Podcasts about rockton

In this episode of The Journey with Kevin Polky, Kevin sits down with Matt Weldon, whose life has been defined by transformation and purpose. Growing up in Rockton, Illinois, Matt's path has taken him from studying at Eastern Illinois University to a career in education, then making bold shifts into trading at the Chicago Board of Trade, and ultimately becoming a financial planner. Beyond his career, Matt is dedicated to making a difference. He co-founded Don't Be Next, a foundation created in memory of two close friends, Craig and Patrick, to support community initiatives. He also hosts the podcast Single Dad, Sober Dad, where he shares insights on fatherhood, sobriety, and personal growth as a single father of four. In this inspiring conversation, Matt opens up about his journey with recovery, the pivotal moments that led to positive change, and his commitment to helping others navigate life's challenges. Tune in for a story of resilience, reinvention, and finding true happiness.

January 11, 2025 Today's Reading: Introit for Baptism of our Lord - Psalm 2:7-11,12c; antiphon: Isaiah 42:1aDaily Lectionary: Ezekiel 33:1-20; Romans 3:1-18Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights. (Isaiah 42:1a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God delights in whom He chooses. This phrase is a comfort to us because we know that God chose to give His only-begotten Son for the entire human race. Not just to some. Not just to those who would choose Him back (as if any sinful human being could apart from the Holy Spirit). But to all. That includes you. God delights in you!This is a marvelous thing to ponder. God chose to love sinful human beings, even though they turned from His desire for them and even turned on one another. The Psalmist lays it bare in Psalm 2: entire nations rage, people plot and scheme– but it is in vain. The love of God remains freely given to all. This is the good promised when we yield our will to God's will, and permit Him to do the choosing.Unfortunately, we like to be ‘choosy.' It makes us feel powerful, like God. Sometimes, we even convince ourselves that we have chosen to follow God of our own ‘free will.' This is nothing but the Old Adam within us, attempting to deny the brokenness of the human will apart from Jesus. It wants to claim some part, however small, in choosing Him. Drown that fellow in the memory of your Baptism each day. Because the fact is that we are not as ‘choosy' as we think. Apart from Christ, our will is bound to sin. But we know that we are not apart from Christ. He has taken the part of the Servant, suffered and died for our sins, and now is upheld by God to all eternity! Praise be to God that He alone is the ‘Chooser!' Luther describes the daily victory God wins within us: “For He slays our will in order to establish His own will in us. He puts to death the flesh and its lusts in order to make alive in us the Spirit and the things that He desires.” In moments of weakness, turn to your Baptism, that moment when God chose you. Remember that He sees in you His Servant whom God upholds, whom He Himself has chosen, in whom He is well-pleased. Find your delight in Him, too.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee; That, I know, could never be; For this heart would still refuse Thee Had Thy grace not chosen me. Thou hast from the sin that stained me Washed and cleansed and set me free And unto this end ordained me, That I ever live to Thee. (LSB 573:1)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 10, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 2:28-29Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32; Ezekiel 19:1-24:27; Romans 2:17-29“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law and thereby redeem all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike. This was plain enough to the early church from the Holy Scriptures, the teachings of the Apostles, and the very words of Jesus Himself. But the Christ came “first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). So did Gentile converts first need to become Jews in order to become Christians? Did they need to learn all 613 Mitzvot? Adopt Second Temple-style worship, dress, and cultural norms? Did Baptism truly impart new life and freedom from sin, or merely bring one into a new legal covenant? The Law was the teacher of God's chosen people for centuries; it demanded outward righteousness. What part did it play now? Some in the church abused the Law, lording worldly power over Gentile converts. The true Lord, however, charged us not to lord power over the other members of His body (Matthew 20:25-28). The church of Christ is not some cultural country club; it is truly catholic (universal). The Christian is called by the Holy Spirit, enlightened, sanctified, and kept in the true faith through the gospel. In other words, we are Christians not because of our own outward works or cultural heritage but because of the inner workings of Christ in our hearts.St. Paul makes this abundantly clear in his letter to the Romans. While many of God's people considered themselves generally upright and to have made proper atonement for their sins, the fact remained: all failed to uphold His Law in their hearts. All except one: Jesus Christ. He has fulfilled the Law, accomplishing what no sinful human being ever could through circumcision nor any other outward work. For this, He received no praise from men. Instead, He was crucified–given as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of all people. Praise be to God for the salvation accomplished by Him! Salvation is now for all who trust in Him. It is yours, not through works, but by faith! “No temple now, no gift of price, No priestly round of sacrifice, Retain their ancient pow'rs. As shadows fade before the sun The day of sacrifice is done, The day of grace is ours.” (LSB 530:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect L11, adapted)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 9, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Third CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Ezekiel 3:12-27; Ezekiel 4:1-11:25; Romans 2:1-16The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“What makes you so special?” That question could be taken as Law or Gospel, depending on the context. Both are helpful to us as we reflect on the Law of God laid down in the Third Commandment and the Gospel promise He offers apart from it.