Brett Young concerts aren’t the place you expect drunken brawls to break out, much less multiple fights…but that’s exactly what happened last week at his show in Detroit. It got so bad, that for the fan’s safety (and perhaps his own peace of mind), Young stopped the show, saying “It’s always someone, y’all. I’m sorry….” He tells the crowd he’ll continue the show when the situation is dealt with, and exits stage right, saying “Be right back.” He eventually returns, saying “This is incredible to me, that this happens at Brett Young concerts.” He adds, much to his own disbelief, “You guys, you have my full permission to not – and I can’t believe I’m saying this – get in any more fights tonight, please. I love you. Let’s play some music.” And the show was back on, presumably without further incident. See a video of the incident here.
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This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1984, Alabama became the first country group to go triple-platinum, with the “Feels So Right” and “Mountain Music” albums each certified for shipment of three million copies. The albums “Roll On” and “The Closer You Get” also go double-platinum
- Today in 1997, Tim McGraw’s “Everywhere” traveled to #1 in Billboard.
- Today in 2003, Gary Allan took the top spot in Billboard with “Tough Little Boys.”
- Today in 2005, Toby Keith’s singles, “American Soldier” and “As Good As I Once Was,” went gold.
- Today in 2007, Hank Williams Jr. was honored in a “CMT Giants” concert shot at Los Angeles’ Gibson Amphitheatre. Guests included Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Toby Keith, Steven Tyler, Gretchen Wilson, Buddy Guy and Terry Bradshaw.
- Today in 2008, Craig Morgan joined the Grand Ole Opry, performing “Rose Colored Glasses” and “International Harvester.” Kristy Lee Cook also made her Opry debut the same night.
- Today in 2010, Taylor Swift’s album, “Speak Now,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2015, the Oak Ridge Boys, The Browns and guitarist Grady Martin were inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
- Today in 2019, Chris Lane and former “bachelorette” Lauren Bushnell were married in Nashville. They welcomed their first child – a son – in December 2020 and announced in June 2022 that they’re expecting their second child later this month!
- Today in 2020, Old Dominion’s self-titled album was released.
- Today in 2020, Maren Morris took part in “I Will Vote,” an online fundraiser for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. “Just like I believe country music is for everyone,” she says, “so is this country.” Also participating were Cher, Dave Matthews, The Black Eyed Peas, Jon Bon Jovi and Helen Mirren.
Officials find no evidence bird flu is spreading between people after Missouri investigation
Posted on by Sam Parsons
NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials said Thursday that there’s no evidence bird flu is spreading between people after investigating a mysterious infection in Missouri.
The illness reported last month was different from the 30 other bird flu infections in people in the U.S. so far this year. Those cases have been in farmworkers who had contact with infected dairy cows or chickens.
There was no known contact with an infected animal in the Missouri case, but health officials said Thursday that’s the only remaining explanation.
“There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The H5N1 bird flu has been spreading widely in the U.S. among wild birds, poultry, cows and a number of other animals. Its growing presence increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, officials say.
The most recent of the 31 confirmed human cases are two workers at a commercial egg farm in Franklin County, in southeast Washington state. The rest: 15 in California, 10 in Colorado, two in Michigan, one in Texas and the unusual one in Missouri. Symptoms have been mostly mild, including eye redness.
Few details have been released about the Missouri case. The person had preexisting health problems and was hospitalized in late August. The patient was given a test for flu that was positive for influenza A, a broad virus category. Further testing found partial genetic sequences similar to bird flu viruses from U.S. dairy cows.
Because the Missouri person did not work at a farm and had no known contact with an infected animal, health officials have been looking into the possibility it had come from another person with an undetected infection. That kind of spread would be a worrisome sign the virus might be turning into a more common threat to humans.
They did complicated blood testing of the patient, five hospital workers, and a person described as a “household contact” of the patient — looking for antibodies that would serve as proof of a past infection. The household contact got a stomach illness at the same time as the patient, but was not initially tested.
On Thursday, CDC officials said test results were negative for the health care workers. The patient and the household contact showed signs of past infection in one round of testing, but not in others. Neither met the World Health Organization’s blood testing threshold for a bird flu case. The household contact is not part of the U.S. tally.
Since they both got sick at the same time, officials believe the patient and the contact were exposed together to some unknown animal or animal product — ruling out spread of the virus from one of them to the other, Daskalakis said.
Iowa’s much anticipated pheasant season opens tomorrow
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES — Success during the 2023 pheasant season has Iowa hunters eagerly awaiting this year’s opening day and with bird population estimates similar to two years ago, hunters are expecting another great fall afield.
Pheasant hunting has been an Iowa tradition spanning generations. This year, it starts with the resident youth-only pheasant season Oct. 19-20 that is only open to Iowa youths aged 15 and younger. Iowa’s regular pheasant season is Oct. 26-Jan. 10, 2025.
Friends and family would gather late each fall to reminisce about hunts from years gone by, while planning the next outing. For decades, Iowa was a pheasant hunting destination and the 2024 season marks the end of the first century of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State.
The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are partnering to celebrate Iowa’s 100-year tradition of pheasant hunting beginning this fall, and running through October 2025.
