H & S FEED AND COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: TROOPER

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Trooper”, a 5 month old Pointer-Poodle mix pup who’s unbelievably well-behaved, quick to learn commands, and is in the process of being housetrained. Trooper loves everyone and gets along great with other animals.

Trooper is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped, and would love to meet you!

And since Trooper is the Pet of the Week, this week his adoption fee is only $100!

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

Luke Combs Considering “Crowd Sourcing” What Goes On His Next Album

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs is working hard on his upcoming album, but he’s thinking of enlisting some help to get the project across the finish line. Remember the old days, when record labels told artists what songs go on an album, and in what order, and which songs would be considered singles? Luke’s thinking of doing things another way. In a post on X, the singer posted he may bring in some advisors (meaning, the fans) to help him choose what songs make the album. “Seriously considering ‘Crowd Sourcing’ my next record. Like just put up a bunch of demos and worktapes to see what y’all like best,” he wrote. If you want a voice in the process, you should follow Luke on his socials, if you don’t already.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 7, 2025 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.”

Post Malone Serial Stalker Arrested

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Post Malone has proven many times he’s more than willing to meet fans, but this is a bit much. A woman was arrested at Posty’s home in Utah on Monday for allegedly jumping in front of the singer’s car as he tried to leave his property. Cherish Christine Gomer was arrested and booked on two third-degree felony charges: suspicion of stalking and violation of a permanent criminal stalking injunction. It’s the fifth time this year that Gomer has been arrested on charges of stalking Malone, but the first time she’ll face felony charges. She is currently being held without bail.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1979, Kenny Rogers’ single, “She Believes In Me,” was certified gold.
Today in 1988, George Strait topped the charts with the single, “Baby Blue.”
Today in 1993, Wynonna’s self-titled album was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1993, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the charts with the single, “It Sure Is Monday.”
Today in 1999, the movie soundtrack album for “The Runaway Bride” debuted at #1 on the “Billboard” soundtrack chart, selling 79,000 copies its first week of release. One reason for the CD’s success was that it featured hit singles by the Dixie Chicks and Martina McBride. As a matter of fact, a representative from the record label that released the project said that the achievement proved that country artists and pop artists can exist side by side on a soundtrack and be successful.
Today in 1999, Lonestar’s single, “Amazed,” began its fifth week at the top of “Radio & Records’” country chart. The achievement broke the previous record set by a group – Alabama had previously spent four weeks at #1 with “Jukebox on My Mind.”
Today in 2002, Cledus T. Judd’s album, “I Stold This Record,” was certified gold.
Today in 2002, Phil Vassar’s “American Child” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney joined a hundred-or-so friends, publishers, songwriters and others gathered in Nashville at ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) to recognize Kenny and his chart-topping smash, “The Good Stuff.”
Today in 2002, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines tees off on Toby Keith’s “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” in the Los Angeles Daily News: “It’s ignorant, and it makes country music sound ignorant… You’ve got to have some tact.” Their mutual war of words continued for ages.
Today in 2003, John Mellencamp joins Kenny Chesney to tape an episode of “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville, where the set list includes “Young,” “R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Radney Foster hosts
Today in 2004, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan launch their first joint concert tour, playing minor league baseball parks, beginning with at stop at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York
Today in 2008, Taylor Swift filmed her “Love Story” video in Nashville
Today in 2011, the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. They sang “Bobbie Sue,” “Elvira” and an a cappella “Amazing Grace” on their big night.
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line countersues the producers of the Country Explosion music festival for more than $200,000. The concert execs previously filed a $15-million suit against the duo, alleging they were defamed when the duo’s tour manager told other booking agents about a check that failed to clear the bank.
Today in 2016, Steven Tyler debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “We’re All Somebody From Somewhere.”
Today in 2016, Kenny Chesney’s concert at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, includes a surprise guest: Sammy Hagar, who played “I Can’t Drive 55.”
Today in 2017, Vince Gill performed two songs during the funeral for former Notre Dame head coach Ara Parseghian in South Bend, Indiana.