“What makes you so special?” an honest friend asked a young church worker. After years of schooling and moving and sacrificing for others, the young church worker was convinced that a getaway weekend was deserved. So it was planned, miles away from any church. “After all,” they explained to their friend, “the Sabbath is not a literal ‘day' for the Christian who finds his Sabbath in Jesus.” While true, this attitude betrayed a dangerous misunderstanding of Christian freedom. One Sunday away from church may not break a believer's faith, but intentionally spurning the Word of God will lead to rejection of the faith received at Baptism; this is most certainly true. There are no exceptions; no one is so special as to be immune from the Law. There is no vacation from God nor rest apart from Him. There is no portion of one's life that can be kept for oneself. All things belong to the Lord, who commands us to worship Him. The words of Ezekiel are a warning to us: “Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?” So the honest friend asked: “What makes you so special?” The words were like a shot through the heart, as the Law so often is. The young church worker knew they had despised God's Word. They repented and found a place to worship, even on vacation.Brothers and sisters in Christ: gladly hear and learn the Word of God. Come to worship as regularly as you can. This is in keeping with God's good Law; it is His good and gracious desire for you to hear His Word, that it may convict you of your sin and bring you to repentance. As the Holy Spirit works within your heart, you will hear the same Word of God, but it will take on a new and glorious meaning– for the Law has been fulfilled in Jesus!True Sabbath rest is His free Gift to you! “What makes you so special?” now has an answer: Jesus! In His Word, He declares you so special that He forgives your sin!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, we are men of half faith, of cloven faith, half given to You, half saved up for ourselves. Forgive us, Lord. Teach us, O Lord. Teach us to walk as Your Son walked on earth through ministry to death, through death to life and glory at Your right hand. Through Him we pray. Amen. (adapted from a prayer “To Live by the Word of God” by Martin Franzmann, in “Pray for Joy,” CPH: St. Louis, MO, 1970)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 8, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-15Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 2:1-3:11; Romans 1:18-32“And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem… and made a feast for all his servants.” (1 Kings 3:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? Was your wishlist fulfilled? Or did you perhaps get a gift for someone else? Was it just what they hoped for? It is a good tradition to give and receive gifts at the birth of our Lord since He has given Himself as a gift to us. It is only through His holy Incarnation, precious death, fulfilling resurrection, and glorious ascension that we are gifted the forgiveness of sins and blessed with life in His name. Praise be to God for this indescribable Gift!A ‘Christmas gift' of sorts came about 950 years early for Solomon. The LORD invited him to ask for a gift. All Solomon needed to do was name his desire, and it would be given to him. Can you imagine? Solomon had the ability to get what he had always wanted and to fulfill his wishlist.Yet Solomon did not ask for something for himself– not primarily, anyway. No, Solomon asked for “a wise and discerning mind,” or as some might translate, “heart.” Motivated by love for the LORD and His people, Solomon asked for what was necessary to carry out his vocation as a servant-king. He even provided a feast for his servants– not for his fellow kings or for lesser nobility, but for his servants! Solomon's servant-leadership foreshadows the work of the King of kings in serving His people. Our Lord sets a great Feast before us. His own Body and Blood draws us together and strengthens us for service in His kingdom, which has no end.We may not be kings, but we have been made daughters and sons of the King of kings. We gain His inheritance and are blessed with advancing His kingdom through our various vocations and callings. Like Solomon, we are called not to use our gifts for ourselves but for others. This is in keeping with God's will. We are capable of serving others with our gifts because God first gave to us. He has clothed us in His own righteousness. Truly, truly, not even Solomon in all his earthly splendor was arrayed as you are now! As you thank God for your many gifts this Christmas, recall the most precious of all: Jesus Christ. You have, indeed, received what you wanted for Christmas! Your wishlist truly has been fulfilled! Share that Gift.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, through the Incarnation of Your Son, You have given an inestimable gift: the restoration of our human nature. Grant us, as Your servant Solomon, discerning hearts to pursue what is good, true, and beautiful in our vocations; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 7, 2025Today's Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 1:1-14, 22-28; Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Romans 1:1-17“...In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:4b-5a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever heard an excited child talk about a favorite gift? They are so filled with joy that they can hardly contain it! They babble with a bubbling buzz, bursting on and on about their treasure. Or have you heard a little one pray? Again, they babble with a bubbling buzz, praising God for each and everything that is dear (or merely near) to them: Grandpa and Grandma, Mom and Dad, siblings, toys, even the ceiling that keeps rain off their heads. They form a litany of praise and thanksgiving. St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians bursts on and on with a similar litany of praises. In English, verses 3-14 are split into several sentences, each still quite long. In the Greek, however, the sentence divisions are not so clear; one might read verses 3-14 as a single, continuous sentence– totaling up to 202 Greek words! That is the longest