Bonnie & Friends

It's a "finally Friday" on Bonnie and Friends with Jace Denman and Big Game James McCarty, battling the blustery weather, tackling gift-wrapping woes, and diving deep into sports, dining, and a very "Moose-taken" identity. Key Moments: Winter Travel and Weather: A bitter cold front has settled in, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect and an overnight low predicted at 17 below. Road conditions are slick across the region, with scattered snow and ice. Truckers and commuters are urged to be cautious. The Adulting Achievement: James reveals he has almost finished and wrapped all his Christmas shopping, a feat his sister-in-law finds impressive for a man, joking that her husband wraps like a T-Rex. The Great Restaurant Debate: The hosts discuss the top 20 most-loved restaurant chains in the U.S. according to Yelp reviews, with surprises like Dave’s Hot Chicken topping the list and In-N-Out Burger coming in at number four, which Jace finds "overrated". Ice Fishing Report: Outdoors expert Steve Carney warns that the recent heavy snow and warm-up trend have created dangerous flooding and slush on area lakes, recommending a snowmobile for accessibility and advising wheelhouse owners to wait before heading out. He also compares portable ice shacks, ranking Otter as the best quality. Ag History and Baby Carrots: Ag Director Bridget Riedel shares a history lesson on "The Three Sisters" (corn, beans, and squash) and reveals that "baby carrots" didn't exist before 1989—they were just big carrots cut to salvage misshapen produce. Moose Mistake: The hosts discuss a viral story about a Duluth man facing a gross misdemeanor charge for mistaking a moose for a whitetail deer during Minnesota's firearms season. James, the amateur outdoorsman, argues the hunter should never have fired given the low visibility and the clear size difference between the two animals. Local Sports and Transfers: The Minnesota Wild beat the Stars 5-2 , the Fargo Force fell to Sioux City 5-1 , and former MSUM Dragon defensive lineman Ashton Sayre transferred to rival South Dakota State for his final year of eligibility.

🍎 Wednesday's Drama, Draft Picks, and Driveway Dilemmas Welcome to this morning's circus edition of Bonnie and Friends! Get ready for a mix of personal woes, sports updates, market volatility, and a very controversial Christmas movie debate. Key Moments: Host's Antics and Injuries: The host shares a hilarious and painful account of shoveling his driveway and then dropping a jar of pasta sauce on his toe, leading to a dramatic moment and a very caring question from his wife: "Did that hurt?" The World of Sports: Catch up on the latest, including the Minnesota Twins dropping to the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft lottery (their highest pick since 2017). Plus, Buxton and Joe Ryan are candidates for Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster, and Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill is a finalist for the 2025 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. UND men's hockey defenseman Jake Levinavich was named the NCHC Defenseman of the Week for the sixth time in his collegiate career. Weather and Travel Alerts: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki provides updates on the snow event, with 3 to 6 inches falling across the area, leading to travel alerts and no travel advised in some northern areas. Highs are stuck in the teens, but a significant warm-up to near 40 degrees is forecasted for Tuesday of next week. The Morning's Burning Question: The hosts and listeners discuss how structured or rigid they are with their eating habits, prompting a discussion about meal planning, leftovers, and the host's attempt at making a roast in his new Instapot. Global Tech Ban Debate: The hosts dive into Australia becoming the first country to ban social media for those under 16, debating the effectiveness of the ban versus the necessity of parental discretion. Money and Markets: Brian Kronk of Collins & Kronk shares insights on market volatility, noting the current calmness may be misleading due to tax-related selling reluctance, suggesting a potential post-January surge in volatility. A Christmas Movie Showdown: The episode concludes with a spirited, controversial debate about the most popular Christmas movies by state, revealing that National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is the most popular nationwide, and one host vehemently disagrees with the popularity of A Christmas Story.

❄️ Winter Storm Looms: Snow, Sleet, and Slushy Commutes Episode Summary: Hosts Jace Denman and "Big Game" James McCarty cover the latest in sports and local news on a snowy Tuesday morning. The main topic of conversation is the incoming winter storm set to affect the Fargo-Moorhead area. Key Moments: Weather Warnings: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki confirms a Winter Weather Advisory for the FM area and a Winter Storm Warning for the Northern Valley. Precip is expected to start around 9:00 AM as a mix of snow and sleet, with the potential for freezing rain mixed in by lunchtime. The conditions will deteriorate rapidly in the afternoon, with winds whipping out of the northwest at 35 to 50 mph, making the evening commute "an absolute mess". Total snowfall is predicted to be about two to four inches in the FM area. Timberwolves Lose, Wild Win: The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Phoenix Suns 108-105, snapping their five-game winning streak. Their shooting struggled, notably hitting only 11 of 42 three-point attempts. The Minnesota Wild had a successful night, scoring three unanswered third-period goals to win 4-1 against the Kraken in Seattle, splitting their road trip. Family Holiday Drama: James shares a comedic story about his father's plan to travel to Denver to see the Timberwolves play on Christmas Day, suggesting James handle all Christmas cooking and hosting duties by himself. Illegal Air Drop: A bizarre news story highlights a prison in South Carolina where a drone was intercepted trying to drop a package of contraband (steak, crab legs, weed, and cigarettes) for inmates. College Success Indicator: The Department of Education will add an "Earnings Disclosure" to the FAFSA process, giving students key financial data and showing which colleges have graduates who earn below the average high school graduate, helping prospective students make better data-driven decisions. Lottery Tickets: Listeners Cody and Jamie won Fargo Force tickets for the games this week.

