Bonnie & Friends

Bonnie & Friends from October 27th! 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. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcasts.

🎧 Podcast Summary: It’s a very Monday kind of Monday on Bonnie and Friends as Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman tackle a morning full of tech chaos, fall weather, and nostalgic laughs. Nationwide internet outages have Alexas refusing commands, Ring doorbells down, and half the cloud acting up—but the WDAY crew keeps it light. Between weather updates, Vikings heartbreak, and Fargo’s “No Kings” rally recap, Bonnie and Jace swap stories about the good old days of Halloween—itchy masks, paper-bag ghosts, and cowboy hats made from Easter lily baskets. Meanwhile, Bridgette Readel drops in with the ag report and a chilly October forecast, and listeners call in to share their funniest, most creative childhood costumes. It’s a warm, witty slice of Midwest life—proof that even when the cloud goes down, the show goes on. 🔥 Highlights: Nationwide internet outage chaos (Alexa, are you okay?) Fargo’s peaceful “No Kings” rally draws thousands Vikings struggle in a close one (again) Listeners share hilarious throwback Halloween stories Bridgette Readel’s ag report and fall weather outlook

Listen as Bonnie and Jace chat with Hunter/Chef Jeff Benda about antelope, pheasant, the cookbook he is working on, as well as how to find recipes on  https://wildgameandfish.com [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2329/2025/10/17090043/hunter-chef-jeff-benda-10-16-2025.mp3"][/audio] Here is the link to Lucia's favorite Pheasant Florentine recipe Super Easy Pheasant Florentine Recipe (Chicken Florentine) - Wild Game & Fish And below is the link to the Antelope Steak with Mushrooms recipe mentioned on last Thursday's show How to Cook Antelope Steak with Mushrooms - Wild Game & Fish Last week's show is also attached in case you missed it. [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2329/2025/10/17090110/hunter-chef-jeff-benda-10-09-2025.mp3"][/audio]

Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman kick off the show with updates on Vikings key personnel changes, reports of a serious local crash, and a look at life-saving medical advances for rural Minnesota.   Sports & Local Safety   Vikings Quarterback Returns: Quarterback JJ McCarthy has officially returned to practice, and the practice window has opened for linebacker Cashman. The team is preparing for their Week 7 game against the Eagles. Serious West Fargo Collision: A four-car, chain-reaction crash occurred near West Fargo High School on Monday afternoon, resulting in at least four injuries. The driver who initially caused the crash was cited for careless driving. Moorhead Shots Fired Search: Police in Moorhead are continuing their search for a driver connected to a shots fired case from September 23rd, and have released an image of a white Ford Explorer sought in the investigation.   Health & Economic News   Helicopter Cardiovascular Care for Rural Minnesota: A new helicopter program has been launched in Greater Minnesota to speed up cardiovascular care. The program allows the specialized ECMO machine (which temporarily takes over for the heart and lungs during cardiac arrest) to be delivered by helicopter to rural hospitals, saving patients who would otherwise not make it to the Twin Cities in time. Financial Expert Touts Trump Rx Plan: A financial expert on the show touted the benefits of the Trump Rx drug price deals and discussed additional food aid funding for women and children. Congresswoman Fedorchak's Office Hours: Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak announced she will hold in-person office hours in Grand Forks this Thursday, October 16th, stating that even with the government shutdown, her team is "busy working for North Dakotans". DPI Responds to Staffing Cuts: The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction responded to news of federal education staffing reductions.

This Monday episode of Bonnie and Friends, recorded on October 13, 2025, recap the weekend's sports, features critical agricultural and hunting tips, and continues the discussion on the growing dangers of impaired driving in the region.   Guests & Featured Segments   WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel: Bridgette Readel joins the show to discuss current agricultural topics and challenges. Steve Carney Outdoors: Steve Carney is on the air to talk about "BIG bluegills" and all things hunting and fishing. Question of the Morning (QOTM): What's the most trouble you got into as a kid?   Sports & Weekend Recap   MLB Playoff Update: The National League Championship Series (NLCS) and American League Championship Series (ALCS) have begun. In the NLCS Game 1, the Dodgers edged the Brewers 2-1. In the ALCS Game 2, the Mariners defeated the Blue Jays 10-3, giving Seattle a 2-0 series lead. NFL Results: The hosts report on the Sunday NFL games. The Bears won 25-24 over the Commanders. The Falcons defeated the Bills 24-14. NHL Season Underway: The show reports on the beginning of the National Hockey League (NHL) season. The Wild won their game against the Kings 4-3. Vikings Bye Week Outlook: The Vikings are in their bye week with a 3-2 record. The upcoming opponent is the Eagles on Sunday, October 19th. Head Coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles staff reviewed the first six games during their mini-bye to prepare for the Vikings. The hosts note that Carson Wentz is "managing a serious left shoulder injury".   Crime, Safety, & Local News   Impaired Driving Dangers: The show continues the discussion on the local danger of impaired driving. A study presented to the American College of Surgeons found 42% of drivers in fatal crashes in a major Ohio county tested positive for THC (active marijuana consumption), highlighting the national and regional danger of driving under the influence of cannabis. Horse Dragged on I-29: The tragic incident of a horse being dragged for about two miles along I-29 near the Oxbow exit, leading to its death, is discussed. Bear Attack Mystery: The hosts revisit the bizarre story of a Missouri man who died from a likely bear attack at an Arkansas campsite after reportedly spotting the bear but failing to leave the area. Fargo Crime & Search Update: The search for murder suspect Tyreek Jones continues nationwide, and the man federally indicted for allegedly pointing an…