Chris Young Announces Christmas Tour

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Chris Young is inviting fans to spend the holidays with him. He’s announced his first-ever Christmas tour. The “It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young” tour kicks off November 20 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, hitting Saginaw Michigan, Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania and more over the course of 15 shows before wrapping up December 20 in Wallingford, Connecticut. Tickets go on sale starting Friday at 10am local time. See the first ten tour dates below, and visit the singer’s website for more information.

It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young Tour Dates:

Nov 20 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ Paramount Theater
Nov 21 – Joliet, IL @ Rialto Square Theatre
Nov 22 – Saginaw, MI @ Dow Event Center Theater
Nov 29 – Wisconsin Dells, WI @ Crystal Grand Music Theatre
Nov 30 – Cincinnati, OH @ Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Dec 4 – Wabash, IN @ Ford Theater (Honeywell Center)
Dec 5 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
Dec 6 – Warren, OH @ Packard Music Hall
Dec 11 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Dec 12 – Lowell, MA @ Lowell Memorial Auditorium

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Bobbie Gentry released her only hit: “Ode to Billy Joe.”
Today in 1972, “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” by Mac Davis entered the Top 40 chart.
Today in 1989, Dolly Parton’s single, “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That,” topped the country charts.
Today in 1992, “Greatest Hits Plus” album by Ricky Van Shelton was released.
Today in 1998, George Strait led the list of nominees for the 32nd annual CMA Awards, nabbing five nominations, including Entertainer, Album and Single of the Year. These nods made Strait the most nominated artist in the history of the competition (47 nominations).
Today in 2001, Brooks and Dunn’s inaugural “Neon Circus and Wild West Show” tour, featuring Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Keith Urban and Cledus T. Judd, wrapped up in Pittsburgh.
Today in 2002, the Summer Music 2002 issue of “Entertainment Weekly” magazine featured six of country music’s “hottest men” have were tapped as exactly that. Who topped the group? None other than Brad Paisley. He was followed (in order) by Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Andy Griggs and Eric Heatherly. Tied for sixth place were Trick Pony’s Keith Burn and Ira Dean. Each profile explained why each guy was selected, what he could improve and what’s coming next in his career.
Today in 2002, the Associated Press reported that Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” was the highest-grossing 2002 tour based on per-date revenues.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s album, “Be Here,” was certified double-platinum.
Today in 2008, Jamey Johnson’s album, “That Lonesome Song,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2010, Charley Pride was part of an 18-person investor group headed by Nolan Ryan that bought the Texas Rangers baseball team for $593 million at an auction in Fort Worth, Texas.
Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood’s single, “See You Again,” was certified gold.
Today in 2014, the “Salt Lake Tribune” reported promoters of the Country Explosion music festival filed a $15-million suit against Florida Georgia Line and its tour manager for defamation after he told other music executives their $205,000 check bounced. The festival claimed the band’s manager was given the check to settle the balance on FGL’s $450k appearance fee, but was asked to hold off on cashing it for three days, to allow for the check to clear. Promoters say he agreed, then proceeded to cash the check the next day, and it bounced, leading him to breach the oral contract. Either way, FGL filed a counter-suit the following February alleging fraud and breach of contract.
Today in 2015, Taylor Swift’s album “Fearless” is certified seven-times platinum by the RIAA
Today in 2016, Chris Young’s “I’m Comin’ Over” album went gold.
Today in 2016, Chris Lane’s debut album, “Girl Problems,” was released.
Today in 2016, Tim McGraw and Runaway June performed the first show following renovations at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction events.
Today in 2019, Old Dominion scored a gold single certification from the RIAA for “Hotel Key” and a gold album nod for “Happy Endings.”
Today in 2019, Mayor David Briley declared Dolly Parton Day in the city of Nashville.
Today in 2019, Thomas Rhett launched a limited-edition line of swimwear, the Rhettro Collection, in tandem with fashion company Chubbies.
Today in 2019, Kelsea Ballerini’s single, “Miss Me More,” was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2021, Jake Owen’s “Best Thing Since Backroads” hit the airwaves.

