Report: Bogus investment schemes and romance scams take Iowans for millions

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Sam Parsons

By Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa)

A new federal report shows scams cost Iowans more than $50-million dollars last year.

The Federal Trade Commission says it got nearly 14,000 fraud reports from Iowa consumers during 2024.

The median loss was around $400, while the total lost was nearly $52-million.

The FTC says the top categories of scams reported by Iowans were business and government imposter scams, online shopping scams, and scams involving prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries.

While the category of Iowa victims age 80 and older was one of the smallest, it was the largest for losses, averaging about $2,000 each.

Phony investment schemes took Iowans for nearly $20-million , while the second-most expensive were romance scams, costing nearly $8-million.

Iowans can report fraud, scams, or bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or call the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 888-777-4590.

Nominate a Conservation Leader for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families who are conservation leaders in their community for the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.

The award recognizes farmers and farm families who go above and beyond to take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, while serving as leaders within their communities. Since the creation of the award in 2012, 821 farm families have been recognized.

Last year, local honorees included Tom Adam of Keokuk County, Kevin Prevo of Davis County, and James and Joan Sterling of Wapello County.

“There is no group more wholeheartedly committed to conservation than our farm families, whose way of life depends on leaving the land and water better than they found it,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The Farm Environmental Leader Awards are an opportunity to recognize those who have excelled in doing just that, even while they also carry out their responsibility to feed and fuel the world. I look forward to honoring the remarkable legacy they’re leaving at the Iowa State Fair.”

The recipients of the award will be honored during a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at the Iowa State Fair. Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Cournoyer, Secretary Naig and Director Lyon will present each awardee with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award sign and certificate.

“Iowa continues to break conservation records, and that would not be possible without committed farm families and landowners who are increasingly putting more water quality and soil conservation practices into action,” said Secretary Naig. “This award offers an opportunity to recognize worthy farmers and farm families who are true conservation leaders. We’re excited to celebrate their commitment to conservation during the 2025 Iowa State Fair.”

To be considered for recognition in 2025, nominations will be accepted through May 5, 2025.

“We always look forward to recognizing farmers and landowners throughout our state who include conservation practices as a focal part of their farm legacy,” said Director Lyon. “The award recipients are leading by example, proving that agriculture and natural resources are intertwined.”

The nomination form can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. An appointed committee representing conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners.

Eldon Man Arrested for Sexual Abuse in Case that Began in 2005

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Sam Parsons

ELDON — An Eldon man has been arrested following the re-opening of a sexual abuse investigation from 2005.

In 2024, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office re-opened an investigation into a 2005 sexual abuse case in Eldon, Iowa, after the victim courageously came forward with the support of a victim advocate. As a result, Jeffary Ian Dowding has been charged with Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree, a Class C felony under Iowa law.

This case serves as a reminder that it is never too late for victims to seek justice. Authorities encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward, knowing they will be met with compassion and professionalism.

If you have information related to a crime or need assistance, please contact the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office at 641-684-4350. Crime tips can be submitted anonymously by phone or through email at crimetips@wapellocounty.org

