- Today in 1975, Hank Williams, Jr. fell 500-feet while mountain climbing in Montana. He suffered terrible injuries and nearly died, but after two years of surgery to rebuild his body, he returned to touring and recording.
- Today in 1981, the single, “Step By Step,” by Eddie Rabbitt entered the Top 40 chart.
- Today in 1987,T. Oslin’s “80’s Ladies” album debuted at #15 on the “Billboard” country chart. At that time, it was the highest entry ever for a female artist.
- Today in 1995, Tracy Lawrence’s album, “Alibis,” was certified double platinum while his “I See It Now” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery got a lot of great news. His album “John Michael” was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously, while his “Life’s A Dance” album was certified triple platinum.
- Today in 1995, Shania Twain’s single, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, Neal McCoy’s “You Gotta Love That” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, Faith Hill’s album, “Take Me As I Am,” and Randy Travis’ “No Holdin’ Back” album were both certified double platinum.
- Today in 1996, the album, “The Best Of Vol.2: More Great Dirt,” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band” was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” album was certified triple platinum.
- Today in 2000, the Kentucky Headhunters’ album, “Songs From The Grass String Ranch,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2000, the film soundtrack for the movie, “Space Cowboys,” featuring Mandy Barnett, Chad Brock, Willie Nelson, Clay Walker and others, was released.
- Today in 2001, Billy Ray Cyrus’ PAX-TV drama, “Doc,” placed second on the Parents Television Council’s annual “Top 10 Best Television Shows” list. CBS-TV’s “Touched by an Angel” series topped the group.
- Today in 2012, Love & Theft’s “Angel Eyes” was certified gold.
- Today in 2014, Taylor Swift won Favorite country artist at the 40th annual People’s Choice Awards. Tim McGraw wins Favorite Country Music Icon.
- Today in 2017, Sam Hunt scored a quadruple-platinum single from the RIAA for “Take Your Time” and a triple-platinum award for “Break Up In A Small Town.” He also earned a gold single for “Speakers.”
- Today in 2017, Glen Campbell died in Nashville following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A deft guitarist and smooth vocalist, he earned numerous crossover hits as well as a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Bet365 ordered to refund $519K to customers who it paid less than they were entitled on sports bets
Posted on by Sam Parsons
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Online gambling company bet365 must refund more than a half-million dollars to customers who won bets, but were paid less than they were entitled to when the company unilaterally changed the odds when making the payouts, state gambling regulators said.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement ordered the British company to refund more than $519,000 to 199 customers who were shorted on the payouts they received after winning their bets.
The company told New Jersey regulators they changed the odds due to “obvious error.”
But the acting head of the enforcement division noted that any company wanting to void or alter a payout must seek approval from the agency before doing so. She called bet365’s actions “a prolonged and unacceptable course of conduct.”
“These types of multiple and serious violations cannot be tolerated in the New Jersey gaming regulatory system,” Mary Jo Flaherty, interim director of the enforcement division, wrote in a July 22 letter to the company. “No further such violations relating to the unilateral voiding of wagers will be tolerated.”
The company did not contest the order, which was made public Friday. It declined to comment through a spokesperson.
According to the state, bet365 unilaterally changed the odds on events upon which people had already bet and won between 2020 and 2023, paying them less than they were entitled to under the original posted odds.
The events ranged from a Christmas Day table tennis match in 2020 to NFL, college basketball, mixed martial arts and the Masters golf tournament in ensuing years.
In each case, customers placed a bet relying on a particular odds calculation but were paid based on a less favorable odds calculation.
The state said bet365 claimed it had the right to change those odds “because they were posted in an obvious error.” But the state said that as an authorized sports betting provider in New Jersey, bet365 should have been aware of the requirement to get approval from the gambling enforcement division before voiding or altering wagers.
Flaherty called those failings “problematic” indications of bet365’s business ability to conduct online gambling operations, and of the integrity and reliability of its operating systems.
The company also was ordered to submit a detailed report on efforts to identify and correct any failures of internal software systems, its human errors, and steps to ensure the accuracy of its data feeds.
Take a hike through history at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa)
The gates of the Iowa State Fair will open at 8 o’clock this morning and early birds are encouraged to join the 10th annual Iowa State Fair Historical Walking Tour.
State curator Leo Landis says the goal of the tour is two-fold, to entertain fairgoers with interesting fair facts, and to start the day with a little exercise.