Dolly Parton Gets In On The Nashville Bar Scene

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Of all the business ventures Dolly Parton has her hands in, a Nashville bar isn’t one fans would expect…unless, it was given a very Dolly-esque twist. The Dolly Wines Bar opened Friday, and gives fans a chance to see the first pours, branded wine displays, and of course features Dolly’s own line of wines. Dolly Wines Bar can be found inside Assembly Food Hall, on Level 2 North at 5055 Broadway Place in downtown Nashville. The space is open Monday through Thursday from 11AM until 10PM, Friday and Saturday from 10AM until midnight, and Sunday from 10AM until 10PM.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1959, Skeeter Davis joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1963, Connie Smith won a talent contest in Columbus, Ohio, and gained the attention of guest artist Bill Anderson, who helped her get her first recording contract.
Today in 1966, Roger Miller’s “Dang Me” album was certified gold.
Today in 1981, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White were married.
Today in 1984, the Judds made their first appearance at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Mama He’s Crazy.”
Today in 1987, Dolly Parton announced she’d lost 50 pounds.
Today in 1992, Dolly Parton’s “Eagle When She Flies” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Lee Roy Parnell hit the top of the charts with his single, “A Little Bit Of You.”
Today in 1996, Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill performed with Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Little Richard and Gloria Estefan at the closing ceremonies at the Atlanta Olympics.
Today in 1998, George Strait led with five nominations at the 32nd annual Country Music Association Awards.
Today in 2001, Jason Aldean married Jessica Ussery in Macon, Georgia. They divorced in 2013 following his highly publicized affair with Brittany Kerr. Aldean went public with Kerr in early 2014.
Today in 2008, Brooks & Dunn received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 2009, Miranda Lambert’s single, “White Liar,” was released.
Today in 2010, Taylor Swift’s “Mine” was rush-released by her record label after the song was leaked on the Internet.
Today in 2011, the Brad Paisley/Carrie Underwood duet, “Remind Me,” was certified gold single by the RIAA.
Today in 2012, Dierks Bentley’s single, “5-1-5-0,” hit #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2014, the Eagles’ “Hell Freezes Over” album was certified nine-times platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2014, Vince Gill became a granddaddy as his daughter, Jenny Gill, and her husband, Josh Van Valkenburg, welcomed their son, Wyatt Gill Van Valkenburg.
Today in 2015, Tim McGraw’s single, “Top Of The World,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini’s single, “Peter Pan,” went gold and her single from “Love Me Like You Mean It,” was certified platinum. The same day, Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach” was certified as a platinum single by the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Brett Eldredge’s self-titled album was released.
Today in 2017, Keith Urban’s single, “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” was certified double-platinum single by the RIAA. On the same day, Luke Bryan’s single, “Fast,” went gold and his song, “Strip It Down,” was certified double-platinum. The RIAA also certified Chris Lane’s “For Her” as gold.
Today in 2017, Kip Moore’s was celebrating his album, “Up All Night,” being certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2017, it was a pretty huge day for Billy Currington – as 10 of his singles were certified by the RIAA. Among them? Gold awards for “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” “Don’t It,” “Don’t,” “I Got A Feelin’,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll” and “Love Done Gone.”
Today in 2018, during her show at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Taylor Swift brought out surprise guest Bryan Adams for a duet on “Summer Of ’69.”
Today in 2019, while performing at the Lollapalooza rock festival at Grant Park in Chicago, Kacey Musgraves led the audience in an angry, four-letter rebuke of politicians for their inability to act on gun violence. This, as two mass murders in the previous 24 hours led to more than 30 deaths in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio.
Today in 2019, ABC’s presentation of “Country Fest” opened with Carrie Underwood singing “Southbound” and closed with Tim McGraw and Luke Combs performing “Real Good Man.” In between, acts taking the stage included Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Maren Morris, Midland and Dierks Bentley, and more. .” Hosting the big show? Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini and Bobby Bones.
Today in 2020, Expedition 63 astronaut Chris Cassidy posted a video of him lip-synching Travis Tritt’s “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”
Today in 2020, Wynonna and Yolanda Adams performed “I’m Not Tired Yet” during the CBS special, “John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero.” Other participants included John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Pharrell Williams and Jennifer Hudson, who sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK – CLAIRE

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Claire”, a beautiful 3 year old domestic shorthaired kitty with a sweet disposition. Claire would be a great fit for any cat loving family. Claire is super-affectionate, gets along with other pets and kids, and loves to be held and cuddled. Claire is fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and would love to meet you!

And since Claire is the Pet of the Week, this week her adoption fee is only $30!

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

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