In this episode of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman navigate the aftermath of a brutal three-day blizzard stretch that paralyzed the Red River Valley. The duo provides critical updates on road reopenings, including the long-awaited clearing of I-29, while warning listeners about a dangerous "Arctic plunge" bringing wind chills as low as 50 below zero. "Big Game" James McCarty makes his triumphant (and slightly sunburnt) return from a Florida vacation, sharing humorous tales of theme park lines and family "jabs" from his mother. Between serious reports on local crashes and fire crews battling blazes in whiteout conditions, the team finds time to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday and debate the best ways to avoid awkward family get-togethers.
Key Moments
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The Great Blizzard Recap: Bonnie and Jace discuss the "gross" weekend weather, noting that while only about two inches of snow fell, high winds created life-threatening visibility and "polished" road surfaces into glare ice.
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Highway 104: The team reacts to a shocking North Dakota State Patrol report of a driver cited for going 104 mph on a closed road with a juvenile in the vehicle during the storm.
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James’s Florida Fiasco: James McCarty recounts his travel woes, including flight delays in Chicago and his mother’s perfectly timed "one-liner" about his weight during a family margarita night.
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Dangerous Cold Ahead: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns that while the snow has stopped, a "deep freeze" is settling in, with actual air temperatures dropping to 30 below zero by the weekend.
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Family Get-Togethers: The hosts and callers tackle the "Question of the Morn," discussing whether they dread or look forward to family reunions, touching on everything from political rivalries to "living in a small house".
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The "Baywatch" Reboot: Bonnie tries to convince James to audition for the new Baywatch series in California, suggesting he could be the "comedic relief" or a beachside informant.
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Agricultural Strategies: Ag Director Bridgette Readel stops by to offer tips for farmers looking to lower their tax bills, including income averaging and donating commodities to charity.
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Ticket Giveaways: The show wraps up with a flurry of calls as listeners compete for tickets to the Red River Valley Boat and Marine Products Show.