking forward to hitting the road again with my friends Kubota and bringing @dustinlynch and @emilyann_music out for the fun. Tickets go on-sale Friday, October 27 and November 3rd. Register for exclusive presale access at… pic.twitter.com/smPdeYDn06
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1952, Hank and Billie Jean Williams repeated their wedding vows onstage in New Orleans.
- Today in 1963, Buck Owens attained the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “Love’s Gonna Live Here.”
- Today in 1972, the album, “The Best Of Charley Pride, Vol. 2,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1984, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified triple platinum.
- Today in 1985, Reba McEntire sang the national anthem prior to the first game of the World Series at Royal Stadium in Kansas City. The Cardinals beat the Royals, 3-1
- Today in 1991, Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry announcer Grant Turner died six hours after being on the Opry stage.
- Today in 1993, Patty Loveless’ album, “Only What I Feel,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, George Jones & Tammy Wynette performed the only full-fledged Nashville concert of their career, uniting on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House.
- Today in 1997, on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, Vince Gill honored his late friend and influence, John Denver. Vince played “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and invited the audience to sing along.
- Today in 1999, Keith Urban’s self-titled debut album as a solo artist arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, Keith Urban began a six-week stay at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Somebody Like You.”
- Today in 2006, Keith Urban checked into the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, to cope with a recurrence of substance abuse. In a statement, he offered, “One can never let one’s guard down on recovery, and I’m afraid I have”
- Today in 2011, Scotty McCreery performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before game 1 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The Cardinals win the opener, 3-2, against the Texas Rangers, partially owned by Charley Pride.
- Today in 2013, Jason Aldean headlined the historic Hollywood Bowl for the first time. Filling out the bill were Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett.
- Today in 2015, Blake Shelton sued “In Touch Weekly” for more than $1-million, saying a cover story that claimed he had gone to rehab defamed him. Overcoming a number of legal hurdles – including the need to prove that the headlines weren’t protected free speech – Shelton settled with the mag in April 2017.
- Today in 2017, Big & Rich, Cam and surprise guests Rascal Flatts played a benefit concert for Route 91 Music Festival shooting victims at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
- Today in 2017, Dierks Bentley lead a tribute concert to the late Ralph Stanley at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Also on the bill are Darryl Worley, Heidi Newfield, Nathan Stanley, Ralph Stanley II, T. Graham Brown, T Bone Burnett and Doug Supernaw.
- Today in 2017, Darius Rucker made his first appearance at the historic Apollo Theater in New York.
- Today in 2018, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit’s “Live From The Ryman” album was released.
- Today in 2019, Dan + Shay took Justin Bieber along for the ride as the trio’s “10,000 Hours” was at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2019, Brantley Gilbert’s “Fire & Brimstone” album debuted in the top position on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2019, a Mississippi Country Music Trail marker for Steve Azar was unveiled in Greenville.
- Today in 2020. Jeff Bridges revealed he’d been diagnosed with lymphoma and was beginning recovery. The actor had a Top 10 country album with a self-titled project in 2011.
- Today in 2020, Eric Church’s single, “Hell Of A View,” was released.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gets a contract extension through March 2027
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell received his long-expected contract extension on Wednesday.
“The Compensation Committee updated the full ownership today that an agreement has been reached to extend Commissioner Roger Goodell’s contract for three years, through March 2027,” the league announced in a statement.
A person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that Goodell’s deal includes clauses for extension or succession. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because details weren’t released.
Goodell’s current contract was set to expire in spring 2024.
“It really was quite simple,” Goodell said. “It was just a matter of getting to it. It wasn’t much of a discussion. I’m obviously honored to do this job.”
Financial terms of Goodell’s new contract weren’t immediately known. He reportedly earned $63.9 million for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
The 64-year-old Goodell has served as commissioner since succeeding Paul Tagliabue in 2006. He began his NFL career as an administrative intern in 1982 under then-Commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Under Goodell’s leadership, the NFL’s popularity and revenue have skyrocketed. The Washington Commanders were sold for a record $6.05 billion earlier this year.