This Friday edition of Bonnie and Friends, recorded on October 10, 2025, covers the excitement of a new convenience store opening, a political fallout from a prominent local activist's legal trouble, and a check on the beautiful, extended fall weather.   Local News & Political Fallout   Quick Trip Phasing Out the Penny: Quick Trip will be the first major convenience store chain in the U.S. to phase out the penny, rounding cash purchases to the nearest five cents. The first local Quick Trip store is opening this morning in Moorhead. Fargo locations will be called Quick Stars. Activist Faith Dixon to Plead Guilty to Theft: Local activist Faith Dixon plans to plead guilty to theft charges for allegedly misusing grant money intended for a children's scholarship fund and funneling thousands of dollars to relatives. She is scheduled to stand trial next month. Controversial Book Stays on Moorhead Shelves: The book "Not My Idea, a book about whiteness" is back in circulation at Moorhead Public Schools after no formal request for reconsideration was submitted. Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunick had previously expressed that the district needed to better vet books. Federal Aid for ND Employees: The State Industrial Commission approved a short-term, low-interest loan program (2% interest) for furloughed federal workers and military members stationed in North Dakota, covering up to three months of base net pay. Turning Point USA Event Security: Authorities, including the FBI and Homeland Security, are implementing heightened security for tonight's Turning Point USA event in Grand Forks, headlined by Glenn Beck. Over 2,000 people are expected to attend.

This episode of Bonnie and Friends, recorded on Thursday, October 9, 2025, covers excitement over new local business, updates on the political and sports fronts, and a lively discussion on seasonal spending.   Local Excitement and Safety   Quick Trip Mania: The first local Quick Trip (Quick Star on the Fargo side) store opened this morning in Moorhead, with a customer waiting in line hours early to be the first in. The hosts express excitement over the chain's food and convenience, which is well-known outside the region. Fire Safety Alert: Near critical fire weather conditions are forecasted for parts of northwestern and west-central Minnesota (including Clay, Norman, and Wilkin counties) due to dry conditions and south-southeast winds gusting up to 30 mph. Activist Pleads Guilty: Local Black Lives Matter activist Faith Dixon is set to plead guilty to theft charges for allegedly stealing grant money intended for children's scholarship funds and giving some to relatives. UND Turning Point Event: Heightened security is in place for tonight's Turning Point USA event at the University of North Dakota, headlined by Glenn Beck. The event was originally planned by the late Charlie Kirk, and over 2,000 people are expected to attend. New State Crypto: North Dakota is launching the Rough Rider Coin sometime next year, a stable coin backed by assets like the U.S. dollar and other commodities, intended to maintain a steady value unlike other cryptocurrencies.

This Wednesday episode, recorded on October 8, 2025, covers a warming weather trend, a fantastic surprise from a local business, the rising need for community support, and a look at cutting-edge farming technology.   Key Moments   Warm-Up Continues, Fire Danger Rises: The cool start will be quickly replaced by warm temperatures, with a high of 70∘F today and 75∘F tomorrow. Winds will be 10–20 mph. The dry conditions have prompted a special weather statement for near critical fire weather conditions in northwestern and west-central Minnesota, including Clay, Norman, and Wilkin counties. Laney's "Feel the Love" Surprise: Laney's, in partnership with Lennox, dramatically chose two families (instead of the planned one) to receive free, complete HVAC systems (furnace and AC). The installation for both deserving families will take place this Friday, with Laney's crew volunteering their time. The winners will be revealed at 9:06 AM on the Coffee Club. Rebuilding Together Fundraiser: Cassie Skalicki of Rebuilding Together, a non-profit that provides essential home repairs and modifications for homeowners in need, is holding a "mini event" fundraiser this Friday at Junkyard West in West Fargo. A portion of pint sales and hammerschlag proceeds will go toward their $31,000 goal for the end of winter. The non-profit currently has a waiting list to get on its waiting list due to high demand. Fargo Crime & Search Update: The man federally indicted for allegedly pointing an AR-style handgun in the Bell Bank parking lot on Broadway is set to stand trial in December. Fargo Police Lieutenant Tom Shaw says the search for murder suspect Tyreek Jones has gone nationwide, though he has not yet been caught. Electric Tractors on the Farm: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel discusses the future of electric tractors. She notes smaller operations like orchards could be a good fit, with a potential sale price of $30,000 cheaper than traditional models. However, battery life, waterproofing, and horsepower remain limiting factors for large-scale operations. National Taco Day: The hosts remind listeners that National Taco Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 8th, though the hosts joked it's practically every day. National Pet Obesity Awareness Day: The show notes that today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and Jace Denman's cat, Leo, who was recently found to be over 25 lbs, is discussed as an example of a pet who may need a lifestyle change. Jace also mentioned his other cat, Ray, who is…

