Archives: Episodes

12-05-25 Bonnie & Friends: Frigid Forecasts, Eggnog Wars, and the Winter Wildcard

Bonnie & Friends on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

Hosts Bonnie and James McCarty (filling in for Jace) kick off a "Fri-yay" discussing slippery roads after a light dusting of snow and the week's return to frigid temperatures. The episode features the annual LRC Winter Weather Outlook announcement, the weekly "Food Fight Friday" focusing on eggnog, and a look ahead at a busy weekend of high school and college sports. They also share funny anecdotes about animal crime and holiday shopping struggles.

Key Moments:

  • LRC Winter Outlook Special: The annual LRC Winter Weather Outlook is scheduled for this afternoon at 2 p.m. on The Jay Thomas Show. Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki hints at two distinct weather patterns for the winter, including a "wildcard pattern" that could bring stormy weather and blizzards.

  • Falling Temperatures and Slick Roads: Despite a milder start, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens. A strong clipper system is predicted to bring measurable snow to South Dakota and Southern Minnesota on Saturday, making I-29 travel slippery. A potentially stronger system with accumulating snow is expected on Tuesday of next week.

  • Food Fight Friday: Eggnog: The segment asks whether eggnog is a "drink up" or "hard pass." While some hosts dislike the thickness, many listeners enjoy it, especially when mixed with spiced rum or in a "Tom and Jerry" cocktail.

  • Timberwolves Win Streak Continues: The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-116 in their second game in New Orleans, with Julius Randle leading seven players in double figures. The team is now 14-8.

  • High School Hockey Dominance: Moorhead Spuds Boys Hockey rolled St. Michael-Albertville 8-2, and Spud Girls Hockey is scheduled to play tonight and tomorrow, with full play-by-play coverage on WDAY Radio.

  • Animal Break-in Bloopers: The hosts share humorous stories about animals getting into trouble, including a house cat dropping a dead mouse into a cooking pot, a dog chewing a lithium-ion battery causing a fire, and the recently talked-about raccoon that got drunk and passed out in a liquor store bathroom.

  • Holiday Joys and Discipline: Listeners share what they love most about the holidays, including Christmas lights and time with family. The conversation turns to childhood discipline, with a humorous reference to one host being tormented by having to watch other children play outside as punishment.

  • Glucose Monitor Safety Warning: Serious national news is covered with a report about a massive recall of Abbott glucose monitors linked to seven deaths and more than 700 injuries due to inaccurate low glucose readings.

  • Bizarre Protein Alternative: Ag Director Bridget Riedel reports on food science where Chinese researchers are using CRISPR gene editing on a fungus to produce a meat-consistency substance to meet the global demand for protein, prompting hosts to express distaste for "lab-grown meat."

 

Rocky’s Downtown Hour Episode 031: Holiday Lights Parade

rocky's downtown hour

What's Covered:

  • Holiday Lights Parade Details: The Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade is tomorrow (Saturday) at 6:30 PM, featuring over 80 floats. It starts in Moorhead at Center Avenue and 6th Street, crosses to downtown Fargo on NP Avenue, and then heads north on Broadway to 4th Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to grab a window seat or stay near a door for warmth, as it will be chilly!

  • Grand Marshals: Dave and Kate Cook discuss their excitement for the parade and how honored they are to be the Grand Marshals, an honor given to leaders making an impact in the community.

  • NDSU's Downtown Presence: The group explores the significant role NDSU plays in downtown Fargo, highlighting Renaissance Hall (School of Design, Art, and Architecture), Berry Hall (College of Business), and Klai Hall (Landscape Architecture) as key recruiting tools that bring students into the heart of the city. Dean Catherine Berkland of the College of Business discusses the value of their downtown location for professional networking and student recruitment.

  • University-Community Connection: President Cook and his wife Kate talk about the vibrant Fargo community, noting the great restaurants, entertainment, and activities downtown. They also discuss NDSU's focus on future workforce needs, AI, and the student experience, emphasizing that NDSU athletes and performers are exceptional students first.

  • The Big Move: Dave and Kate Cook announce their upcoming transition in March to return to their alma mater, Iowa State University, where President Cook will take on the role of president, a difficult but blessed opportunity to return home.

  • Weekend Fun: They remind listeners about the NDSU football game tomorrow at noon and other events like the performance of "Glory" and Handel’s Messiah.

 

Professional Launch Episode 031: Tony Grindberg

professional launch

Ricot Aladdin welcomes back Tony Grindberg, North Dakota Principal Manager for Xcel Energy and longtime public servant, alongside Benny Manirishwa, an NDSU freshman studying marketing.

Tony shares his journey from public office to leading energy and economic development efforts at Xcel, offering wisdom on mentorship, networking, and building meaningful connections that create opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of “developing a plan and working the plan,” encouraging students and professionals alike to dedicate just one hour a week to grow their network and invest in their future.

The conversation explores how energy innovation supports workforce growth, how mentorship bridges generations, and how community engagement can light the path—both literally and figuratively—toward a brighter North Dakota.

Meanwhile, Benny brings a fresh student perspective, sharing lessons from his early business ventures and discussing how courage and consistency open doors.

 

12-04-25 Bonnie & Friends: Fargo Force, Cold, and Crime

Bonnie & Friends on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

🏒 Wild Shutout Streak & Warriors of the Week: Fargo Force, Cold, and Crime

Episode Summary:

A cold Thursday morning kicks off with a look at frigid temperatures and a major local crime update: the arrest of a suspect in a downtown Fargo shooting death after a lengthy multi-state manhunt. Sports take center stage with the Minnesota Wild's stunning 1-0 shutout streak continuing, the Timberwolves' overtime victory, and an update on the Vikings' quarterback situation. The conversation branches out into bizarre food work, the challenges of vehicle maintenance in the cold, and a heartwarming veteran's benefit.

Key Moments:

  • Fargo Shooting Suspect Arrested: Tyrique Jones, wanted in an August shooting death in downtown Fargo, was arrested in Minneapolis after surveillance across North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. Authorities are investigating anyone who may have aided him in avoiding police.

  • Wild's Goalie Star: The Minnesota Wild shut out the Edmonton Oilers 1-0, with rookie Jesper Wahlstedt saving all 33 shots for his fourth shutout of the season. He was also named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for November.

  • Timberwolves Overtime Win: The Timberwolves defeated the Pelicans 149-142 in overtime, fueled by a season-high 44 points from Anthony Edwards.

  • Vikings Quarterback Update: Head Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed J.J. McCarthy cleared concussion protocol and is expected to start against the Washington Commanders, despite the team having less than a 1% chance to make the playoffs. Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

  • Rural Fire Grants and Fargo Leadership Changes: Rural North Dakota Fire Departments are now eligible for state and USDA Forest Service grants for new equipment, requiring a 50% cost match. NDSU, Bismarck State, and Valley City State are all currently searching for new presidents.

  • "Work to Enjoy" Foods: The Question of the Morning, "What food requires work to enjoy it?", sparked answers like peeling pomegranates, cracking king crab legs, and the effort required to make homemade French toast and lasagna.

  • Battle of the Badges Charity Game: Katie Merrick of the Fargo Force announces the second annual Battle of the Badges hockey game (Police vs. Fire) this Sunday. Last year's event raised $17,000 for the Hometown Heroes Fund through ticket sales and jersey auctions.

  • Convenience Store Habits: Listeners share their frequent stops at convenience stores like Casey's and Quick Trip, typically for gas, lottery tickets, and specialized food items like breakfast pizza, chocolate milk, and cherry dunkers.