“I think it was unified, I think everyone was behind it and it just takes a while to get those things done,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said of the extension. “I really think everyone is in favor, everyone is excited and everyone acknowledges the job that Roger has done. Like Paul Tagliabue, I think Roger will be in the Hall of Fame someday.”
Goodell also has dealt with intense scrutiny and criticism regarding the league’s handling of off-field issues involving players, including domestic violence, and the initial response to Colin Kaepernick’s call for social justice by kneeling during the national anthem.
Miller-Meeks says she’s gotten death threats after her vote for speaker
By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)
Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says she’s received credible death threats after she switched her vote for House speaker.
Miller-Meeks voted for Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan for House Speaker on Tuesday, but she said her “initial concerns” about “threatening tactics” from other Republicans in congress and Jordan supporters elsewhere increased. Miller-Meeks supported the chair of the House Appropriations Committee during today’s second round of voting. Miller-Meeks, in a written statement issued early this evening, said her office is cooperating with “the proper authorities” after she received a barrage of threatening calls and death threats following that vote. Miller-Meeks said she will “not bend to bullies” and is looking to support a “consensus candidate” for speaker.
Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who has voted for Jordan twice, issued a video statement late today, calling the eight Republicans who engineered the ouster of Kevin McCarthy “chaos agents” who “should be ashamed of themselves.” Hinson said it’s time to end to “drama and infighting” among House Republicans.
City of Ottumwa to Host Dedication Ceremony for Jefferson St. Viaduct
Ottumwa, IA – On October 25, 2023, friends and family of Lew “Skip” Stevens will be conducting a memorial dedication ceremony at the north end of the Jefferson Street Viaduct to rename the bridge “Skip Stevens Memorial Bridge”. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include memorials from Mayor Rick Johnson, Marc Roe, Jerry Parker, and Kurt Stevens. The ceremony will conclude with a ribbon cutting ceremony, a memorial plaque unveiling and a special lighting of the bridge in Skip’s honor. Members of the Stevens family will be present for the event.
Skip Stevens dedicated his life to the City of Ottumwa. He was an employee of the city from 1961 until his retirement as the Public Works Superintendent in 2006. Stevens served on the Ottumwa City Council from 2014 until 2021. Skip was a strong advocate for the lighting of the Jefferson St. Viaduct. Skip Stevens passed away on March 7, 2023 at the age of 81. The Ottumwa City Council voted unanimously in July of 2023 to approve the dedication of the bridge.
Mahaska County Rangers Crack Down on Meth Trade: Three in Custody
OSKALOOSA — After several months of investigations, the Rangers of the Mahaska County Conservation Board have made three arrests in reference to the sale and use of methamphetamines at Eveland Access Campground (2890 Galveston Ave, Oskaloosa, IA).
On October 17, 2023, at approximately 02:24 p.m., Rangers initiated a traffic stop in the 1800 block of Indian Way in Oskaloosa on a vehicle being driven by Tiny Northway of Beacon, IA, and the passenger of the vehicle Michael Peterson of Lovilia, IA. A K-9 officer from the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was deployed to the stop and indicated the presence of illegal drugs inside the vehicle.
Evidence was collected at the scene of the stop, and Rangers obtained a search warrant for a 1995 Covington RV belonging to Heather Goemaat of Bussey, IA, which was located at campsite 10 of Eveland Access Campground.
At the conclusion of the investigation –
Northway was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Peterson was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (Class B Felony), failure to affix a drug tax stamp (Class D Felony), possession of a controlled substance 3rd or subsequent offense (Class D Felony), possession of contraband in a correctional institution (Class D Felony), interference with official acts, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Goemaat was later arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (Class B Felony), possession of a controlled substance 3rd or subsequent offense (Class D Felony), gathering where controlled substances are used (Class D Felony), unlawful possession of a prescription drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Items seized were $1,968 in cash, 25.7 grams of methamphetamines, multiple items of drug paraphernalia, and the 1995 Covington RV. Currently, Peterson and Goemaat are being held at the Mahaska County Jail with no bond.
