Bonnie & Friends

Bonnie & Friends

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Bonnie & Friends episodes

  • Bonnie & Friends: Frost, Field Dressing, and Flying Helicopters
    Hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome listeners to a chilly, frosty Friday morning on Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios. The hosts embrace the season’s coldest morning yet at 25 degrees before looking forward to a rebound back into the 50s for the weekend. The episode covers crucial local and regional news, including a severe felonious restraint arrest in South Fargo, the legendary Bowler bowling alley hitting the real estate market, and a bizarre high school football story out of Willmar where a helicopter was brought in to dry out a soggy field. On the sports desk, Jace reviews regional volleyball section playoffs, college hockey matchups, and the Minnesota Timberwolves' latest victory, while hunter chef Jeff Benda provides field-dressing tips ahead of the deer gun opener. Key Moments Killing Frost & Weekend Rebound: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki tracks the lowest temperature of the fall so far with morning frost at 25 degrees, while forecasting a pleasant, sunny weekend warmup reaching into the mid-50s. South Fargo Felonious Restraint Arrest: A routine service call turns alarming when an apartment maintenance worker discovers a woman allegedly held against her will, leading to the arrest of Arturo Kazada Besserl and Aaron Dira Amolis on felony charges. The Bowler Hits the Market: A staple of the local community since 1959, The Bowler along South University is officially listed for sale at $4.3 million. Helicopters on the Gridiron: The hosts marvel at a story from Willmar, Minnesota, where local athletic boosters hired a private helicopter service to hover over the football field and blow dry saturated turf ahead of a high-stakes section championship game. Field Care & Clean Shots with Jeff Benda: Hunter chef Jeff Benda and his daughter Lucia share essential advice for the upcoming deer gun season, warning hunters to avoid gut shots, emphasize immediate field dressing to cool down meat, and prepare proper first-aid gear for field safety. Outdoors with Steve Carney: Outdoor expert Steve Carney breaks down hunting tactics for the peak rut, arguing strongly in favor of tree stands over deer drives, while noting that open-water walleye fishing remains red hot across lakes country. Food Fight Friday — Pop vs. Soda: Special guest co-host Michelle joins the studio to settle the age-old regional terminology debate, discussing whether carbonated beverages should officially be called pop, soda, or Coke.
    2 hr 22 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Mid-November Chill, Election Night Fallout, and Breaking Down Barriers
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman host a lively Thursday morning edition of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios. The hosts recap post-election local news, diving into North Dakota’s rejected constitutional measures, key state leadership races, and an impending stretch of milder November temperatures. Over on the sports desk, Jace covers Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, prep volleyball section tournaments, and upcoming college and high school playoff football matchups. Special guest Ashley Bates of the non-profit organization Blame Bates visits the studio to discuss their mission to help adults overcome barriers related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. Plus, the hosts explore deer season readiness, quirky world records, and caller responses to the best things they've eaten lately on the "Question of the Morn." Key Moments Election Night Fallout: North Dakota voters narrowly reject Measure 2 (free school meals) and defeat Measure 1 (raising the threshold to amend the state constitution). Meanwhile, Fargo voters approve the excess tax levy for public schools, and Lisa Borgen is elected the new mayor of Moorhead. Chilly Today, Mild Weekend Ahead: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the brisk, windy conditions with a high near 41 degrees before the weather rebounds into the upper 50s across the weekend. Ashley Bates on Blame Bates: Former Cass County deputy Ashley Bates outlines the mission of her non-profit, Blame Bates, offering peer support, bi-weekly hot meal outreach downtown, and welcome-home supplies for adults transitioning out of homelessness and incarceration. How to Help Blame Bates: Ashley Bates shares the community’s critical donation needs—including large winter jackets (XL to 4X), warm gloves, travel-size hygiene products, and transportation cards—with red drop boxes located outside their office and across the Fargo-Moorhead area. Timberwolves Rally Past Rockets: The Minnesota Timberwolves overcome the absence of Anthony Edwards, leaning on 21 points from Ayo Dosunmu and a strong fourth quarter from Jonathan Kuminga to top Houston 117-107. Local Gridiron and Volleyball Action: Recapping Moorhead Spuds volleyball advancing in the section semifinals, while previewing the high-stakes high school football playoff slate featuring Moorhead hosting Prior Lake and West Fargo hosting Fargo Davies. Question of the Morn — Best Bites Lately: Hosts and callers share their recent favorite meals, ranging from homemade stuffed acorn squash and pastrami sliders to quick convenience store fish sandwiches and potato klub dinners.