“We’ll begin with some opening remarks at 8:15 at the DNR Courtyard, so just off of Grand Avenue on the west side of the fairgrounds,” Landis says. “We’ll start the walking tour at about 8:30. It’ll be about a 1K walk. We’ll go from the DNR Courtyard and wrap up for the opening ceremonies at the Sheep Barn at nine o’clock.”
Several of Iowa’s top leaders will be on the tour, including Governor Kim Reynolds, State Historical Society of Iowa Administrator Valerie Van Kooten, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon.
Landis notes the fairgrounds in Des Moines weren’t always the site of the Iowa State Fair, as the location shuffled around to several cities in its first few decades.
“The State Fair began in 1854 in Fairfield, and then it moved around the state — being in Muscatine, being in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, at different times,” Landis says. “It moves to that location in 1886. The city of Des Moines and the state legislature appropriated funds to purchase the Calvin and Armenta Thornton farm.”
Landis says guides from the State Historical Society of Iowa will share stories about a host of historic sites along the walk.
“We like to remind people of the history, buildings like the permanent building of the Agriculture Building, opening in 1904,” Landis says. “Those first buildings were just wooden structures, but we also talk about things like the Varied Industries Building. When it first opened, it was Machinery Hall in 1911.”
Walkers will learn about the importance of Iowa’s wool industry in the Civil War, and about role of Mary Beaumont Welch of Ames in promoting domestic economy, later called home economics, in the late 1800s. They’ll also hear about Iowan Jay “Ding” Darling, a national leader for wildlife habitat protection who earned two Pulitzer Prizes for his political cartoons in the Des Moines Register.
Today’s event is being co-hosted by the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, and the historical walking tour is included with fair admission.
Microgreens Presentation To be held September 6
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA — Microgreens; sometimes called vegetable confetti, are seedlings of specific vegetables, herbs and other plants. They add color and nutrients to any dish you prepare. Many like to add microgreens to soups, stews, salads, sandwiches, main dishes, and use as garnishes. They have been appearing in grocery stores since 2010. Are they something gardeners should consider growing their own? The public is invited as Master Gardener Veronica Grim tells us about Microgreens and how to grow them. The presentation will be on Friday September 6 at 10 am and will be held at the Mahaska County Extension office, 212 North I Street Oskaloosa.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required to attend but appreciated. To register, call 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu.
Central College Breaks Scholarship Fundraising Goal
Posted on by Sam Parsons
PELLA — Central College exceeded its goal for the Journey Scholarship Fund receiving $1,723,466 during fiscal year 2023-24 to support annual student scholarships. At Central, 100% of gifts to the Journey Scholarship Fund directly support students. This is a record-high for Central and this fund. For the third year in a row, Central will be able to offer all new incoming students a $1,000 Journey Scholarship.
Overall, Central secured more than $6.13 million during fiscal year 2023-24 to support student scholarships, programming, projects, endowment and operations.
“As a nonprofit, Central is dependent on the generosity of our donors,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. “We are incredibly grateful to our loyal and long-time supporters and those who contributed to our mission for the first time. To be over $6.13 million in total giving is a great year — excluding estate gifts, the 2024 fiscal year would be our second-best on record.”
The college experienced another strong year for endowments and endowed scholarships, with 13 new scholarships formed, bringing the total of endowed and annual scholarships at the college to more than 1,000. Donations to endowments totaled $1,909,138. Endowed funds established at Central also directly support students and their experiences through a sustainable, long-term legacy of generosity by the donors.
Central was able to create 13 new endowed scholarships and the following were fully funded: Arthur J. and Joyce A DeJong Scholarship, The John Kelly and Charles Rogers Diversity Endowed Scholarship, four Geisler Penquite Scholarships, the Nancy Steward Endowed Scholarship, Mike and Carrier Valster Scholarship and Bob & Jackie Vander Linden Scholarship.
“At a time when the value of college education is being questioned at the national level, we know that Central students are earning degrees that make a difference and when they leave campus, they do so much good in this world,” Eighmy says. “Our students are engaged in their communities and serving others with a heart of compassion. Our caring and wonderful donors make everything possible at Central.”
Highlights of the year’s fundraising activities include:
- A bequest from Shirley and Dirk Van Zante, a 1952 graduate, created a full-tuition scholarship. Central now has 37 full-tuition scholarships to award to students each year.
- Forever Dutch athletics fundraising enabled Central to install a new football turf, replace the video board and scoreboard, and resurface the tennis courts, including new lines for pickleball with over $2.4 million in commitments.
- Forever Dutch® Lager launched and already has funded several new Journey scholarships for students.
- Hoo-Rah Day set a new record for a single day of fundraising, generating $395,487 from 420 amazing donors.