Rangers were assisted by the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, The Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement task force, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Amazon, Tripadvisor and other companies team up to battle fake reviews while FTC seeks to ban them
NEW YORK (AP) — Some of the most used platforms for travel and online shopping said Tuesday they’re going to team up to battle fake reviews.
Amazon, reviews site Glassdoor and Trustpilot, as well as travel companies Expedia Group, Booking.com and Tripadvisor said in an announcement they’re launching a coalition that aims to protect access to “trustworthy consumer reviews” worldwide.
The companies said the members of the group, which will be called Coalition for Trusted Reviews, will look for best practices for hosting online reviews and share methods on how to detect fake ones. That will include developing standards for what constitutes a fake review and sharing information about how bad actors operate.
Phony reviews have long plagued online marketplaces despite their efforts to eradicate it. Much of the problem is fueled by brokers who solicit fake customer reviews through social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps and other channels in exchange for money, free items or other benefits. Brokers can solicit positive reviews to boost sales for businesses or sellers. They can also also post negative reviews for competitors in order to tank their sales.
Last month, Amazon said two review brokers in China were sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison and three years of probation after using messaging apps to advertise and sell fake reviews to Amazon selling accounts. The company has filed a flurry of other lawsuits in the past year against operators that it says were doing similar things. Last year, it also sued the administrators of more than 10,000 Facebook groups that it alleged were coordinating bogus reviews in exchange for money or free products.
Facebook groups trading reviews for Google and Trustpilot, which allows users to leave feedback for businesses, were also discovered earlier this year by the British consumer watchdog group “Which?”
Federal regulators have also been aiming to crack down on bogus reviews aiming to deceive consumers. In June, the Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule that, among other things, would prohibit businesses from selling or obtaining fake reviews, suppressing honest reviews and selling fake social media engagement.
Businesses would also be prohibited from creating or controlling a website that claims to provide independent opinions about its products and employing other practices like “review hijacking,” which makes reviews for one product appear like they were written for different ones. If the proposal is adopted, violators can be face penalties.
Becky Foley, Tripadvisor’s vice president for Trust & Safety, said in a statement included in the news release that combating operators behind fake reviews will be “an immediate area of focus” for the coalition.
“These actors often operate outside of jurisdictions with a legal framework to shut down fraudulent activity, making robust cooperation even more important,” Foley said.
The companies said the coalition is a result conversations that came out of a “Fake Reviews” conference that was organized by Tripadvisor and held last year in San Francisco. They said they will meet in early December at a second conference that will be organized by Amazon and held in Brussels.
Drivers reminded this week about school bus safety
By Brooke Bickford (Radio Iowa)
It’s “National School Bus Safety Week,” and despite reminders every year, there are still drivers who pass buses that have their lights flashing and stop arms out. State Trooper Paul Gardner says many of the school bus problems are caused by poor driving habits.
“We’ve seen it, like said too many times where people are distracted. They are maybe speeding, they’re not paying attention to their surroundings, and all of a sudden the bus is stopped and that could put children at danger,” he says. Trooper Gardner says bus safety is simple. “We just want people to realize how important it is that they stop and just watch for the school buses,” Gardner says.
He says more and more districts are using cameras that catch violators. “So they’ll capture a license plate and so with that still photo that and maybe even a video will accompany the bus driver report and then we follow through with a traffic ticket,” Gardner says. If we can’t locate the driver in that the registered owner gets the ticket.”
The minimum fine for a first offense is $345 and Trooper Gardner says that can go up to $675 and a person could lose their license with more violations. Gardner says the week includes public reminders and emergency drills with students to ensure they are prepared in case of an emergency situation.
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