Archives: Episodes

The morning crew hunkers down as a severe blizzard warning takes hold of the Red River Valley. With wind gusts hitting 70 miles an hour and temperatures plummeting, Bonnie and the team provide essential updates on school closures, treacherous travel conditions, and the rapidly deteriorating forecast. Beyond the storm, the show covers a major development in the state's fraud investigations, a bizarre $16 million cocaine discovery on an Indiana semi-trailer, and a check-in on the regional sports scene. Plus, a hospital-bound listener calls in with a localized health warning, and NDSU Ag Director Bridget Riedel shares high-tech "I milked a cow" experiences from the fair.

Key Moments

• Blizzard 2025 Hits: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the "collapsing" weather system, warning of whiteout conditions and wind chills dropping to 30 below.

• Education Secretary vs. Governor Walz: National news hits home as U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon calls for the resignation of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over alleged lack of oversight regarding widespread fraud.

• The $16 Million Inspection: A cautionary tale for truckers as a driver in Indiana discovers ten boxes of cocaine hidden in his trailer after noticing a tampered seal during a routine pre-trip inspection.

• The "I Milked a Cow" Experience: Ag Director Bridget Riedel discusses the viral fundraiser at the Iowa State Fair where visitors pay to learn the ropes of dairy farming with cows named Cinnamon, Sugar, and Spice.

• A Warning from Sanford Castle: A listener named Carl calls from his hospital bed to share his struggle with rotavirus and urges Fargo residents to boil their water.

• High-Tech Herding: A look at the future of ranching with GPS-enabled virtual collars that allow producers to monitor cattle health and move herds using directional sound cues.

• Sports Wrap-Up: A tough night for the Timberwolves without Anthony Edwards, Joe Ryan’s commitment to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, and a season-ending injury for Vikings defender Josh Metellus.

The Coffee Club from Thursday December 18th, 2025.  Guests include Sue Baron and Dr Mike Jorgenson.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman are joined by Kevin Marshall, Host of FCS Nation, for their weekly conversation. They discuss how we got to the FCS semifinals, what we should expect this weekend, and more.

The Jay Thomas Show from December 17th, 2025.  Guests include Leah Alsager.

Bonnie and Jace are back at the WDAY studios, and while the morning starts with a deceptive calm and melting snow, there is a "dumpster fire" of a weather day on the horizon. From looming blizzard warnings to the best holiday treats across the Midwest, this episode of Bonnie and Friends covers everything from community safety to the ultimate Christmas playlist.

Episode Highlights

• The Calm Before the Storm: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down a massive clipper system moving in from Canada. While today offers a high of 37 degrees, tonight brings rain that will flash-freeze into a "skating rink" before turning into a high-wind snow event. The message is clear: if you don't have to travel tomorrow, stay home.

• Clay County Pay Raises: The team discusses the latest news regarding the Clay County Commissioners' approval of significant pay increases for the Sheriff and County Attorneys, including a 10% raise for Sheriff Mark Emting—the first he’s requested in eight years.

• The Great Grinch Debate: In honor of the Question of the Morning, Bonnie and Jace dive deep into their favorite Christmas songs and movies. The discussion sparks a trip down memory lane regarding the three versions of "The Grinch," Jim Carrey’s over-the-top acting, and why "Silent Night" remains the most recorded holiday song in history.

• Targeting Gun Violence: Governor Tim Walz has signed a new executive order to lower gun violence. We look at the formation of a statewide safety council designed to tackle mass violence and domestic terrorism through a collaborative approach involving law enforcement and mental health experts.

• The Ultimate Holiday Menu: Jace and Bonnie explore a state-by-state list of popular holiday dishes. While Minnesotans apparently love their Christmas wreaths (the cookie kind, not the decor), North Dakotans are holding strong with lefse, though the team is skeptical of some "Google Trends" claiming Nevada’s favorite dish is beef stew.

• Meat Raffles and Mystery Bags: Crash calls in to promote the final meat raffle of the year at the Wild Rice Bar and Grill, benefiting the Veterans Honor Flight. He reveals the "Mystery Meat" bags provided by Meats by John & Wayne and the massive 11-pound slabs of bacon up for grabs.

• Innovation on the Farm: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel joins the show from Sioux Falls to talk about the history of tractor innovation, from the first "auto mower" in 1900 to the high-tech swarm of autonomous drones and laser readers shaping the future of the field.

• A "High" School Surprise: The crew shares a bizarre story out of California where a box of "free weed" was left on a sidewalk right next to a high school's Christmas tree fundraiser. As Jace notes, "Surprises are for stockings, not sidewalks."

Today's guest is Greg Lardy, Joe & Normal Peltier VP for College of Ag! ☁️Watch Weather & Ag in focus LIVE! 🌾 💬Leave a comment, 📞 701-293-9000, or 🌐 weather@flagfamily.com or AG@flagfamily.com Join WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel & Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki as they break down Weather and Agriculture topics.

The Coffee Club from Wednesday December 17th, 2025.  Guests include Jesse Jahner, Tom Shaw and our own JT Co-Hosts.

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday December 16th, 2025.  Guests include Dr. Mike Jorgenson and your calls and emails.

Today's guest is Polk County MN Engineer Rich Sandes! ☁️Watch Weather & Ag in focus LIVE! 🌾 💬Leave a comment, 📞 701-293-9000, or 🌐 weather@flagfamily.com or AG@flagfamily.com Join WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel & Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki as they break down Weather and Agriculture topics.

Bonnie is officially back in the big chair after a holiday break, but Mother Nature didn't roll out the red carpet. The crew dives into a wild week of weather, local legal drama, and a major move for the Minnesota Twins that has fans talking. From the bizarre discovery of a doctor in a Dollar Tree freezer to the mysterious "Green Bridge" in agriculture, this episode covers the quirky, the serious, and the snowy.

Episode Highlights

• The Return of Bonnie: Bonnie returns from her break—fully baked and wrapped for Christmas—just in time to face a Wind Advisory and a looming "Stay Home Thursday" blizzard warning from Dean.

• Twins Talk: The Minnesota Twins sign veteran slugger Josh Bell to a $7 million deal. While his bat is a welcome addition, the team’s defense remains a concern for local sports enthusiasts.

• Legal Showdown: A major lawsuit is brewing as Southern Valley Fire and Rescue sues the City of Fargo and Cass County over illegal annexation and tax revenue disputes.

• The "Green Bridge" Mystery: Ag Director Bridgette Readel explains the "Green Bridge"—a cycle of wheat disease—and discusses how massive modern combines are putting historical bridges to the test.

• The Dictionary's New "Slop": The crew debates Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year—"slop"—which now refers to low-quality AI content and digital junk rather than just pig feed.

• Holiday Nostalgia: A deep dive into favorite Christmas smells and flavors, featuring a heated debate over soft vs. hard peppermint sticks and the "disappointment" of finding raisins in caramel rolls.

• Winter Garden Prep: Horticulture educator Jill Patry previews the Winter Garden College and offers a "no-pressure" demo on making freezer jam.