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10 Country Albums That Took 2017 By Storm

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The best country albums from any given year are timeless, and 2017 is no different. The top spots go to artists with a long history of making great country music, even if mainstream fans are just starting to learn their names.

Few will be surprised to see Chris Stapleton on this list of the year’s top releases, but the From A Room album duo aren’t No. 1 on this collection of great projects. Projects from Kelsea Ballerini, Kip Moore, and newcomer Brett Young get mad respect.

Fan and critic opinion were weighed heavily in the making of this list, but sales, awards, and the number of hit radio songs also played a role. It’s difficult to ignore an album that charts two or three hit songs in any given year, right?

Here Are the Best Country Albums of 2017:

No. 10: Brett Young, ‘Brett Young’
The country newcomer and Taste of Country RISERS act released an album full of love songs without finding two that sound quite the same. Every expression feels genuine and original. The pop-friendly collection of musings from the California native’s heart and songbook is at its best when he leans into life’s highs and lows. He makes it look easy.

No. 9: Old Dominion, ‘Happy Endings’
Happy Endings shows a different side of Old Dominion‘s artistry. The 12 songs are as a whole deeper and more patient than those found on their debut album. “Shoe Shopping” is one that recalls the wry wit fans fell in love with on Meat and Candy. The laid-back, cheeky lyrics are reminiscent of the group’s breakthrough hit “Break Up With Him.” After that it’s poetry (“Written in Sand“), true love songs (“Stars in the City”) and boozy regret (“A Girl Is a Gun”).

No. 8: Angaleena Presley, ‘Wrangled’
Angaleena Presley stays true to her roots on Wrangled, but expands with even more rootsy stories that don’t lack for detail. The artist and album are not for the demure country music fan. Her vivid characters nearly stand on the speakers during songs like “Only Blood.” Through it all she weaves various genres into the soundscape.

No. 7: Kelsea Ballerini, ‘Unapologetically’
It’s cliche to compare Kelsea Ballerini to Taylor Swift, but her second studio album is reminiscent of the now-pop star’s sophomore effort in the way she builds emotional songs of love and love lost around narcotic melodies. This album is pure candy until you dig in to find thoughtful, emotional observations about a relationship that just ended and one she’s just beginning. Each song is 100 percent accessible, something Swift struggled with as her love life became tabloid fodder. Ballerini relies on details, but there’s no over-the-top sentiment or dig at an ex that comes across as specific to her situation. This may be the most important album of 2017, as with so few females poised to become stars, Ballerini shows she’s capable.

No. 6: Lindsay Ell, ‘The Project’
The Project is an essential album for fans who like their brand of country music black and blue. Lindsay Ell‘s longtime coming debut album is genre-less a la Sheryl Crow or Bonnie Raitt. Deep blues licks and aching vocals that refuse to be boxed in are signatures of the 12 songs on the album. There’s not another active female in country to compare her to — the newcomer all but forced her way onto this list of the best country albums of 2017.

No. 5: Walker Hayes, ‘Boom’
Hayes admits that without Sam Hunt, his music would bounce off the radio like polka, but we live in a post-Hunt era and Boom is the first album that’s come since Montevallo that feels equal. The singer goes deep into his personal life and reveals scars like they’re badges of honor, even though he’s still very much working his way out of addiction and near-bankruptcy. The melodies and Beck-like production will grab your attention, but strong lyrics make this one of the best albums of 2017.

No. 4A & 4B: Chris Stapleton, ‘From A Room’ Albums
Stapleton provides once again. The follow-ups to Traveller. don’t surprise like his solo debut, instead relying on the strength of his vocals and songwriting. That’s a great bet when you’re Chris Stapleton. He’s a a postman, dropping notes of blues, soul, pain and sorrow into your mailbox. Both are moody, nine-song albums that reinforces all we know and reintroduce special covers.

No. 3: Kip Moore, ‘Slow Heart’
Kip Moore‘s Slowheart is a Southern rock-inspired country album that would sound just fine played front to back at his live show. The singer simplified his approach, even if the result is a more textured project than Wild Ones (2015). Gone is that veil of sadness that tied his sophomore album together. Instead, you sense that Moore’s band was as free to rock out in studio as they felt necessary. Everyone is having a lot more fun on Slowheart, even if the lyrics don’t always support the party.

