You never know when Abby the camera lady will sneak up and ask some random question.  Today she walked around the radio station and asked, ” What are you giving up for lent?”  Here’s what people said.

Babies pretty much depend on others for everything.  Even if it means taking life lessons from the family dog.

Erika Goldring, Getty Images

Jason Aldean is on the verge of completing his highly-anticipated fifth studio album, the follow-up collection to his multi-platinum selling ‘My Kinda Party.’ While Aldean admits that the pressure was on to come up with a solid album that would outdo what ‘My Kinda Party’ did — which was spawn four consecutive No. 1 singles — he says that in the end, he stuck with music his fans love and have come to expect.

“One thing I didn’t want to go in and do was make ‘My Kinda Party II,’” Aldean tells Taste of Country. “But at the same time, and I think I said this on the last record, too, I don’t want to ever totally get away from what it is that got me to this point — that sound and hard-charging kind of thing that I’m known for, because that’s what I enjoy to play. At the same time, I think on the ‘My Kinda Party’ record we changed it up. We did the [duet] with Kelly [Clarkson], we did ‘Dirt Road Anthem’ … just little snippets of things like that that are kind of different and odd.”

“I think there’s some of that stuff on this new record,” he continues. “It’s going to be the kind of record that people are used to us making. It’s still going to be that hard-driving stuff and a couple of little surprises in there, too. It’s good … I think so, anyway.”

Fans will see some of the usual suspects behind the songs lyrics, including Neil Thrasher (‘Tattoos on This Town,’ ‘Fly Over States’), Jason Sellers (‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’), David Lee Murphy (‘Big Green Tractor’) and Wendell Mobley (‘Tattoos on This Town’), as well as some first-time writers like ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year and Peach Picker, Ben Hayslip.

“The more success we have, the better the songs are that get pitched to us,” notes Aldean. “With every record we’re getting better and better songs. This record was no exception. We have some really great songs. I think a lot of writers are locked into what I’m doing. For whatever reason, I feel like the stuff they write is stuff that really fits what I do. They’ve gone in and wrote a lot of songs specifically for us, especially on the new album. There are certain guys who are just great writers, so when you’re looking for songs for a new album, obviously you’re going to want to go to those guys and see what they’ve got and if they’ve got anything that fits you. Those guys are kind of dialed into what I like. We’ve got a good run going with them right now.”

Aldean hopes the yet-to-be-titled new album will hit stores around October or November of this year. The hat-wearing hitmaker just released his fifth and final single from the ‘My Kinda Party’ album, ‘Fly Over States.’

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Sartell Police

Have you seen this guy? Do you know him? If you do, please turn him in. He’s the guy that robbed the Sartell Speedstop Gas & Goods on Friday night.

This enrages me. Sartell is my community. I live there because I feel safe and feel a sense of community pride throughout the city. I never feel like I should watch over my shoulder or watch out for the great people working the counter at the BP or at Subway. I have never once felt like I should have to lock my doors. Until now.

This guy walked into the BP station in Sartell on Friday night, no mask, demanded money from a very nice young lady whom I have known over the past few years and made off with it. Personally, I feel threatened by this because it happened in my city. This is how it starts, one gets away with it, then more will follow. I want to put a stop to it right now. As Barney Fife would say, “Nip it! Nip it in the bud!”

If you know this man or think you saw something on Friday night, February 17th around 9pm at the corner of 2nd and Pinecone Road, please call the Sartell Police Department. Any information is appreciated. You can reach them at 320-251-8186.

Here are some different shots of the suspect.

Sartell Police

Sartell Police

Tri-County Humane Society

Melina is a 4 month old, spayed, Shepherd Mix who was transferred to TCHS from another rescue organization. Melina has an energetic, sweet personality and is looking for an indoor home where she can be spoiled! Since Melina is still a puppy, she is working on her house training skills. Melina came in with her brother, Miguel, and they get along famously. If you can provide this lovable puppy with the home she deserves, stop into the shelter and meet with her today.

– Tri-County Humane Society Executive Director Vicki Davis

Tri-County Humane Society

Meet Foxy. She is 5 months old and already spayed. She has a medium- length coat that is soft to the touch. In her previous home, Foxy lived with many other cats and loved to rough house and play with them. Sometimes she is shy around new people at first but warms up quickly. When Foxy is snuggled up on your lap receiving a good head scratch, her purr-box never quits! She would love an indoor home and will make a lovable pet.

– Tri-County Humane Society Executive Director Vicki Davis

Check out all the animals available for adoption by going to the Tri-County Humane Society’s website or Facebook page. Or visit them at 735 8th Street Northeast in St. Cloud. They’re open Monday through Thursdays Noon to 6; Fridays noon to 8; Saturdays 11 to 5; and Sundays Noon to 5.

Ricky

I just got back from a vacation in Texas and though, technically, I think Texas is still a part of the United States…it sure is different down there! Every Saturday afternoon the local bar in town draws a crowd for Belt Sander Racing. If you’ve never witnessed it, here’s your chance.

Fulton, Texas is a small town on the coast that boasts some unique local hang-outs with (even more) unique locals and their (never seen anything like this before) unique activities.

On Saturdays the crowd gathers at the Pickled Pelican to cheer on their favorite Belt Sander Racer. And they stay all day. It could be the racing, or the good weather, or the beer. I’m betting on the beer.

utblive.com

Sometimes people just need to be kicked in the teeth – especially if they are asking for it. Other times, they just need to be hit with a tazer. There is a sport that’s trying to combine soccer and running from the cops.

It’s called Tazer Ball and it is a 4 on 4 team that seems to be the game of soccer, with a much larger ball. The object is to score a goal with the ball. The opponents are armed with tazers and can taze you down to get the ball.