History, news stories, population surveys, places to hunt, classes and events, links to other resources and more is all available on a new webpage at https://info.gooutdoorsiowa.
2024 pheasant season expected to be similar to 2022
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual August roadside survey found the statewide pheasant population to be 19 birds per 30-mile route, down from 23 birds per route last year. The decline was likely due to a wetter than normal spring that coincided with the nesting season. Based on the results, hunters can expect a harvest between 350,000 and 400,000 roosters.
This year’s excitement comes on the heels of a successful 2023 season that had a jump in harvest to 590,000 roosters, the most since 2007, thanks to roughly 20,000 additional pheasant hunters returning to the field.
“We’ve had a population that could support this level of harvest, but until last year we didn’t have the hunter numbers,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
An estimated 83,600 pheasant hunters participated in 2023, and many of those came from out of state. Iowa has been attracting pheasant hunters from Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska and from as far away as Georgia, North Carolina and Alabama.
These hunters can expect to find higher populations in west central and northwest regions, followed by central and north central Iowa, Bogenschutz said. “Look for cover, cover will hold birds, regardless of location,” he said.
The return of drought conditions across much of the state since August has allowed the corn and soybean harvest to occur without pause. As of Oct. 6, the corn harvest is about 22 percent complete which is about average and the soybean harvest is 58 percent complete, which is ahead of schedule.
As the harvest progresses and the birds become more visible, Bogenschutz begins to get more phone calls from hunters looking for insights.
“What I’ve been telling them is, that we could see most of the crops out of the fields by opening day, and if that’s the case, we could see another really good opening weekend, similar to last year. If hunters want less competition, they should consider going during the week, but the first few weekends it will be pretty busy out there,” he said.
Roughly one-third of the pheasant harvest occurs within the first nine days of the season. Iowa’s pheasant hunters season opens statewide on Oct. 26.
Places to go hunting
Iowa hunters have been using the interactive Iowa hunting atlas to find new places to go hunting. The hunting atlas features more than 680,000 acres of public hunting land that is owned by the state, county or federal governments. It’s available online at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting.
This tool allows hunters to see which zone the public area is in, type of shot allowed, wildlife likely to be found and get an overhead look at the terrain. The mobile version of the atlas will show hunter location on the area if granted permission.
The atlas view from above allows hunters to zoom in on an area, see how to get there, the lay of the land and where one parcel of public hunting land is in relation to others and print off maps.
Information is updated as public hunting lands are acquired.
The hunting atlas also includes 33,000 acres of private land enrolled in the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) where private landowners receive assistance to improve habitat on their land in exchange for opening the property for hunter access.
Site maps are available at www.iowadnr.gov/ihap showing boundaries and which species would be most likely attracted to the habitat. Walk-in public hunting through IHAP is available between September 1 and May 31.
Iowans Encouraged to Dispose of Old Medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging all Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 26, 2024. This biannual event is an opportunity for Iowans to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely and anonymously.
Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are teaming up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication during this one-day event held each spring and fall. During the spring collection in April, Iowans turned in over 5,077 pounds of unneeded medicine. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 103 tons of unused medications at these events.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for the dangerous misuse of opioid pain relievers and other drugs.
“Make it a habit to check your home for unneeded medications and look for opportunities like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to dispose of them the right way. This is a simple action we all can take to help prevent drug misuse, protect the environment, and support our communities,” says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. “Keeping expired and unused prescription medications can lead to health and safety issues like accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse.”
Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back events will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. As part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back program, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also allows the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes from individuals so long as batteries are first removed from the devices. For more information or to find a site near you, visit https://www.dea.gov/
Sites in Oskaloosa include the Oskaloosa Police Department and Mahaska Drug.
On a year-round basis, Iowans can take excess medications to one of Iowa’s 400 permanent Prescription Drug Take Back locations. For Iowa Take Back details, including education information and collection sites, visit the ODCP Drug Take Back page.
Iowans needing help for drug using behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s YourLifeIowa.org.
Cargill Grant Boosts Literacy Efforts at Oskaloosa Elementary School
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — A generous grant from Cargill in Eddyville is giving young students at Oskaloosa Elementary School new opportunities to strengthen their reading skills.
The company awarded the school’s first-grade team funds to purchase Fundations decodable books, resources designed to help students master grade-level reading through skill-building and fluency practice.
“The books will support our students by providing more repetition of essential skills,” said Megan VandeVoort, a first-grade teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary. “We hope it will not only help with proficiency but foster a love of reading.”
The investment comes at a crucial time. VandeVoort noted that the school is working to build the first-grade reading scores on Iowa’s FAST statewide screener.
“These books are intended to provide that extra boost of learning students need,” she said, adding that the materials will be a lasting resource for classrooms in the years ahead.
With opportunities like these, Oskaloosa Schools is committed to equipping students for success—making it a great place for families to grow and thrive.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: PRINCE
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Prince” an adorable 4 month old Heeler mix pup who is super-friendly, loves attention and gets along great with other dogs and even cats. Prince will be a medium-sized guy and would make anyone a great furry companion!