This Tuesday episode, recorded on October 7, is packed with extreme weather updates, bizarre crime reports, and local sports news, along with a serious discussion on impaired driving and an interesting look at agricultural challenges.   Key Moments   Tornado Upgrade Controversy (Top Story): The June tornado in Enderlin, North Dakota, which killed three people, has been upgraded by the National Weather Service (NWS) to an EF5, with peak winds exceeding 210 miles an hour. However, Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki reveals "chatter" from sources high up in the NWS that suggests the EF5 classification "never should have been classified" and that information was "cherry picked". The strongest recorded tornado winds were 321 mph in Oklahoma in 1999. Coolest Day of the Week & Upcoming Warmth: Today is the coolest day of the week, with a high of 57∘F. However, a windy warm-up will push temperatures to 70∘F tomorrow and 75∘F on Thursday. Frost is expected tomorrow morning in the FM area. Bear Attack Mystery: A Missouri man was found dead at an Arkansas campsite after a likely bear attack. The man had texted pictures of a large bear near his campsite to his son two days prior but failed to leave the area. The man's body was found with extensive injuries, having been dragged from the scene. This is the second fatal bear attack in the area this month. Impaired Driving Study: A study to be presented at the American College of Surgeons found that 42% of drivers involved in fatal crashes in a major Ohio county tested positive for THC (recent marijuana consumption). The lead researcher was surprised by the high levels, which were far above the legal limit. Horse Dragged on I-29: A horse died after falling out of a trailer near the Oxbow exit on I-29 and being tragically dragged for about two miles before breaking free. The driver, returning from a rodeo, was reportedly unaware of the incident. NDSU Finalizes 2028 Schedule: NDSU Football has completed its 2028 non-conference schedule by agreeing to a home-and-home series with Stony Brook. The schedule includes a major road trip to Oregon in week two. FDNY Warns of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: The Fargo Fire Department is promoting Fire Prevention Week, focusing on preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries found in phones and power tools. WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel on Corn Woes: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel discusses the high…

This episode, recorded on Monday, October 6, 2025, marks a definitive return to seasonal fall weather after a two-week heatwave. The hosts discuss the weekend's nail-biting local sports, essential life skills for young people, and a critical conversation with the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center about the growing need for their services.   Key Moments   Fall Weather Takes Over: Temperatures have finally turned, with a chilly morning and a high of 60∘F expected today and tomorrow. Frost advisories are out for 17 counties in North Dakota, although Fargo is expected to stay above freezing. Warmer temperatures in the 70s are expected to return by the end of the week, with a chance of rain over the weekend. Vikings Win, Local Teams Triumph: Vikings Escape London: The Minnesota Vikings secured a dramatic 21-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in London, thanks to a game-winning touchdown pass from Carson Wentz to Jordan Addison with 25 seconds left. The Vikings head into their bye week at 3-2. Local Football Thrillers: MSUM Dragons walked off Minot State 40-37 in overtime on their homecoming. NDSU pulled away late to defeat No. 6 Illinois State 33-16. Pick Six Winner: Linda S. won the Pick Six contest, beating seven other contestants who got all six games right, by accurately predicting the score of the Vikings game within two points. Fargo Force Home Opener: The Fargo Force fell to Sioux City 2-1 in a shootout in their home opener. Question of the Morning: Essential Life Skills: The question asks what life skill every young person should be taught. Popular answers included: Manners and Respect (especially for elders). Money Management (budgeting and understanding personal finance). Cooking/Meal Prep and Laundry. Good Communication (with eye contact). Handwriting Thank You Notes and Sympathy Cards. Rape and Abuse Crisis Center Sees Increase: Jody Hudson and Sara Stompro from the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center report a continuing increase in individuals needing services. They stress that domestic violence is an abuse of power and control that includes psychological and emotional abuse, not just physical violence. Funding Gap: Their service volume is increasing, but funding is not keeping pace, resulting in a $500,000 funding gap for 2025. Community Support: The center conducts outreach in schools (from second grade through high school and college) and runs a No Violence Program for individuals who have used violence. Their big Harvest Moon Fling fundraiser this week is…