No. 2: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, ‘The Nashville Sound’
Great artists will make great albums, and Jason Isbell is a great artist. There is nothing pretentious about the Nashville Sound, a project that finds the 400 Unit once again getting co-billing. It’s not coincidence that the best albums on this list come from artist who worry nothing for radio success.

No. 1: Aaron Watson, ‘Vaquero’
Aaron Watson’s Vaquero album is a rich collection of cowboy poetry. Every verse touches two or more senses. The best songs clip the soul. The Texan is a rambler, a lover, thinker, statement-maker and romantic on this dynamic mix of pure country themes. Through it all is a thread that’s so rare in today’s country music. “They Don’t Make Em Like They Used To” should have been a hit this year, but at least the album will leave a mark as No. 1 on our list.

Do you agree with our list? Why or why not? Sound off in the comments below!

Lynnville-Sully Receives Top Rating for Iowa School Report Card

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

The Iowa Department of Education today released the latest results of the Iowa School Report Card, a web-based school ratings system.

The Iowa School Report Card, which was launched in 2015 as part of a state legislative requirement, rates public schools on some measures of achievement. They include student proficiency rates in math and reading, student academic growth, narrowing achievement gaps among students, college and career readiness, student attendance, graduation rates, and staff retention. Based on each school’s performance over a two-year period, the report card assigns one of six ratings: Exceptional, High-Performing, Commendable, Acceptable, Needs Improvement, and Priority.

The Iowa School Report Card is updated annually to reflect the most recent statewide student assessment results. For most measures, school ratings are based on data from the 2016-17 and 2015-16 school years.

Statewide, 20.5 percent of Iowa public schools received a higher overall rating than last year, while the rest stayed the same (50.9 percent) or received a lower rating (28.6 percent).

Because several measures on the report card are based on statewide assessment results, overall school ratings reflect a decline in proficiency rates. The following chart shows the distribution of school ratings in 2017 and 2016:

Exceptional

High-Performing

Commendable

Acceptable

Needs Improvement

Priority

2017

2.2{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

8.8{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

26.4{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

41.5{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

15.3{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

5.8{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

2016

2.1{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

10{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

30.6{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

38.1{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

13.2{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

5.9{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b}

“These results reinforce the need to continue moving forward with the bold education initiatives Iowa has put in place to strengthen instruction and prepare students for success in high school and beyond,” Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said. “It’s encouraging that we’ve made significant progress statewide in improving the reading skills of children in kindergarten through third grade, as shown on early literacy screening assessments given three times a year. I’m also proud that Iowa continues to lead the nation in high school graduation rates.”

About the Iowa School Report Card: The Iowa School Report Card meets a component of House File 215, the comprehensive education reform legislation adopted by Iowa lawmakers in 2013. The legislation directed the Iowa Department of Education to develop a process for evaluating the performance of each school on certain measures and to “arrive at an overall school performance grade and report card” that is posted to the Department’s website. Scores and ratings apply only to individual public schools; school districts and nonpublic schools do not receive ratings.

Lynnville-Sully School 2017 Iowa School Report Card Ratings:

  • Elementary – Needs Improvement
  • Middle School – EXCEPTIONAL (2nd consecutive year for Exceptional rating)
  • High School – EXCEPTIONAL (3rd consecutive year for Exceptional rating)

Exceptional Middle Schools in Iowa (Top 3{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} of all middle schools):

  • Lynnville-Sully: 73.5 points
  • Southview in Ankeny: 72.5 points
  • Pleasant Valley: 72.3 points
  • Gilbert: 72.1 points
  • Summit in Johnston: 72 points
  • Denver: 71.5 points
  • Prairieview in Waukee: 71.5 points

Exceptional High Schools in Iowa (Top 1{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} of all high schools):

  • West Lyon: 78.3 points
  • Gilbert: 78 points
  • Denver: 76.3 points
  • Lynnville-Sully: 75.1 points

Taylor Swift is Born

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

On This Day:

Born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania, was Taylor Alison Swift, singer, songwriter, musicican, named by Billboard as most financially successful music artist of 2011, with net earnings of more than $35 million. Her debut single ‘Tim McGraw’ was released in June 2006 and peaked at #6 on the US Country chart. Swift moved to Nashville, Tennessee at the age of fourteen to pursue a career in country music and became the youngest songwriter ever hired by the Sony/ATV Music publishing house.