Prince is housetrained, fully vetted, vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home. And because is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee is only $100 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Prince or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.
Check out our visit about Prince with Shanna & Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
LAINEY WILSON VISITS CHIMNEY ROCK, NC TO DELIVER SUPPLIES AFTER HURRICANE HELENE
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Put Lainey Wilson‘s name on the growing list of country stars doing what they can for the people still suffering from the devastation from Hurricane Helene. Lainey made a surprise visit to Chimney Rock, North Carolina this week (scene of some of the most severe damage, as seen in multiple viral pictures and videos), thanking first responders at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and Chimney Rock Village Fire Department for all that they’re doing. She also brought with her a shipment of supplies, which were delivered to the Chimney Rock fire station. Long after the videos and pictures disappear from social media, these people will continue to need help as they bounce back from the life-changing storm. It’s good to know country music continues to step up.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1975, John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain Christmas” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1980, the albums, “The Best Of Eddie Rabbitt” and “Horizon,” by Eddie Rabbitt were both certified gold.
- Today in 1981, Juice Newton’s “The Sweetest Thing (I’ve Ever Known)” debuted on the country singles charts.
- Today in 1991, Garth Brooks’ “No Fences” album was certified for sales of 5-million copies.
- Today in 1991, Alan Jackson’s album, “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1993, Garth Brooks gave a fan a signed guitar at a North Dakota concert after she gave him a picture she had commissioned just for him.
- Today in 1993, Clay Walker and his wife, Lori, were married.
- Today in 1993, George Strait topped the charts with the single, “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
- Today in 1995, Alan Jackson’s “Greatest Hits Collection” album was released.
- Today in 1997, the Garth Brooks/ Trisha Yearwood duet, “In Another’s Eyes,” was at #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
- Today in 1998, Sawyer Brown played their 3000th show in front of 15,000 fans in Salt Lake City, Utah. The concert offered the band a bit of déjà vu – the venue was where they performed their first gig as a headline act in the mid-’80s
- Today in 2000, it was revealed that Clint Black and his lovely wife, Lisa Hartman Black, were expecting their first child. On May 8th of 2002, the couple welcomed Lily Pearl as the newest member of the Black family. Their happy news wasn’t revealed until the following day, when “Early Show” co-host Jane Clayson announced the joyous arrival to the world during the 36th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill topped the list of nominees for the first annual “My VH1 Music Awards” with 5 nods. At the ceremonies that followed on November 30th, Faith scored trophies in the “Woman of the Year,” “Do You Want Fries With That Album?” and “Sexiest Video” categories.
- Today in 2000, the “Another Rosie Christmas” album, which featured the Dixie Chicks singing with Rosie O’Donnell was released. Chris Cagle’s debut album, “Play It Loud,” also arrived in stores for the first time – it was re-released the following June with bonus tracks.
- Today in 2002, LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem prior to Game 5 of the World Series where the Giants beat the Anaheim Angels, 16-4.
- Today 2005, Montgomery Gentry, Sheryl Crow and Brad Paisley taped a performance for CBS’ “I Walk The Line: A Night For Johnny Cash.”
- Today in 2006, Trace Adkins performed the national anthem before Game 3 of the World Series. The Cardinals beat the Detroit Tigers, 5-0.
- Today in 2006, Big Machine released Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album.
- Today in 2010, Don Williams and Jimmy Dean are inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 2012, Randy Travis and The Avett Brothers shot an installment of “CMT Crossroads” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
- Today in 2014, Little Big Town performed the national anthem before Game 3 of the World Series at AT&T Park in San Francisco. The Kansas City Royals edged out the Giants, 3-2.
Ohtani’s historic 50-50 ball sells at auction for nearly $4.4M amid ongoing dispute over ownership
Posted on by Sam Parsons
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball has sold at auction for nearly $4.4 million, a record high price not just for a baseball, but for any ball in any sport, the auctioneer said Wednesday.
Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a season, reaching the milestone on Sept. 19 when the Los Angeles Dodgers star hit his second of three homers against the Marlins.
“We received bids from around the world, a testament to the significance of this iconic collectible and Ohtani’s impact on sports, and I’m thrilled for the winning bidder,” Ken Goldin, the founder and CEO of auctioneer Goldin Auctions said in a statement.
The auction opened on Sept. 27 with a starting bid of $500,000 and closed just after midnight on Wednesday. The auctioneer said it could not disclose any information about the winning bidder.
The auction has been overshadowed by the litigation over ownership of the ball. Christian Zacek walked out of Miami’s LoanDepot Park with the ball after gaining possession in the left-field stands. Max Matus and Joseph Davidov each claim in separate lawsuits that they grabbed the ball first.
All the parties involved in the litigation agreed that the auction should continue.
Matus’ lawsuit claims that the Florida resident — who was celebrating his 18th birthday — gained possession of the Ohtani ball before Zacek took it away. Davidov claims in his suit that he was able to “firmly and completely grab the ball in his left hand while it was on the ground, successfully obtaining possession of the 50/50 ball.”
Ohtani and the Dodgers are preparing for Game 1 of the World Series scheduled for Friday night.
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