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MORGAN WALLEN AND ERIC CHURCH TEAM UP TO RELAUNCH “FIELD & STREAM”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

“Field & Stream” magazine, which was first published in 1895, had gone “digital only” back in 2021. Two modern country legends have taken steps to bring the iconic publication back.

It was announced yesterday that Eric Church and Morgan Wallen are part of a team that has acquired the Field & Stream brand, with plans to start a music festival and even publish a semiannual print edition, on top of maintaining the website and retail opportunities. Field & Stream assets had been split up as the print magazine went digital-only, with Recurrent coming to own the brand’s ongoing media and Dick’s Sporting Goods having picked up the retail side. The group fronted by Wallen and Church has picked up both sets of assets and is putting everything back under one roof, according to brand reps.

Field & Stream magazine was a part of American households from its founding in 1895 up through the turn of the century, maintaining a circulation of over a million copies into the 1990s. It ceased print publication less than three years ago, after publishing a 125th anniversary edition in 2021, at which point it went all-digital.

In individual statements, both Church and Wallen spoke up about what the publication meant to them. “I can remember my grandfather kept a few of his favorite Field & Stream magazines on the dash of his truck,” Church said in a statement. “That truck took us on hundreds of outdoor adventures and I all but memorized every story and every picture on every page. They were my Bible. It is the honor of my life to make sure that legacy carries on. It is both this responsibility to an American icon and also to a young boy in his papaw’s truck that will be the compass that guides our steps.”

Wallen said, “There’s nothing I love more than being with friends around a campfire, on a boat or in a deer stand – and Field & Stream represents all of those to me. Being part of its future is incredible and we want to keep bringing people together outdoors, making memories, for generations to come.”

The print edition won’t be on newsstands, but will be sent out twice a year to a membership community that is being established, the “Field & Stream 1871 Club.”

Source: Variety

Man arrested outside Taylor Swift’s NYC home held without bail for violating protective order

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — A Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Taylor Swift was ordered held without bail Thursday after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star’s home in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood.

David Crowe, 33, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.

Prosecutors said Crowe violated a protective order issued Wednesday mandating he stay away from Swift and her home and refrain from any communication with her.

Crowe was arrested Wednesday by officers responding to complaints of an emotionally disturbed man acting erratically near Swift’s townhouse. He was arraigned and issued the protection order, but a short time later he was arrested again near Swift’s residence.

Court documents say an unidentified security worker had spotted Crowe near the singer’s home about 30 times since Nov. 25. Crowe was asked about 10 times not to approach the building or to leave, according to prosecutors.

New York County Defender Services, which is representing Crowe, declined to comment Thursday. “We have no additional statement,” spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina wrote in an email. “We rely on the statements made in court today.”

Swift’s Manhattan townhouse has been the scene of several break-ins when Swift wasn’t there, including by some who were identified as stalkers.

Governor says DCI ‘didn’t check with me’ when investigating UI, ISU athletes

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Governor Kim Reynolds says she had no role in the investigation of alleged illegal sports betting among college athletes in Ames and Iowa City.

During an interview with Radio Iowa today, Reynolds said state law requires the Division of Criminal Investigation through the Iowa Department of Public Safety to monitor sports gaming in Iowa. “So by Code, this is their job to do that,” Reynolds said. “They don’t check with me when they’re doing their job, as well as it should be. They shouldn’t be running any of that through me.”

Last May, officials at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa announced dozens of athletes at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University had been caught up in the DCI’s investigation of underage wagering as well as betting on teams at their own schools. Court documents released this week allege a whistleblower in the DCI says he was misled about the investigation and asked to be reassigned after another agent congratulated him for getting an athlete to confess. Reynolds declined to comment on those allegations.

“This is probably going to end up in the courts, so I am going to have to be very careful with what I, you know, how I respond to that, but ultimately we’ll get some answers,” Reynolds said. “…I need to be very careful. I’ve seen that go wrong with too many governors before me and then you’re part of the hearings.”

According to Reynolds, the state’s public safety commissioner is “getting ready to provide some information” about the investigation.

Mahaska Chamber to Host Members of Iowa Legislature for Coffee and Conversation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Tomorrow, several members of the Iowa Legislature who represent parts of the No Coast Network listening area will be in attendance for the Mahaska Chamber’s next Coffee and Conversation (previously known as Eggs and Issues) event.