Happy birthday from all of us at KBOE 104.9, T-Swift!  ????

 

Oskaloosa Rolls to 6-0 with Thrashing of Washington

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It was business as usual for the Oskaloosa Indian Boys’ Basketball team on Tuesday night. The Indians dominated Washington at home, 83-50, and stay unbeaten at 6-0.

Oskaloosa knew they had a huge size advantage, as Washington only had one player taller than 6-foot-tall available while the Indians have nine such players on their roster.

It was a slow start for both sides as neither side shot very well in the first few minutes, but the pace picked up and Oskaloosa used plenty of fastbreak and transition opportunities to take an early 21-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Indians started to roll in the second quarter with high-flying dunks from Cole Henry, Jarad Kruse, and Xavier Foster and hot shooting from others to open up a 46-22 lead at the half.

The third quarter was again extremely entertaining as both teams traded highlight reel plays. Osky had the better of them, as Foster had multiple dunks in the period and Osky could not be stopped in the offensive half of the floor. After three periods of play, it was all Osky, 75-41.

Head Coach Ryan Parker emptied the bench in the fourth quarter and the Indians cruised down the stretch to their 83-50 win.

Oskaloosa was led by Jarad Kruse, who finished with 22 points and added three assists, four steals, and two blocks. Cole Henry and Xavier Foster each had 17 points. Henry had six boards and three assists with a block while Foster finished with five rebounds, three assists, four steals, and three blocks in a complete effort. Spencer Tucker was also in double figures with 10 points and added six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

Washington was led by senior Jack Redlinger with 10 points.

Osky improves to 6-0 on the season while Washington falls to 0-4.

The Indians are back in action Friday night on the road at Dallas Center-Grimes in Little Hawkeye Conference play. The girls’ basketball teams will start the action around 6:15 PM. You can hear our pregame show on 99.5 FM and 740 AM KMZN and radiokmzn.com starting at 6 PM. The boys’ game will follow.

Indian Boys’ Swimming Competes at Grinnell

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The Oskaloosa Indians Swim Team traveled to Grinnell on Saturday to compete in their large invitational event. There were teams there from LinnMar, Indianola, Ottumwa, Des Moines East, Grinnell, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg and Osky all competing during the day. The Indians finished the day in the middle of the pack by beating a couple of the teams and getting closer to beating a couple more.

It was a day of swimming a lot of relays as it all started in the first event as Osky sent two teams to compete in the 200 Medley Relay with the team of Jack Miller, Jack Dawson, Carson Breon, and Owen Gordon (pictured above) who swam a 1:51.14 to take home a 3rd place finish and the team of Colin Fiechtner, Carson Abrahamson, Jarod Miller, and Nic Koenig who finished in a time of 2:07.47 for a 13th place finish out of the 20 teams.

Next up was the 200 Free and Colin Fiechtner jumped right back in the pool to swim a 2:09.80 for the Indians while finishing 7th.

In the 200 IM Osky sent Carson Breon to the blocks and he came away with a time of 2:19.36 and earned a 4th place finish for the Indians.

Next up was the 50 Free and Osky sent Nic Koenig who swam a 35.56 for the Indians as he continues to take time off every week.

In the 100 Free event Owen Gordon went up and swam a personal best in a time 54.86 for a 5th place finish for the Indians.

The following event is the long grueling 500 Free and Osky sent Jarod Miller to the blocks and he came away with a time of 5:45.23 for a 7th place finish.

The next event is the 200 Free Relay and Osky again sent 2 teams to compete against everyone as the team of Jack Miller, Jack Dawson, Owen Gordon, and Carson Breon swam a 1:38.61 to earn a 4th place finish and team of Colin Fiechtner, Carson Abrahamson, Nic Koenig, and Jarod Miller swam a time of 1:59.08 for the Indians.

The big excitement came on the 100 Backstroke Event as Jack Miller took the blocks for the Indians and after a great start he was able to hold the lead throughout the race to come away with the Gold Medal in a time of 1:01.22. Coach Grant always enjoys seeing his swimmers step up and take control of an event and show everybody how hard the team has been working to improve their times.