CMT NAMES “NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY” FOR 2025

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

CMT launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 in an effort to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned, within the country genre. The network has just announced its latest group of country stars in the making. The “CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025” includes Alexandra Kay, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Lanie Gardner, Meghan Patrick and Moriah. Past members of CMT’s “Next Women Of Country” classes include artists that went on to be big names within the format, such as Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Ella Langley, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Maren Morris, Megan Moroney and Mickey Guyton, among others.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Tammy Wynette’s “Till I Get It Right” topped the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1977, “The Best Of The Statler Brothers” album by Statler Brothers was certified gold.
Today in 1979, invited by Porter Wagoner, legendary R&B star James Brown played the Grand Ole Opry. His 17-minute set consisted of “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Tennessee Waltz.” Some Opry members complained, but Barbara Mandrell said he should’ve been invited to perform five years earlier.
Today in 1981, “I Love A Rainy Night” single by Eddie Rabbitt was certified gold.
Today in 1992, Vince Gill’s “I Never Knew Lonely” album was released.
Today in 1992, Willie Nelson scored a platinum album with “Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson” and a multi-platinum album with “Greatest Hits (And Some That Will Be).”
Today in 1993, k.d. lang’s album, “Ingénue,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1993, Travis Tritt’s “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin’s debut album, “You’ve Got To Stand For Something” went gold.
Today in 1995, Clint Black topped the country charts with “Wherever You Go.”
Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant were married in a Nashville ceremony complete with bagpipe players.
Today in 2001, Diamond Rio’s “One More Day” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2003, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines sparked a furor Stateside when she told a London concert crowd, “Just so you know, we’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” The insanity that followed coined the term “Dixie Chicked” as the band’s name essentially became a dirty word. CDs were burned, and their popularity dropped like a bomb.
Today in 2005, CMT debuted Jo Dee Messina’s “My Give A Damn’s Busted.”
Today in 2007, Trace Adkins’ “Ladies Love Country Boys” topped the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2010, Josh Turner’s album “Deep South” was released.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell’s single, “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Tim McGraw appeared on ABC’s “Repeat After Me,” where an off-camera comedian feeds him lines to spoof an unsuspecting medical aide. Quoting from “Live Like You Were Dying,” he tells the woman, “I’ve never been skydiving, or Rocky Mountain climbing, or bullriding, but I have practiced kissing on my elbow.”
Today in 2017, Michelle Wright performed a benefit concert for an animal shelter at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Ontario.

Rascal Flatts Planning New Album With Huge Guest Stars

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Rascal Flatts‘ comeback continues picking up speed. Just months after announcing they were hitting the road again after several years off, comes news of a new album. “Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets” is exactly what the title suggests; re-imaginings of some of their biggest hits, with the band accompanied by some big names. The ten-track album will include nine of their biggest hits, redone with friends, along with their new single with the Jonas Brothers, “I Dare You.” The album comes out June 6. See the track list and guests below.

1. “I Dare You” (with Jonas Brothers)
2. “Fast Cars And Freedom” (with Jason Aldean)
3. “My Wish” (with Carly Pearce)
4. “Mayberry” (with Blake Shelton)
5. “Stand” (with Brandon Lake)
6. “Summer Nights” (with Ashley Cooke)
7. “What Hurts The Most” (with Backstreet Boys)
8. “Yours If You Want It” (with Jordan Davis)
9. “Life Is A Highway” (with Lzzy Hale)
10. “I’m Movin’ On” (with Kelly Clarkson)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1971, Gilley’s nightclub, which served as the inspiration for the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy,” opened in Pasadena Texas.
Today in 1980, the “Classic Crystal” album by Crystal Gayle was certified gold.
Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers’ “Coward Of The County” single was certified gold.
Today in 1983, “The Nashville Network” Cable TV Network was launched. The network featured a variety of country music and entertainment until last year, when honchos dropped the “Nashville” in its moniker and became “The National Network.”
Today in 1983, the “Waitin’ For The Sun To Shine” album by Ricky Skaggs was certified gold.
Today in 1986, Randy Travis made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. He performed “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” after an introduction by Little Jimmy Dickens.
Today in 1990, the album, “Hank Williams Jr. Greatest Hits Volume Two,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, “The Garth Brooks Collection” was certified gold, platinum and triple platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1985, the soundtrack to “Honeymoon in Vegas,” featuring remakes of Elvis Presley, and songs by Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Travis Tritt, Ricky Van Shelton, Bono, Dwight Yoakam, Amy Grant, and Vince Gill went platinum.
Today in 1998, Sara Evans made her Grand Ole Opry debut – she sang, “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
Today in 1998, George Strait hit the top of the charts with “Round About Way.”
Today in 2000, George Jones’ “Cold Hard Truth” album was certified gold.
Today in 2000, the “Latest Greatest Straitest Hits” album by George Strait was released.
Today in 2000, Frank “Pee Wee” King died in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 86.
Today in 2001, Toby Keith’s single, “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” topped the “Radio & Records” country chart for the third time in six, non-consecutive weeks. The accomplishment remains unprecedented in the 28-year history of the “Radio & Records” country chart.
Today in 2001, Montgomery Gentry were named “Top Country Duo” for the second year in a row in the annual “Radio & Records’” Readers’ Poll.
Today in 2001, the 365 Songs of the Century chosen by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts included Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”
Today in 2008, CMT’s “40 Sexiest Music Videos” featured Faith Hill’s “Breathe” at the top of the list.
Today in 2010, at the Oscars, Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett won Best Original Song for “The Weary King (Theme From Crazy Heart.)”
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift’s single, “Mean,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, the Zac Brown Band performed “Homegrown” from New York during NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Today in 2017, Reba McEntire met her wax figure during soundcheck at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The likeness resides at Madame Tussauds’ Nashville