I can see this having huge television ratings, but who would play it? Check out the video with the first 8 players from Ultimate Tazer Ball!

The video was shot in a recording studio in Nashville. It was actually her last day in the studio – she has officially wrapped up recording for her fourth album. There is no title for the upcoming record as of yet, but we do know that the first single is “Good Girl”. After listening to the little bit of it that Carrie has shared in the video below, I’m predicting it will be a huge hit! I’m so excited Carrie is back with new music, she is absolutely incredible.

If this snip-it leaves you wanting more, you don’t have to wait very long. The full single will be released to radio tomorrow! But for now, this is all you get.

Joe Sexton and Gary Posch (Jim Maurice)

The St. Cloud Northwoods League baseball team, formally known as the River Bats, will reveal its new team name, logo and colors Tuesday February 28 at 7pm at Legends Bar and Grill in the St. Cloud Holiday Inn.  The event is free and open to the public.  Merchandise and season ticket options will be available at the event.

St. Cloud Vice President Scott Schreiner says they received “1,200 suggestions for a team name”.  The Northwoods League season begins for St. Cloud on May 30.  The home opener for St. Cloud is June 2 against Mankato at 7:05.

Getty Images

It’s Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras is in full swing. The parties, the beads, the red solo cups? Yes, Toby Keith‘s latest song has shown up with a zydeco spin!

The latest Toby song has been covered on Glee, been sung by a three year old, even Santa got in on the action! Now the ear worm song has gotten the zydeco treatment as everyone wraps up Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

Thanks to Toby for sharing this one out!

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Country hitmaker Joe Nichols and his wife, Heather, are about to get a visit from the stork, according to People. Nichols, who released his record ‘It’s All Good’ at the beginning of November, has one 13-year-old daughter, Ashelyn, from a previous relationship, but is extremely excited to be expecting for the first time with his wife of more than four years.

“After trying to have a baby for so long, we are thrilled to announce that I am pregnant,” Heather says. And the excited father-to-be adds, “I have to give all the credit to my wife — she has been a trooper through all of this, and I am so happy.”

The ‘Gimme That Girl’ singer married his wife in September of 2007 with a Georgia wedding, and they have been talking for a couple of years now about taking the next step to become parents together. After quite a bit of trying, they’re finally able to realize that dream and look forward to the arrival of a new little Nichols.

The country singer released a ‘Greatest Hits’ album last January, and this year he’s slated to perform at the WYRK Taste of Country concert June 1 at the Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, N.Y. along with Eric Church and Eli Young Band.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Carrie Underwood is among the artists whose music appears on the new Xbox Kinect game Country Dance All Stars.

Carrie and Steven Tyler dueted together at the Super Bowl Fan Jam in Indianapolis earlier this month for an episode of CMT’s  Crossroads.

She’ll release her fourth studio album on May 1st.

Carrie has built a playground at the Marshall Elementary School in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. It was donated by Carrie’s C.A.T.S foundation, which takes care of the needs of the town, its schools and animal causes.

She was named Country Weekly’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2011.

Ricky has goats that provide her with milk and also do some yard work.  Who knew that goats also provided this service as well.

Getty Images

The Vikings have a struck a tentative agreement with the University of Minnesota on how much the Vikings would pay for use of TCF Bank Stadium while the Vikings Stadium is built near the Metrodome.  The Vikings didn’t say much much they would pay per game but did say TCF Bank Stadium would add 3,000 temporary end zone seats to the University’s 50,000 seat stadium.

The Vikings paid one game at TCF Bank Stadium in 2010 when the Metrodome roof collapsed and paid the University $1.7 Million for that one game.

Getty Images

The Timberwolves lost 103-101 in overtime at Denver Monday night.  Arron Afflalo made the tie-breaking floater with :33 left in overtime.  Kevin Love led the Wolves with 22 points and 13 rebounds, Michael Beasley added 17 points and Ricky Rubio chipped in 16 points and 5 assists for Minnesota.  The Wolves shot 36 percent while Denver shot 40 percent from the field.

The Wolves are 16-17 while Denver improves to 18-15.  Minnesota will host Utah at 7pm Wednesday, hear the game on WJON.

Martina McBride Twitter

It is amazing to me that images we get into our minds about someone and their lives outside of what we know of them. It happens all the time to any of us in radio. You get a vision of what we look like and then you meet us and sometimes it is dead on, sometimes it is way different. When I think Martina McBride, I don’t think tequila – but I guess I’m wrong.

Friday night’s show in St. Louis must have been pretty spectacular for Martina and the crew to celebrate with the top of the line tequila. Martina sent out a tweet after the show asking if anyone would care to join her and the crew.

I never thought of Martina McBride as being a tequila drinker. I would have pictured her with a glass of wine, maybe a light beer once in a while or possibly a fruity mixed drink with an umbrella and half a pineapple hanging on the side – not tequila.

I guess that goes to show that Martina can party hard when she needs to! I’m thinking I might have to get a bottle of Patron as a gift when she performs at Winstock Country Music Festival!

Playing at Billy Bob’s in Texas is a big deal.  It is the biggest honky-tonk in the world and Luke has no problem selling it out.

Mickelson hit his tee shot on the 15th hole wide and to the left when the ball careened into the gallery and bounced up the shorts of the onlooker.

The victim of this amazing accident didn’t get hurt. In fact, he got some free stuff out of it. He received a signed golf glove from Mickelson, a story to tell for the rest of his life, and now he’s a YouTube star among the ranks of Rebecca Black. Who could ask for anything more?

Source: TheFW.com