The last individual event of the day was the 100 Breast as Carson Abrahamson finished the race in 1:20.46 for a 12th place finish.

The last relay of the day was the 400 Free Relay as Osky sent 2 teams to compete in this event. The team of Carson Breon, Owen Gordon, Jack Dawson, and Jack Miller finished in a time of 3:44.00 and earned a 5th place finish for the Indians and the team of Colin Fiechtner, Carson Abrahamson, Nic Koenig, and Jarod Miller finished in a time of 4:29.91.

The team is continuing to improve this year and they are looking forward to the first ever Oskaloosa Boys home swim meet on Thursday, December 14th. We are hoping to see the Indian Pride show up and support the team.

MARION COUNTY FARMER WINS IOWA FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMER DISCUSSION MEET

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Justine Stevenson of Knoxville placed first in the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) Young Farmer Discussion Meet held Dec. 5 during IFBF’s 99th annual meeting in Des Moines.  As winner of the event, Stevenson will represent Iowa at the Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) National Discussion Meet during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in Nashville, held January 5-10.

For her victory in the competition, Stevenson received a John Deere X380 riding lawn mower, a 90-day no-payment and no-interest (NPNI) John Deere Financial Certificate up to $5,000, and an expense-paid trip to the 2018 GROWMARK annual meeting in Chicago in August.

The young farmer discussion meet encourages dialogue about issues and challenges that affect agriculture.  It tests young farmers’ knowledge of ag-related issues and their ability to express their opinions and vision for critical agriculture issues today.  Such skills are vital in an age when consumers are increasingly engaged in food safety and environmental issues, and the need to tell agriculture’s story is crucial.

The Young Farmer Discussion Meet is a year-long competition with the opening rounds held during the IFBF Young Farmer Conference in February, and the top eight contestants compete during the IFBF Annual Meeting.  The four finalists competed in one final round, and the winner was recognized during the Young Farmer Award Ceremony.  Contestants are judged on cooperative attitude and problem solving, as well as implementation, delivery, analysis of the topic, and the quality of their opening and closing statements.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Asking for Public’s Help After Multiple Hydrants Tampered With

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

On Saturday evening, December 2nd, 2017, at approximately 11:00 pm, Sully Fire Department responded to a structure fire in Sully. Kellogg, Lynnville and Reasnor Fire Departments were requested to assist during this fire.

On Sunday morning, December 3rd, 2017 at approximately 1:30 am, Prairie City Fire responded to a structure fire in Prairie City. Colfax and Monroe Fire Departments were requested to assist during this fire. Sometime during these two structure fires, someone tampered with and damaged water hydrants. Three of these hydrants were in the City of Reasnor, and one hydrant was located near the Central Iowa Water Association Water Tower east of Prairie City. One hydrant in Reasnor was damaged and unusable to the fire department. Central Iowa Water Association personnel were contacted and responded to stop the water loss. They estimated that approximately 300,000 gallons of water was lost.

Fortunately, the tampering of these two water sources did not impact the water supply of local fire departments during the two structure fires. We have initiated a criminal investigation. We do not believe the two structure fires were related, however we are investigating the coincidence of the water sources being tampered with during that time frame.

Not only could these acts have caused a significant impact on the safety of our local fire fighters and their ability to perform their duties, but could also impact the safety of citizens and protection of their property.

Anyone with information that may relate to the person or person(s) who damaged and tampered with these fire hydrants is asked to contact us at 641-792-5912.

Jasper County Man Violates No Contact Order, Possesses Methamphetamine

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

In the morning hours of December 3rd, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office was called to the residence of 118 Bolton Street, in Kellogg, IA in reference to a possible violation of a no contact order.

Upon deputies arrival, sixty-year-old Douglas Lane Krier was found on the property of Deborah Kay Krier.

While looking for Douglas, an odor of Marijuana was coming from the shed which the defendant was located in. A search was conducted after receiving consent. Within the sleeping area of the shed, revealed a broken glass meth pipe, a cigarette used to smoke marijuana, and a small glass container with a fine white powder was all discovered in plain view.

A black container with meth – ice – was also located and tested positive as methamphetamine.

Douglas Krier was arrested and charged with Violation of a no contact order, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Krier appears to remain in custody with a hearing scheduled for December 13th.