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: PUPPY

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Puppy”, who is interestingly, a cat! Puppy’s 7 months old, very friendly and affectionate, would love to meet you! Puppy is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.

And because Puppy is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee is only $30 this week!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Puppy 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 Puppy with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

RANDY TRAVIS’ TOUR TACKS ON 30 MORE DATES

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

For someone who was put out of commission by health issues for years, Randy Travis is certainly getting back into the swing of things. The country legend has announced that his “More Life Tour” was adding 30 more dates. After the first leg of the tour wraps in May, a second set of dates starts August 21 in Denver. As has been the case so far on the tour, James Dupré will be singing the hits in front of Travis’ original band, while Travis and his wife will be on stage for each show, interacting with the band and celebrating the music. For more details, see Randy’s website. Check out the first ten newly announced dates below.

Aug. 21 – Denver, Colo. @ Paramount Theatre
Aug. 23 – Cheyenne, Wyo. @ Cheyenne Civic Center
Aug. 25 – Gillette, Wyo. @ CAM-PLEX Heritage Theatre
Aug. 26 – Butte, Mont. @ Mother Lode Theatre
Aug. 27 – Missoula, Mont. @ Dennison Theatre
Aug. 28 – Boise, Idaho @ Morrison Theatre
Aug. 29 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Kingsbury Hall
Sept. 18 – Peoria, Ill. @ Peoria Civic Center
Sept. 19 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa @ Paramount Theatre
Sept. 21 – Branson, Mo. @ Clay Cooper Theater

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, CMT made its cable debut with Faron Young’s video “It’s Four In The Morning.”
Today in 1999, Sara Evans got her first #1 single with “No Place That Far.”
Today in 1999, George Jones was driving home in Nashville when he tried to play his single “Choices” for his stepdaughter on his cellphone. His car crashed, seriously injuring him. Later, police found an opened vodka bottle in the car.
Today in 2003, George W. Bush presented the National Medal of Arts at the White House to George Jones and Smokey Robinson.
Today in 2006, Miranda Lambert got her first gold single with “Kerosene.”
Today in 2010, Brad Paisley fell off the stage during a concert as he sang the last notes of his final song “Alcohol.” He was treated a local hospital for bruises – and no, he wasn’t tipsy.
Today in 2012, the Country Music Association announced that Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, and session piano player Hargus “Pig” Robbins were the next to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2014, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo announced an $18,000 scholarship in the name of Reba McEntire as she played Reliant Stadium. Her set list included “Whoever’s In New England,” “Consider Me Gone” and “Fancy.”
Today in 2017, com reported that Blake Shelton’s mother, Dorothy Shelton, had placed the home where he grew up on the market. The asking price for the three-bedroom structure and quarter-acre of land is $250,000.
Today in 2017, Kelsea Ballerini co-hosted the CBS daytime show, “The Talk,” for one day.
Today in 2018, Cam teamed with Smokey Robinson to shoot an installment of “CMT Crossroads” at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The set included “The Tears Of A Clown,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Diane” and “Burning House.

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