This engaging series of informative sessions provides Mahaska County residents with invaluable insights into state, county, and local topics, fostering opportunities for community members to meet, learn, and discuss subjects important to community improvement. All Coffee and Conversation events are hosted at Smokey Row (109 S Market St, Oskaloosa) from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

The dates for Coffee & Conversation and panel speakers are as follows:
January 27, 2024 – Iowa Senate #19 Ken Rozenboom and Iowa Senate #44 Adrian Dickey
                  Iowa House #88 Helena Hayes and Iowa House #37 Barb Kniff-McCulla
February 10, 2024 – Mahaska County Schools
February 24, 2024 – Iowa Senate #19 Ken Rozenboom and Iowa Senate #44 Adrian Dickey
                  Iowa House #88 Helena Hayes and Iowa House #37 Barb Kniff-McCulla
March 9, 2024- Mahaska Health, EMA, Sheriff/Police Department
March 23, 2024 – Iowa Senate #19 Ken Rozenboom and Iowa Senate #44 Adrian Dickey
                 Iowa House #88 Helena Hayes and Iowa House #37 Barb Kniff-McCulla
Please reach out to Deann De Groot at the Chamber with any questions about the forum at ddegroot@mahaskachamber.org or by phone 641.672.2591.

Community 1st Credit Union Named Top 250 Regional Credit Union in America by Newsweek

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — Newsweek, along with Plant-A Insights Group recently announced that Community 1st Credit Union has been recognized as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for 2024, receiving a prestigious five-star rating on a five-star scale. This accolade is based on a comprehensive analysis of 9,440 financial institutions across the United States, highlighting the top 250 regional banks and 250 credit unions.  

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” expressed Greg Hanshaw, President and CEO of Community 1st Credit Union, “especially as one of only three credit unions in Iowa to achieve a five-star rating.  Newsweek’s acknowledgment of Community 1st Credit Union as one of the top 250 regional credit unions in the United States reflects the dedication of our strong and empowered team.  Their unwavering commitment is evident as they strive daily to deliver service excellence to our members.”  

“Regional banks and credit unions play a pivotal role in meeting the needs of communities across the nation.  Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2024,” highlighting local lenders that are committed to the needs of their communities.” – Nancy Cooper – Global Editor in Chief – Newsweek

VIDEO OF CHRIS YOUNG ARREST RAISES QUESTIONS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

We live in an age where almost everything is caught on camera – and that may be a good thing for Chris Young. We told you yesterday the country singer was arrested on several charges stemming from a run-in with ABC agents in Nashville that got physical. While the initial report from the agents didn’t look good for Young, security footage from the bars seems to suggest that the agent’s description of events may not 100-percent jibe with what actually happened.

According to the ABC agent’s affidavit, “While walking out the door Mr. Young put his hands out to stop me from leaving the bar and struck me on the shoulder. I then pushed Mr. Young to create distance since I had no idea of who Mr. Young was or what he had.” This led to Young being arrested on several charges, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assault. Chris is due back in court on the charges February 16.

However…the video appears to show Chris was a lot calmer than the agents suggested, and instead of him “striking” the agent on the shoulder, Young appears to touch him as the agent walks by to get his attention. At that point the agent violently shoves the singer and sends him flying. While the entire encounter is not on the video, enough is there that Young’s lawyer has demanded justice. “In light of the video evidence, Tennessee ABC needs to drop the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional and professional harm done towards my client.”

Source: WhiskeyRiff

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1982, Kenny Rogers won three trophies in pop and country at the American Music Awards. Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Anne Murray, and The Oak Ridge Boys also won country awards.
  • Today in 1988, Randy Travis won four awards at the American Music Awards.
  • Today in 1989, the Judds’ “Heartland” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1989, Kathy Mattea was in the top-10 with “Life As We Knew It.”
  • Today in 1991, Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1992, Sawyer Brown was #1 on the charts with “The Dirt Road.”
  • Today in 1993, Brooks & Dunn released their single “Hard Workin’ Man.”
  • Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney released his album “Be As You Are (Songs From An Old Blue Chair)”
  • Today in 2006, Brad Paisley’s “Time Well Wasted” became a platinum album.
  • Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood collected a gold award for her song, “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
  • Today in 2008, The CMT reality show “Gone Country” hosted by John Rich debuted, featuring Bobby Brown, Carnie Wilson, Enrique Iglesias Jr. and Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider.
  • Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemmann’s “Lover Lover” played on the radio for the first time.
  • Today in 2014, Luke Bryan played a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden. He sung “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Drunk On You,” and “Drink a Beer.” Lee Brice and Cole Swindell opened.
  • Today in 2015, Jo Dee Messina performed the national anthem before the NHL All-Star Game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Team Toews defeated Team Foligno, 17-12.
  • Today in 2016, Randy Houser’s “Goodnight Kiss” was certified gold by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2017, former Western Michigan University baseball player Frankie Ballard delivers the keynote speech as the Broncos hold their annual Leadoff Dinner at the Cityscape Event Center in Kalamazoo
  • Today in 2018, the Bellamy Brothers were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in Tallahassee.

Ring will no longer allow police to request doorbell camera footage from users

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates.

In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app.