Secretary of State begins mailing Voter ID Cards to Registered Voters

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced on Monday that his office begins mailing Voter ID cards this week to registered voters in the state who do not possess a valid Iowa driver’s license or non-driver’s ID. The cards are free and will be sent automatically to 123,000 Iowans, roughly six percent of the state’s registered voters. This process will ensure that every registered voter in the state will have an identification card to use when voting, starting with the 2018 elections.

“It should be easy to vote, but hard to cheat, and that’s what this new law ensures,” Secretary Pate said. “We are taking the unprecedented step of mailing free Voter ID cards automatically to every registered voter who does not already have an Iowa driver’s license or non-driver’s ID. Only those Iowans will receive these cards. I encourage them to be on the lookout for the Voter ID cards in the mail, and when they receive their card, open it, sign it and keep it.”

A picture of the envelope the cards will arrive in is available:

sos.iowa.gov/photos/voteridenvelope.png

A sample picture of the new Voter ID card is available:

sos.iowa.gov/photos/voteridcard.png

Voters with questions about the cards can contact the county auditor’s office at:

641-673- 7148 / auditor@mahaskacounty.org

 

Voter ID Card Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who receives a Voter ID card?

The Secretary of State’s office has identified approximately 120,000 registered voters who do not have a valid identification card issued from the Iowa DOT. These individuals will automatically receive a free voter ID card in the mail in mid-December. If you have a valid driver’s license or a non-operator identification card from the Iowa DOT, you will not receive a Voter ID card and will only need to bring your current ID to the polls beginning January 2018.

 

  1. When will the Voter ID card be sent to me?

The Secretary of State’s office will mail out Voter ID cards in mid-December. If you do not receive a card by late-December and you do not have a current ID from the Iowa DOT, you will need to contact your county auditor’s office.

 

  1. Why did someone in my household get a Voter ID card but I didn’t?

If you have a valid Iowa driver’s license you will not receive a voter ID card. Only registered voters who do not currently have an Iowa driver’s license or an Iowa non-driver identification card issued from the Iowa DOT will receive a Voter ID card.

 

  1. How do I get a Voter ID card?

If you have a valid Iowa driver’s license you will not receive a Voter ID card. If you do not have a valid driver’s license or non-driver ID issued from the Iowa DOT, you just need to register to vote with your county auditor to receive a voter ID card free and automatically.

 

  1. What if I lose my Voter ID card?

It is important to keep your Voter ID card. If you lost your card after receiving it in the mail, you need to contact your county auditor’s office for a replacement card.

 

  1. What do I need to do with my Voter ID card?

It is important to keep your Voter ID card. Once you receive your Voter ID card in the mail, please check to make sure the information is accurate. Sign it. Then put in your wallet for safe keeping until Election Day.

  1. What if I have moved and don’t live at the same residence?

In order to vote, you need to be registered to vote with your current address. If you have moved, update your voter registration and a new Voter ID card will be mailed to you. The card will be mailed to the address where you most recently registered to vote. Again, if you have a driver’s license you will not receive a voter ID card.

  1. When do voters have to start showing ID at the polls?

During calendar year 2018 voters will be asked to show their ID before voting at the polls. Anyone who does not have the necessary ID will be asked to sign an oath verifying their identity, and will be allowed to cast a regular ballot. NO ELIGIBLE VOTER WILL BE TURNED AWAY.

 

Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Voters without the necessary ID may use an attester, or they will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID in the Auditor’s Office. Deadline information will be provided at the time of voting the provisional ballot. NO ELIGIBLE VOTER WILL BE TURNED AWAY.

Iowa Leads Nation In High School Graduation Rates

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

Iowa once again leads the nation in the percentage of high school students who graduate.

Iowa Department of Education director, Ryan Wise, says 91.3-percent of students in the class of 2016 completed high school within four years in Iowa and a national report says that the best in the country. The 2016 graduation rate in Iowa was up three-tenths of a percent from the year before and is up three percentage points during the last six years.

The national graduation rate is about seven percent lower at 84.1-percent. New Jersey was the only other state to top 90 percent — at 90.1.

Wise says the graduation rate is just one measure of success as the state has work to do to ensure all the graduates are prepared to succeed beyond high school.

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