    2 hr 15 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Election Fallout, Scandinavian Feasts, and An Epic Global Walk
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman host a breezy, post-election Wednesday morning edition of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! The hosts recap overnight municipal, state, and regional ballot outcomes, follow the Minnesota Wild's latest road victory, and react to an English adventurer who spent nearly three decades walking around the globe. The show features Sharon Syrdal Messiah from Messiah Lutheran Church, who shares details on their 15th annual traditional potato dumpling club dinner, while Frode Tilden stops by to preview the 21st annual Traditional Norse Christmas banquet at the Sons of Norway. Plus, WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel previews the upcoming WDAY Radio Farm Show and shares an important safety lesson on grain bin auger operations. Key Moments Post-Election Regional Recap: Voters reject North Dakota Measures 1 and 2, while Fargo approves its school excess levy. Across the river, Amy Klobuchar is elected Minnesota Governor, Lisa Borgen wins the Moorhead mayoral race, and Senate District 4 faces a recount separated by just four votes. Sharon Syrdal Messiah on the Annual Club Dinner: Sharon Syrdal Messiah visits the studio with homemade Scandinavian treats to preview Messiah Lutheran Church's 15th annual club dinner, serving traditional ham-stuffed potato dumplings, lefse, and desserts to support youth programs and Fisher House. Frode Tilden's Traditional Norse Christmas: Frode Tilden highlights the upcoming 21st annual celebration at the Sons of Norway, detailing two traditional seatings featuring authentic Norwegian roasted pork belly, salmon, lingonberry meatballs, brown cheese, and homemade gløgg. Ag Update & Farm Safety with Bridgette Readel: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel previews the all-day WDAY Radio Farm Show and shares a harrowing real-life grain bin sweep-auger accident to remind producers about seasonal equipment vigilance. The 28-Year Walk Around the World: The hosts react to the incredible story of 57-year-old Karl Bushby, who recently completed a 31,000-mile, 28-year trek across four continents entirely on foot to return home to England. Sports Roundup with Big Game James McCarty: The Minnesota Wild edge the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 behind a multi-point night from Matt Boldy, while regional high school volleyball section tournaments heat up. Question of the Morn — Sale-Only Splurges: Listeners and hosts share the grocery staples and indulgence items they will only buy at a discount, debating rising prices on butter, name-brand sodas, and frozen pizzas.
    2 hr 18 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Soaking Autumn Rains, The El Zagal Turducken, and Backyard Chicken Winter Care
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman host a rainy Monday broadcast of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios, welcoming a long-awaited soaking rain across the Red River Valley. The duo recaps regional weekend sports heartbreakers, upcoming election developments, and oddball local and national headlines. The show features Jill Patrie from the Clay County Extension office, who shares crucial winterization techniques for local backyard chicken owners, while Dr. Chad Zimmerman of the El Zagal Shriners Misfits drops in to detail their annual Thanksgiving smoked turkey drive and unique Turducken raffle benefiting Shriners Children's Hospital. On the sports desk, Big Game James McCarty breaks down the Minnesota Vikings' first loss of the season in Detroit, regional college football down-to-the-wire battles, and the latest high school football playoff matchups. Key Moments Much-Needed Regional Rain: A major autumn weather system brings one to two inches of steady rain across the metro, providing vital relief to severe regional drought conditions ahead of a sharp drop into the 40s later in the week. Vikings Fall in Detroit: The Minnesota Vikings drop from the ranks of the unbeaten, falling 19-15 to the Detroit Lions in a defensive struggle. Winterizing Backyard Chicken Coops: Jill Patrie from the Clay County Extension office discusses an upcoming University of Minnesota webinar offering guidance on coop insulation, ventilation, winter feed adjustments, and keeping water from freezing. The Legendary Shriners Turducken: Dr. Chad Zimmerman of the El Zagal Shriners Misfits previews their Thanksgiving charity initiative, smoking roughly 160 turkeys and holding a limited 200-ticket raffle for a handcrafted 25-pound Paul Prudhomme-style Turducken to support children's medical care. Ag Update with Bridget Riedel: WDAY Ag Director Bridget Riedel highlights rising diesel fuel thefts from farm machinery across the region, upcoming open enrollment health coverage options for farm families, and plans for the WDAY Radio Farm Show. Bizarre National Oddities: The hosts react to wild headlines, including a Michigan police K-9 requiring emergency surgery after swallowing dozens of beef-scented landscaping rocks and a reckless driving incident resulting in a McRib lawsuit against McDonald's. Package Delivery Habits: On the "Question of the Morn," hosts and callers share how frequently delivery drivers pull up to their porches and debate the shifting perks of online bulk shopping.
