Archives: Episodes

Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on AM 970 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right.

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Heroes of the Heartland from Sunday May 4th, 2025.  Guests include Eric giving updates on his visit to Heroes New Hope and World Events.

Beneath the expansive North Dakota skies, a transformative mega-project is reshaping the landscape and future of the Red River Valley. The Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Project stands as one of America's most ambitious civil engineering undertakings – a 30-mile channel designed to protect communities from the devastating floods that have repeatedly threatened homes and livelihoods.

Gil Gilbert from ASN Constructors takes us behind the scenes of this monumental project, revealing the staggering scale of operations that most observers can barely glimpse from nearby highways. "We're moving 45 million cubic yards of excavation," Gilbert explains, painting a picture of massive earth-moving that would cover the entire NDSU campus with several feet of soil. The $130+ million investment in locally-purchased equipment includes specialized excavators so large they require five separate truckloads just to transport to the site. These machines operate 24/7, accumulating 8,000 hours in just two years before retirement – a testament to their relentless workload.

What makes this project particularly fascinating are the extreme challenges overcome through engineering ingenuity. Construction continues year-round despite temperatures plunging to -50°F, where metal components crack under stress and excavation equipment battles ice chunks that can cause $100,000+ in damage with a single impact. The Red River Valley's notorious clay soils present their own obstacles, requiring specialized techniques like discing mud to facilitate drying. Surprisingly, winter operations often achieve higher production rates than summer work, thanks to expertise brought in from mining operations in Northern Canada. The project employs a diverse workforce, including local farmers during winter months, international experts, and NDSU graduates through internship programs.

When completed in 2027, this infrastructure marvel will deliver far more than flood protection. The diversion channel will feature recreational trails and parks, creating lasting community amenities alongside its primary purpose of eliminating the need for flood insurance in Fargo-Moorhead. Though designed to be used for flood protection only once every 20-50 years, its daily impact on regional resilience and quality of life represents a blueprint for how modern civil engineering can transform environmental vulnerabilities into opportunities. Ready to witness this extraordinary transformation firsthand? Take a drive along I-94 or I-29 to glimpse the future of Fargo-Moorhead taking shape before your eyes.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman talk about the Minnesota Wild's disappointing NHL first round series loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Plus, intern Cayden Lloyd has a conversation with North Dakota State baseball senior outfielder Colten Becker.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday May 2nd, 2025.  Guests include Dan Hammer and your calls and emails.

This week on Rocky’s Downtown Hour, Rocky celebrates all things local and legendary! Emily Beck from the iconic Fargo Theatre joins to preview an epic May the Fourth celebration—complete with a Star Wars screening double feature and cosplay guests from the 501st Legion. Then, Matt Estin of First Avenue Market spills the details on Retro Alley, a brand-new vintage street market launching May 10th. With stories of quirky vendors, downtown revitalization, summer concert sneak peeks, and a deep dive into Fargo’s response to homelessness, this episode is a perfect mix of community, creativity, and cantinas. Whether you're in it for the Jedi or the junk shops, this one has something for every downtown fan.

The Coffee Club from Friday May 2nd, 2025.  Guests include Gail Kjenstad and Deb Mitskog plus your calls and emails.

In the premiere episode of The Chamber Link, host Tyler Fischbach kicks things off with a powerful reflection on a once-vibrant city turned ghost town—and asks the question: What keeps a community alive? Joined by Shannon Full, President & CEO of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, this episode dives deep into the mission of modern chambers of commerce, why leadership matters more than ever, and how bold, collaborative thinking can shape the future of a region. Later, guest John Riewer, CEO of Eventide Senior Living, shares insight on public policy, partnership, and how investing in your community pays off—literally and figuratively. If you’ve ever wondered what a chamber really does, or how a city keeps its spark, this episode is your answer.

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Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman talk Dragon men's basketball. They discuss MSUM hiring Jason Kemp as the program's 15th head coach.