- Geisler Penquite Foundation donated $480,000 for scholarships and endowment.
Dolly Parton’s Thoughts on Complaining
Posted on by Bob Ballard
An old interview just resurfaced featuring Julia Roberts talking about what it was like working with Dolly Parton on the set of 1989’s “Steel Magnolias”.
They shot the film in Louisiana during the middle of the summer, so it’s safe to say it was terribly hot. But Julia was amazed that Dolly wasn’t complaining, because everyone else on set was.
Julia said, “Everybody had ice on their wrists, doing the whole thing. And Dolly never said anything. And finally, I just had to say, ‘Dolly you’ve got a wig, and the wool . . . It’s hot, just say it’s hot, you know. This is a drag.'”
To which Dolly calmly replied, “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous and I wanted to be rich, and now I’m both of these things. I’m not going to complain about it.”
Then Julia said, quote, “[Now] every time I go to complain, or just kind of moan, I always hear Dolly sitting on the porch saying that, and it kinda keeps you quiet.”
Beautiful words from a classy lady. However, I think this gives you free rein to complain if you aren’t rich or famous yet.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1954, Johnny Cash married Vivian Liberto in San Antonio, Texas. The couple, who share their daughter, Rosanne, moved to Memphis, where he formed a trio that was signed to Sun Records. The couple divorced in 1967 amid Johnny’s trouble with drug addiction. With the help of June Carter, Johnny beat his addiction and eventually married June in 1968.
- Today in 1981, “Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Pressure Is On” album was released.
- Today in 1984, the “Poncho & Lefty” album by Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
- Today in 1989, Merle Haggard’s “His Epic – The First Eleven – To Be Continued” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, the album, “It’s All About To Change,” by Travis Tritt was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Reba McEntire’s “My Kind Of Country” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, the “Pocket Full Of Gold” album by Vince Gill was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Willie Nelson sold his Colorado ranch for $803,000 to help pay off the back taxes he owed the IRS.
- Today in 1992, Doug Stone’s “From The Heart” album was released.
- Today in 1996, Randy Travis’ “Always & Forever” album was certified for sales of 5-million.
- Today in 1997, the Mayor of New York City declared it to be “Garth Brooks Day” in the Big Apple, as Garth played his historic concert in Central Park. A record 980,000 people showed up to see Garth perform with special guests Billy Joel and Don McLean. HBO’s live telecast of the free concert in New York set a ratings record for the cable network. “Garth Live From Central Park” drew HBO’s largest audience for an original program that year and topped the four major broadcast networks in HBO homes.
- Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s debut album, “Room With a View,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 15-million.
- Today in 2002, Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You” video debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2004, Reba McEntire escorted “Somebody” to #1 in Billboard
- Today in 2007, Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery were announced as the year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees during a ceremony at the Hall of Fame in Nashville by the Country Music Association.
- Today in 2014, Songwriters busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Wiik Larsen wrote “H.O.L.Y.” in Los Angeles. In 2016, the song becomes a country hit for Florida Georgia Line.
- Today in 2015, Luke Bryan’s album, “Kill The Lights,” was released.
- Today in 2017, Taylor Swift appeared in a Denver courtroom at the start of a trial that pits her against a radio host she accused of grabbing her buttocks backstage at a 2013 concert.
- Today in 2017, Florida Georgia Line’s 2016 album, “Dig Your Roots,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2017, Toby Keith and Kid Rock performed at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, to close the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s week of induction ceremonies. The night’s music included “Red Solo Cup,” “All Summer Long” and “I Love This Bar.”
Charles Barkley says he will not retire and remain with TNT Sports even if they don’t have the NBA
Posted on by Sam Parsons
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Charles Barkley intends to remain with TNT Sports through the remainder of his contract.
The Hall of Fame player announced Tuesday that he will not retire next season, reversing the announcement he made in June during the NBA Finals.
Barkley said at the time that the 2024-25 season would be his last on television, no matter what eventually happened with the NBA’s media deal negotiations. He signed a 10-year contract extension with TNT Sports in 2022.
Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TNT Sports, has sued the NBA in New York state court after the league did not accept the company’s matching offer for one of the packages in its new 11-year media rights deal, which will begin with the 2025-26 season.
“I love my TNT Sports family. My (number one) 1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible. We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future. This is the only place for me,” Barkley said in a statement. “I have to say … I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. I appreciate them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly our fans. I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”
ESPN/ABC, NBC and Amazon Prime Video were expected to try to court Barkley before Tuesday’s announcement. “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson has also said he intends to remain with TNT but the futures of Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith remain uncertain.