    2 hr 15 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Weekend Rut Tactics, Scratch-and-Sniff Origins, and Playoff Gridiron Clashes
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman kick off a crisp Friday edition of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios on WDAY Radio! The hosts recap shifting autumn weather conditions as the Red River Valley prepares for a mild, breezy Halloween weekend before a wet storm system brings up to two inches of much-needed rain next week. The show dives into major regional headlines, including a high-profile felony arrest near a South Fargo elementary school, upcoming school funding ballot measures, and long-distance robotic telesurgery breakthroughs. On the sports desk, Jace breaks down Minnesota Wild overtime heartbreakers, college hockey showdowns, and a massive slate of high school football playoff matchups. Plus, outdoor expert Steve Carney drops in with crucial strategies for hunting the peak deer rut and fall walleye patterns, while Bonnie explores the accidental Minnesota invention of scratch-and-sniff stickers on Bonnie’s Bacon Bit. Key Moments Halloween Weekend Weather & Rain Relief: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki forecasts mild temperatures reaching the mid-50s for Halloween trick-or-treating, followed by breezy 60s on Sunday and potential soaking rains early next week. Arrests Near Eagles Elementary School: Fargo Police apprehend two individuals on out-of-state Wisconsin felony warrants near Eagles Elementary, with officials confirming students and staff were never in danger. F-M High School Football Playoff Action: Coverage of the Minnesota and North Dakota state playoffs, highlighting Moorhead High taking on Coon Rapids in Class 6A and West Fargo hosting Mandan in a Class 3A quarterfinal clash. Regional Sports Rundown: The Minnesota Wild pick up a point in a 4-3 overtime battle against the New York Islanders, the Timberwolves host the LA Clippers without Anthony Edwards, and the NDSU Bison prepare for road action. Outdoor Report with Steve Carney: Outdoor specialist Steve Carney outlines tactics for the onset of the deer rut, debates mechanical versus fixed broadheads, and explains the strange mix of early blue-winged teal and late green-winged teal arriving simultaneously. Telesurgery Breakthroughs: The hosts discuss medical advancements in robotic telesurgeries performed across thousands of miles between Florida and Angola, exploring latency management during remote operations. Bonnie's Bacon Bit — The Accidental Sticker: A look at how 3M researcher Gale Mattson accidentally invented scratch-and-sniff microencapsulation technology while trying to create carbonless copy paper in Minnesota.
    2 hr 12 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: World Series Triumphs, Savory Waterfowl Roux, and Holiday Giving Drives
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman kick off a crisp Thursday morning on Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! The hosts navigate a chilly 50-degree fall day while covering key regional headlines, including a high school swatting hoax in West Fargo, a fatal UTV crash in Stutsman County, and federal funding initiatives for Grand Forks runway projects. On the sports desk, Jace celebrates the Milwaukee Brewers capturing their first-ever World Series title with a dominant 4-1 series win over Tampa Bay, while reviewing regional high school volleyball playoff brackets and the Timberwolves' hard-fought battle against Golden State. The show features hunter chef Jeff Benda and his daughter Lucia, who stop by to share stories from the duck blind and offer masterclass tips on stirring the perfect roux for duck étouffée and gumbo. WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel drops in to preview the upcoming WDAY Radio Farm Show, detail regional pink-at-the-pump fundraisers, and outline new digital herd management tools. Plus, Sue Baron of Golden Drive Homeless Kids highlights the kickoff of their community holiday gift drives and collection boxes to support local children in need. Key Moments Milwaukee Brewers Win World Series: The Milwaukee Brewers defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in the World Series, clinching the first championship title in franchise history. West Fargo Swatting Hoax & Stutsman County Rollover: West Fargo Sheyenne High School enters a brief precautionary lockdown following a false threatening swatting call, while a 35-year-old Fargo man is tragically killed in a UTV rollover near Pelican Point. Duck Blind Success & Cajun Cooking with Jeff Benda: Hunter chef Jeff Benda and his daughter Lucia discuss harvesting plump late-season greenhead mallards and gadwalls. Lucia explains the difference between a 10-minute blonde roux for thick duck étouffée and the dark copper-penny roux required for hearty duck gumbo. Ag Update with Bridgette Readel: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel highlights October's Pink at the Pump ethanol promotions for breast cancer awareness, welcomes newly elected national FFA Central Region Vice President Teagan Erbele, and introduces NDSU's interactive digital cow-calf record book. Golden Drive Holiday Campaign with Sue Baron: Sue Baron from Golden Drive Homeless Kids outlines their community holiday initiative, placing bright gift-wrapped collection boxes across area businesses for non-perishable food, winter clothing, backpacks, and store gift cards. Regional Volleyball & Gridiron Matchups: Jace recaps Minnesota Section 6A and 8AA volleyball playoff action, previews high school football quarterfinal matchups,…
