Hosts Bonnie and Jace welcome listeners into a cold week, with temperatures dropping dramatically after a mild fall. They discuss the weather forecast, which predicts frigid wind chills. The episode is packed with news, including NDSU Head Coach Tim Polasek being named the Valley's Coach of the Year and a program-record 17 Bison named to All-Conference teams. They also spotlight the nonprofit Blame Bates, detailing its mission to help individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, and listing multiple locations for their holiday Giving Trees.
Key Moments:
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Abrupt Weather Shift and Arctic Air: After one of the warmest falls on record, temperatures have plummeted, with a low of 3 above expected, and wind chills dropping to 10 to 20 below. A clipper system is bringing light snow and flurries, but no major accumulation is expected.
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Bison Football Accolades: NDSU Head Coach Tim Polasek was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Coach of the Year. A program-record 17 Bison players were placed on the All-MVFC teams, with 10 on the first team.
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Nonprofit Spotlight: Blame Bates: Former Cass County Sheriff's Deputy Ashley Bates discusses her nonprofit, Blame Bates, which helps people 18 and over navigate resources for mental health and substance abuse issues, emphasizing accountability. The name originated from Bates telling clients, "just blame Bates" for a failed housing application, offering to take the fall.
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Holiday Giving Trees and Donations: Blame Bates has set up eight Giving Trees at Fargo-Moorhead businesses, accepting donations of winter items and hygiene products. They also accept Venmo donations, with 100% of the money going to someone in need.
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Overpriced Items Debate: The question of the morning asks listeners what overpriced item or service they dislike paying for but still do, sparking discussion about cable TV, cell phone bills, medical insurance, and the rising cost of beef.
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The Power of Wife-ly Advice: The Flatland Music Flashback segment recounts how Gene Autry initially turned down recording "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" until his wife urged him to do it, leading to a number one hit.
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NFL Update: Adam Thielen: The show covers news of Adam Thielen's expressed desire to be released from the Vikings to pursue a larger role on a contending team for what he intends to be his final NFL season.
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Ag Tech and Christmas Trees: Ag Director Bridgette Readel discusses new herbicide molecules that could serve as a backup for glyphosate, and notes that Christmas tree prices are stable this year, with the US Forest Service even encouraging Americans to get a free tree permit to help thin federal forests.