Barkley joined TNT in 2000 and has been a part of the iconic “Inside the NBA” show, which has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards and has been a model for studio shows. Barkley took home his fifth Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst in May.
What Barkley’s future looks like if TNT does not have the NBA remains to be seen. Turner has had an NBA package since 1984 and games have been on TNT since the network launched in 1988.
However, the relationship started to become strained when Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an RBC Investor Conference in November 2022 that Turner and WBD “don’t have to have the NBA.”
TNT Sports also carries the NHL and NCAA men’s basketball tournament with CBS. It recently has added the College Football Playoffs, Big East basketball, NASCAR and the French Open.
“Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television. I know I speak for all the members of the TNT Sports family when I say we are incredibly thrilled to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ one-of-a-kind talents and entertain fans well into the future,” TNT Sports Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser said in a statement. “We continue to add to the breadth and depth of our sports portfolio and it’s fantastic to have Charles for this journey as we develop new content ideas and shows for our fans.”
Barkley was the co-host of “King Charles,” a weekly talk show on CNN with “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King. But the limited-run series ended in April after six months.
State Cost-Share Will Fund Water Quality Practices Around Nine Public Lakes
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced today that eight Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Districts will receive $273,489.81 in water quality cost-share funding from the Publicly Owned Lakes program to help protect and enhance nine public lakes in Iowa.
Jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Publicly Owned Lakes program provides cost-share funding to landowners for conservation practices on private land within watersheds above public lakes and reservoirs. Eligible practices include soil conservation and water quality practices that reduce nutrient loss and sediment delivery to Iowa’s public lakes. These resources complement additional efforts by the state and other public and private partners to enhance and protect water quality in Iowa lakes and other surface water.
“Iowa’s public lakes are invaluable assets to our state, and we want Iowans to continue to enjoy and recreate on these beautiful attractions for generations to come,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “By establishing partnerships with public and private partners as well as farmers and landowners, we can effectively accelerate the adoption of proven conservation and water quality practices to help enhance our public lakes.”
“Iowans value water quality and desire safe, healthy lakes for outdoor recreation,” said Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon. “Establishing partnerships to implement conservation practices on land draining into our public lakes is crucial for enhancing and protecting water quality for future generations.”
Each year, a percentage of funding the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship receives for soil conservation cost-share goes toward protecting the water quality of publicly owned lakes in Iowa. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts submit applications, which the Iowa Department of Natural Resources uses to establish a priority list of watersheds above significant public lakes. Private landowners are then eligible to receive additional cost-share for practices that improve water quality.
The funding will allow for targeted conservation practices, including cover crops, water and sediment control basins, terraces, grade stabilization structures, and other proven practices. The adoption of these practices, implemented through landowner cost-share and state investment, will help protect these lakes for the enjoyment of all Iowans and those who visit our state.
The following lakes were selected for cost-share funding this year:
Clarke County Reservoir
Clarke County Soil and Water Conservation District
$36,762.00
Lake Geode
Des Moines County Soil and Water Conservation District
Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District
$19,162.50
Lake Icaria
Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District
$111,000.00
Lake Miami
Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District
$4,979.81
Three Mile Lake
Union County Soil and Water Conservation District
Adair County Soil and Water Conservation District
$46,863.75
Twelve Mile Lake
Union County Soil and Water Conservation District
Adair County Soil and Water Conservation District
$6,640.65
West Lake
Clarke County Soil and Water Conservation District
$20,025.00
Big Hollow Lake
Des Moines County Soil and Water Conservation District
$7,469.10
White Oak Conservation Area Lake
Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District
$20,587.00
Garden Show Off to Be Held
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA — The public is invited to see the gardens the Mahaska County Master Gardeners are involved with on Tuesday, August 27, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Herb Garden at Nelson Pioneer Farm, Oskaloosa. Other stops at the Flagpole Garden at the Mahaska County Extension office at 7 pm and Lacey Garden along the bike trail south of the roundabout by Oskaloosa Elementary at 7:30 pm. The event is free and open to the whole family and includes a summertime treat at our last stop. Master Gardeners, and their activities will be discussed as well as the garden sprecifics as we visit the sites.
The event is free and open to the whole family, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate summertime treats. RSVP to 641-673-5841; or email striegel@iastate.edu. Inclement weather will postpone the event to Wednesday August 28. If in doubt, please check local media, ISU Extension Outreach – Mahaska County office and/or website, and Mahaska County Master Gardeners Facebook pages.
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