The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective starting this week.

Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. Police and other agencies can also still use the app to “share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” Kuhn said.

The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app following concerns raised by privacy watchdogs about the company’s relationship with police departments across the country.

Critics have stressed the proliferation of these relationships – and users’ ability to report what they see as suspicious behavior – can change neighborhoods into a place of constant surveillance and lead to more instances of racial profiling.

In a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy in 2021 to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app. Previously, law enforcement agencies were able to send Ring owners who lived near an area of an active investigation private emails requesting video footage.

“Now, Ring hopefully will altogether be out of the business of platforming casual and warrantless police requests for footage to its users,” Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Law enforcement agencies can still access videos using a search warrant. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.

In mid-2022, Ring disclosed it handed over 11 videos to police without notifying users that year due to “exigent or emergency” circumstances, one of the categories that allow it to share videos without permission from owners. However, Guariglia, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the group remains skeptical about the ability of police and the company to determine what is or is not an emergency.

Last summer, Ring agreed to pay $5.8 million to settle with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that the company let employees and contractors access user videos. Furthermore, the agency said Ring had inadequate security practices, which allowed hackers to control consumer accounts and cameras. The company disagrees with those claims.

Bill would require daily singing of National Anthem in Iowa schools

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

A bill introduced in the Iowa House would require that students and teachers in Iowa public schools stand at attention and sing the National Anthem daily.

Representative Sue Cahill, a Democrat from Marshalltown, is one of the legislators assigned to review the bill today and she asked everyone present to join her in singing the National Anthem.

There was applause and a few shouts of “play ball” when the anthem concluded. Cahill said the Iowa Capitol’s “a perfect place” to sing the song, but patriotism “comes from the heart” and shouldn’t be forced.

“Teachers have enough to do right now without adding another requirement to implement and then handle consequences if students don’t participate correct,” Cahill said.

If the bill as written becomes law, teachers and students who object to singing the National Anthem would be required to stay silent and stand while others sing. The bill says students in every grade should be taught the words and history of the song and “how to love, honor and respect the anthem.” It also specifies at least one of the four verses of the song be sung every school day and on “patriotic occasions” the entire song would be sung. Republican Representative Henry Stone of Forest City said backing the bill is a “no brainer” for him.

“I support patriotism and anything we can do to advance that,” Stone said at the conclusion of the subcommittee hearing. “I look forward to moving this bill forward, having more conversations in committee and to see how that pans out.”

Stone retired after a 23 year career in the Air Force and is the third generation of his family to serve in the military. “I believe in this bill,” Stone told reporters. “I believe it’s something that we can
put back in our schools that has added value.”

Republican Representative Phil Thompson of Boone, an Army veteran, also voted to send the bill to the House Education Committee. “Happy to advance any conversation promoting patriotism and civics in our schools,” Thompson said.

Dave Daughton, a lobbyist for the School Administrators of Iowa and Rural School Advocates of Iowa, told lawmakers the groups aren’t opposed to patriotism. “We think a lot of this is being taught in classrooms already,” Daughton said. “…We just don’t want to be mandated that all districts have to do it and do it in the same way.”

Damian Thompson, a lobbyist for Iowa Safe Schools said he’s “not crazy” about having people “kneel or sit” for the National Anthem. “I 100% respect their constitutional right to do so,” he said, “and by mandating that they stand, students’ First Amendment rights would be violated.”

The bill only applies to public schools in Iowa. Private schools would be exempt from required classroom instruction on the National Anthem and to have students and staff sing the song daily.

Mahaska County Attorney Urges Lawmakers to Act on A.I. and Manipulated Images in Pornography

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Mahaska County Attorney Andrew Ritland is urging the state legislature to update Iowa’s criminal laws on pornography to address the use of new technology.

“With the increase of artificially generated images online, either videos of still images, there’s been an increasing problem with individuals taking images of real children and adapting a pornographic image to make it appear that child is involved in a pornographic act,” Ritland said during a House subcommittee hearing.

Ritland told lawmakers there are already such cases in Iowa, but under current law they’re difficult to prosecute. Ritland supports a bill that expands the definition of sexual exploitation of a minor by making it a crime to produce or possess these kind of manipulated images.

“In this way we hope to further protect the children of Iowa against these new technological threats and hold perpetrators accountable,” Ritland said.

Ritland is urging lawmakers to pass another bill dealing with so-called revenge porn that uses artifically manipulated images to harass, intimidate or annoy adults or minors.

“Technology is not going to stop, right? The convincing nature of these photos and videos is going to get better and better until it’s indistinguishable to the human eye,” Ritland said. “…We need to get out in front of this issue as soon as we can before we get into a situation where we have to play catch up.”

Both bills have cleared initial review and are eliglble for votes in the Iowa House Judiciary Committee.

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