Hosts Jace Denman and "Big Game" James McCarty fill in for Bonnie for a "Morning Circus Edition" of Bonnie and Friends. The show tackles winter weather , Christmas talk , and a weekend of surprising sports results. Key Moments: Winter Storm Watch: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki advises listeners of a winter storm watch in effect from Fargo northward , starting Tuesday and lasting until Wednesday morning. Heavy snow and patchy blowing snow with gusts up to 45 mph are possible , and a chance of freezing rain is also possible Tuesday morning. These conditions are expected to make the Tuesday afternoon and evening commute "an absolute mess". Vikings Win, FCS Stunners: The Minnesota Vikings secured a 31-0 victory over the Washington Commanders , keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. However, the biggest headlines were in the FCS playoffs: North Dakota State Bison were upset 29-28 by Illinois State at the Fargo Dome. South Dakota State fell to Montana 50-29. North Dakota lost to Tarleton State 31-13. The South Dakota Coyotes dominated Mercer 47-0 , advancing as the lone Dakota school remaining. Christmas Conundrums: The hosts discuss the question of the morning: how far along are you on shopping, decorating, or baking? James McCarty is awaiting a message from his grandmother regarding what cookies he has to bake and bring to Christmas. Jace Denman is working on shopping for his wife's birthday (10 days before Christmas) and Christmas. The Science of Stank: A bizarre story surfaces from a 1998 gastroenterologist's study: women's flatulence allegedly smells worse than men's due to a significantly higher concentration of hydrogen sulfide , a compound scientists believe may help slow or reverse Alzheimer's effects. NBA and NHL Updates: The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-8) host the Phoenix Suns , and the Minnesota Wild (15-9-5) wrap up a four-game road trip against the Seattle Kraken. Other Headlines: The show also covers the new 12-team FBS College Football Playoff bracket , the discovery of a seal under a dishwasher at a bar in New Zealand , and a high school basketball crowdfight at Hopkins that cut a game short.

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…

🏒 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.

A cold and windy Wednesday morning sets the stage for a discussion on winter conditions and local news, including a mat bus collision in Moorhead and a three-hour police standoff in Fargo. The hosts celebrate significant sports victories: a Minnesota Wild 1-0 shutout over the high-powered Oilers and a Timberwolves overtime thriller. They delve into North Dakota's ranking as having the nation's worst drivers. The central topic of the morning, "What food requires work to enjoy it?", sparks a lively debate on everything from peeling grapefruits to cracking king crab legs. Finally, the Fargo Force is spotlighted for its upcoming second annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game. Key Moments: Wild's Stunning Shutout: Goaltender Jesper Wahlstedt recorded a 33-save shutout, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 1-0 win over the high-scoring Edmonton Oilers. Wahlstedt was also named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for November. Timberwolves Win in Overtime: The Minnesota Timberwolves came back from a 10-point deficit at the half to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 149-142 in overtime. Anthony Edwards had a season-high 44 points. North Dakota's Driving Dilemma: New data from Lending Tree ranks North Dakota as having the worst drivers in the country, topping the nation for speeding-related incidents. "Work to Enjoy" Food Debate: Listeners chimed in on foods that require effort: Crab Legs: Often eaten for New Year's Eve, king crab legs are cited as being a lot of work to crack and get the meat out. Ribs: The need to peel the membrane off the back of baby back ribs is frustrating. Lasagna: Making homemade lasagna is a lot of work. Peeling Fruit: Pomegranates, mangoes, and oranges were mentioned as requiring effort to peel or seed. Vikings Playoff Hopes and Personnel: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is cleared from concussion protocol and is expected to start against the Washington Commanders. Despite the positive news, the Vikings are given only a 1% chance to make the postseason. Also, Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Battle of the Badges Preview: Fargo Force's Katie Merrick previews the second annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game this Sunday at Shields Arena. Last year's event raised $17,000 for the Hometown Heroes Fund. Tyson Foods Plant Closure: The news of Tyson Foods closing its Lexington, Nebraska, plant, putting 3,200 people out of work, is discussed, with concern for the impact on the community. Package Theft: A…