    2 hr 16 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: First Flurries, Inclusionary Housing, and High-Tech Cargo Heists
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman host a lively Tuesday morning edition of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios. The hosts recap overnight weather changes as the region catches its first taste of winter flurry activity alongside much-needed rainfall. The episode dives into key municipal and regional headlines, including Fargo approving a new affordable housing requirement for commercial tax incentives, Concordia College securing a major $3 million AI education grant, and community tributes for the FM Area Diversion project. On the sports front, Jace covers the Timberwolves falling in overtime to Cleveland despite a 47-point showing from Anthony Edwards, the Brewers dominating Game 3 of the World Series, and high school volleyball playoff action. Plus, financial advisor Brien Krank and market guest Marc Simonett weigh in on key market moves, while the hosts discuss Dollar General settlement fallout, the Wienermobile visiting town, and a bizarre trend in high-tech GPS freight heists. Key Moments First Flurries and Rain Relief: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down light overnight snowfall and rain across the region, noting minor accumulations in areas like LaMoure and Ellendale before temperatures settle into the 40s and 50s. Fargo Approves Inclusionary Housing Rule: Fargo City Commissioners approve a 10-year property tax exemption for The Cove, a $61 million mixed-use project, while officially establishing a policy requiring developers to include affordable housing units in future commercial redevelopments. Concordia Lands $3 Million AI Grant: Concordia College secures a $3 million federal grant to upgrade classroom STEM equipment, introduce AI tutoring tools, and launch a dedicated artificial intelligence major by fall 2027. FM Diversion Families Honored: Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson expresses gratitude to local families and farmers who relocated from generational homesteads to make the $3.2 billion FM Area Diversion project possible. Timberwolves Edge-of-Seat Overtime Battle: Anthony Edwards pours in 47 points, but 17 team turnovers and late fouls cost Minnesota in a 127-125 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brewers Dominate World Series Game 3: The Milwaukee Brewers erupt for an eight-run fifth inning to blow open a 10-1 victory over Tampa Bay, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. Market Insights with Brien Krank and Marc Simonett: Brien Krank and Marc Simonett analyze market swings, tech company voluntary buyouts, and upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate expectations. The Wienermobile Hits Town: The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile makes a multi-day tour across Fargo-Moorhead, hosting community story times, photo ops, and visits to…
    2 hr 19 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Autumn Flurries, As-Seen-On-TV Hits, and Dugout Booster Bingo
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman kick off a crisp Monday morning on Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! The hosts navigate a chilly start to the week as the Red River Valley transitions from mild fall weather to light snow chances, diving into local news headlines, college and high school football thrillers, and a hilarious listener debate on the best and worst "As Seen On TV" gadgets. B.J. Blanchette from the Fargo Dugout Boosters stops by the studio to share how their volunteer group supports youth baseball and softball and previews their upcoming designer purse bingo fundraiser. Key Moments Early Flurries and Winter Forecast: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down an incoming cool front bringing chilly 30s and a chance of light, melting snow showers across the metro before milder conditions return for Halloween weekend. Federal Support for North Dakota Ranchers: U.S. Senator John Hoeven introduces the Range Act to bolster disaster safety nets, expand emergency grazing relief, and improve livestock feed programs for regional producers. B.J. Blanchette on Fargo Dugout Boosters: B.J. Blanchette joins the show to discuss how the Fargo Dugout Boosters raise funds for youth sports scholarships and facility upgrades—including community batting cages at The Attic. Falling for Handbags Purse Bingo: B.J. Blanchette previews the Dugout Boosters' upcoming Fall Designer Purse Bingo on November 7th at Sweet Shots, featuring 14 games and a 50/50 raffle to benefit local youth athletes. High School Football Thrillers: Jace recaps heart-pounding playoff action across the area, including West Fargo's 22-21 upset over top-ranked West Fargo Sheyenne on a dramatic two-point conversion. College Football Updates: Highlighting weekend gridiron battles as Concordia College eyes a historic conference crown run and regional teams battle through key division matchups. Question of the Morn — "As Seen On TV": Listeners and hosts debate the household gadgets they bought from television infomercials, comparing durable successes like Flex Tape, Miracle Blades, and pocket hoses against total kitchen duds.