Hosts Bonnie and Jace return after the holiday weekend to a dramatic drop in temperatures and continued winter weather. They provide updates on the severe snow in the Dakotas and the resulting travel chaos, including multiple snowplow collisions. The show is dominated by college football, setting the stage for the FCS playoff second round with major matchups for NDSU, UND, and SDSU. Other segments include a lighthearted discussion on the struggles of ordering food and finding unique Christmas gifts, and an interview on a new local magazine, Edible North Dakota. Key Moments: Sudden Cold and Wind Chills: The region faces a cold snap, with overnight lows expected to hit 2 below zero, leading to wind chills as low as negative 7. The forecast for the week remains chilly with no major accumulating snow events, which is good for ice formation. Widespread Snow and Plow Collisions: Heavy snow hit South Dakota (Aberdeen reported 8.6 inches) and western North Dakota. Travel remained difficult, and a troubling five snowplows have already been hit this early winter season. FCS Playoff Second Round Set: The Dakota schools swept the first round. The second round features: NDSU hosting Missouri Valley foe Illinois State. UND traveling to Texas to face Tarleton State. SDSU (with a newly healthy quarterback) facing a tough road trip to Montana. Vikings Shutout: The Minnesota Vikings were shut out 26-0 by the Seattle Seahawks, turning the ball over five times, including four interceptions by Max Brosmer, prompting the hosts to joke about finding new quarterbacks among the fans. Edible North Dakota Magazine: Melinda Goodman introduces her new publication, Edible North Dakota, a "love letter" showcasing the state's food systems, from farmers and ranchers to local restaurants. It features five issues per year, including a holiday edition focused on traditional foods like lefse. The "Wrong Order" Dilemma: The Question of the Morning asks listeners if they have ever received the wrong food order, leading to stories about wrong drive-thru bags, unexpected double cheeseburgers, and the frustration of dealing with incorrect deliveries from services like Walmart. Cost of College Questioned: A national poll suggests that nearly two-thirds of registered voters no longer see a four-year college degree as worth the cost, primarily due to the high amount of debt and lack of specific job skills upon graduation. Celebrity Auction: George Foreman's family is auctioning off his 1968 Olympic gold medal. While some speculate he might…

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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Ag Tech and Christmas Trees: Ag Director Bridgette Readel discusses new herbicide molecules that could serve as a backup for glyphosate, and notes…

🚨 Icy Roads, Bison Football Contracts, and Thanksgiving Prep! 🦃 Episode Summary: Hosts Bonnie and Jace broadcast the day after a severe snowstorm, with their main focus on the extremely hazardous road conditions across North Dakota and Minnesota, advising travelers to slow down and delay plans for the Thanksgiving holiday. The show features a major local sports announcement: NDSU Head Football Coach Tim Polasek's new seven-year contract extension. Discussions include the massive cleanup effort, the new $400 million North Dakota farm loan program, a financial update warning about a "fake correction" in the markets, and an interview with the Ag Director about new farming technology. They also share their personal Thanksgiving meal plans and talk with local musicians Kathy and Dan Brekke about their upcoming "Christmas Classics" shows. Key Moments: Post-Storm Road Mayhem: The Red River Valley received 3 to 7 inches of heavy snow, resulting in 27 crashes, 75 vehicles sliding into ditches, and 13 jackknifed semis in West Central Minnesota alone. Authorities urge travelers to reduce speeds and heed "No Travel Advised" warnings due to slick and polished sheet ice. I-29 Closure and Reopening: The show provides critical updates, initially reporting that I-29 is closed from south of Fargo all the way down to Watertown, South Dakota. Later in the episode, they confirm the interstate has reopened but caution that "No Travel Advised" is still in effect due to ice and compacted snow. NDSU Football Coach's "Significant Raise": NDSU Head Football Coach Tim Polasek received a seven-year contract extension through the 2033 season, which includes a significant pay raise and more program resources. This sparks speculation about a possible future move for the Bison to the FBS level. Thanksgiving Travel and Preparation: Callers share real-time "Road Warrior" reports confirming "solid ice" on I-94 and I-29, reinforcing the danger. The hosts share details of their holiday meal prep, from making homemade stuffing and apple squares to using an electric roaster for the turkey. Financial Warning: Managing Partner Brian Kronk discusses a "fake correction" in the stock market, advising listeners not to be distracted by the short-term rise of "junk companies" and to hold onto quality investments, suggesting a market rotation will occur after the New Year. Ag Tech and "Hacker Heroes": Ag Director Bridgette Readel details John Deere's "bug bounty program," which pays ethical hackers over $1.5 million to find security vulnerabilities. She also introduces "Oz," an AI digital…