    2 hr 17 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Fall Fishing Frenzies, Flood Protection Progress, and The Universal Word
    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman deliver a jam-packed Friday edition of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios. The hosts kick off the morning enjoying a brief 60-degree temperature spike before a major weekend cold front brings a hard freeze and highs plunging into the 40s. The show covers major community news, including Senator John Hoeven celebrating a $750 million federal commitment for Fargo-Moorhead flood protection, Mayor Josh Boschee taking City Hall into local neighborhoods with community coffee hours, and a newly launched business helping senior citizens navigate modern electronics and avoid online scams. On the sports desk, Jace breaks down Minnesota Wild hockey, the Fargo Force's seven-game winning streak, upcoming regional high school and college football matchups, and previews of the World Series. Plus, outdoor expert Steve Carney drops in to share fall hunting and fishing conditions, and the hosts debate spearmint versus peppermint on Food Fight Friday. Key Moments Fargo-Moorhead Flood Protection Update: Senator John Hoeven joins community leaders to celebrate progress on permanent Fargo-Moorhead flood protection, highlighting a federal funding increase from $450 million to $750 million through a public-private partnership model. Mayor Boschee's Neighborhood Coffee Hours: Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee announces "Coffee with the Mayor" starting October 29th at Froth Coffee House to make local government more accessible to residents. Tech Support for Seniors: New local service "Gadget Grandkids" launches to help older adults operate phones, computers, and TVs in their homes while providing free scam awareness education at assisted living facilities. October Outdoor Report with Steve Carney: Outdoor expert Steve Carney shares that local duck numbers are exceptionally low in central North Dakota due to mild weather and standing water in Canada, but reports that fall walleye fishing is experiencing its best October bite in ten years as fish feed heavily near shorelines. Regional Sports Roundup: The Fargo Force extend their winning streak to seven games after beating the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders 5-2, while the Minnesota Wild drop a close 2-1 decision to the Calgary Flames. Bonnie's Bacon Bit — The Universal Word: Research across 200 conversations in 10 different languages reveals that the word "huh" exists as a universal verbal cue to signal that a listener did not hear or understand a speaker. Food Fight Friday - Spearmint vs. Peppermint: Hosts and callers weigh in on their favorite mint flavor, with spearmint taking over 90% of the vote.
    2 hr 18 min
  • Bonnie & Friends: Near-Record Warmth, Field-to-Table Feasts, and Tech Support Solutions
    Hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome listeners to a sunny Thursday edition of Bonnie & Friends live from the Corwin Subaru Studios! The duo covers the region's impressive stretch of near-record 70-degree weather before a sharp autumn cold front arrives over the weekend. The show highlights local news updates, including a death investigation in Moorhead, a tragic rabies exposure incident affecting a cattle herd, and upcoming college football previews. The episode features hunter chef Jeff Benda and his 11-year-old daughter Lucia, who share stories from a recent Wyoming elk hunt and their favorite wild goose tenderloin recipes. WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel drops by to discuss regional agricultural harvest progress, while tech expert Brenton Berdahl of Geeks on Wheels provides essential advice for navigating cybersecurity, avoiding online scams, and fixing everyday home tech headaches. Key Moments Chasing 70-Degree Records: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki tracks unseasonably warm fall weather pushing into the low 70s before an impending cold front brings falling temperatures and 40-degree highs over the weekend. Moorhead Death Investigation: Moorhead police investigate the death of a man found injured on a sidewalk, noting investigators are working to determine the cause of his injuries. Wild Game & Feasting with Jeff Benda: Hunter chef Jeff Benda and his daughter Lucia drop by the studio to talk about their Wyoming elk hunting trip, sharing tips for cooking wild duck and goose, including Lucia's favorite pan-seared goose tenderloins. Ag Update with Bridgette Readel: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel shares insights on regional crop conditions, waterfowl hunting reports across local fields, and a rabies exposure alert involving a cattle herd. Tech Help with Brenton Berdahl: Brenton Berdahl from Geeks on Wheels shares crucial guidance on protecting seniors from online financial scams, navigating Venmo/Zelle security, and troubleshooting home Wi-Fi and smart devices. Housework & Chores Banter: On the daily morning check-in, hosts and callers weigh in on their household cleaning habits, routine chores, and the unwritten rules of staying at rental properties.
    2 hr 14 min

About Bonnie & Friends

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Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5am to 8:30am on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right!