sentence in all of Scripture. St. Paul babbles with a bubbling buzz, like an excited child or a praying child. The truth is, he is both: he is a child of God. The Father predestined St. Paul for adoption through the blood of Jesus Christ. Upon the Cross, the sins of all were forgiven. In Holy Baptism, St. Paul received the inheritance due to the Son of God.What was true for St. Paul then remains true for you today. You also have been predestined for adoption into the household of God. Your sins have been forgiven. You have been raised to new life. If this alone were not enough to have you babbling with a bubbling buzz about His love, consider also the litany of Gifts God the Father provides for you: an eternal family through His only-begotten Son, siblings bound together forever in His name, His blessed Sacraments to delight in, and –yes– even the ceiling which keeps rain off your head. God has provided you with everything you need to support your body and life. For this, it is your duty to thank, praise, serve and obey Him. This is what St. Paul models for us in Ephesians. His praise is simultaneously profound and simple. Let the Triune God be praised for His work yesterday, today, tomorrow, and on and on into eternity!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.All praise to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to Thee. Alleluia, alleluia! Whom with the Spirit we adore Forever and forever more: Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 816:3)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 6, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 2:1-12Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 66:1-20; Luke 3:21-38“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him…” (Matthew 2:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Herod had a problem: he wanted to be first. It is why his life was a constant rat race. It was why he, an Idumean, usurped the Jewish throne. It was why he entertained Caesar and borrowed his legions. It was why he styled himself Herod ‘the Great.' It was why he married into the last remnants of the great Jewish houses to insert himself into a genealogy and birthright that was not his. It was why his family tree was heavy with fratricide, patricide, matricide, and murder. He killed at least one of his wives, their two sons, his brother-in-law, his mother-in-law, and his grandfather-in-law. Yet Herod still had a problem: he was not first. Despite his treaty marriages and mass murders, Herod remained last. Another claimant to the throne was and is and forever will be the rightful Heir. When the Magi came to seek after the One who had been born King of the Jews, Herod was troubled. And when Herod was troubled, all of Jerusalem knew the wrath that was brewing. The pretender-king's sin rolled down on others. The Magi listened first to God. He preserved them from Herod's wrath and instead led them to the true King—the King who does not demand to be first because He truly is first. Indeed, the whole earth is but His footstool and even that analogy does not do His grandeur justice! He was present at creation and saw humanity plunge the world into sin. He knows the wrath this world deserves. But Jesus is not the King who merely takes what is rightfully His; He redeems it. This is why He, the first, became the last. He suffered the pain and agony that our sins would demand so that we would be freed from the punishment we deserve. For this magnificent work, Jesus is the sole King to whom God the Father says: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Through Baptism into His name, His birthright is transferred to us. We are grafted into His family tree and are empowered by His Holy Spirit to rise forgiven each day– made first by Him.In the Name + of Jesus, the first and last. Amen.What joy to know, when life is past, the Lord we love is first and last, the end and the beginning! He will one day, oh, glorious grace, Transport us to that happy place beyond all years and sinning! Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearning for the day of Your returning! (LSB 395:6)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 5, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 2:40-52Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 65:8-25; Luke 3:1-20“And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.” (Luke 2:51)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Today is the Eve of the Epiphany of our Lord. The lights of Christmas and the New Year still shine, and the whole world waits in anticipation of the Light who has yet to reveal Himself in His fullness. Yet within the small household of the astonished Joseph and Mary, the wisdom of God is already being revealed. The boy Jesus goes missing from His parents for three days. Jesus was not a runaway. This was not some act of preteen rebellion. No, worldly wisdom does not explain the actions of the Christ child, for God's wisdom is higher than man's. He chooses what is foolish to shame the wise. This humble Jesus has come to share the wisdom of God– and not just to the small household of Joseph and Mary, but for all. Worldly wisdom would keep God to the righteous and wise of the world. But God's wisdom invites even sinners to be cleansed of their sin and to enter His eternal household. He even takes on human flesh and submits Himself to the care of human parents. Joseph and Mary finally find Jesus where they should have been looking all along: in the Temple, revealing the wisdom of God. All present looked on with astonishment. The doctors of the Law, Gaze on the wondrous child, And marvel at His gracious words, Of wisdom undefiled. (“Within the Father's House,” LSB 410: 2)We are invited to join those doctors of the Law in wonder at God's unfathomable wisdom, first demonstrated in the Incarnation and now poured out for us in the reading, learning, and preaching of His Holy Word. In a world that constantly distracts us from God's Word and teaches us to despise the preaching of God's Word, let us set our minds even more resolutely on being enlightened by His wisdom. What joy and peace His wisdom provides! What comfort this knowledge brings our suffering souls! While our mortal minds are wearied by knowledge of our sinfulness, Jesus nonetheless reveals Himself in human flesh to prove that God still desires our salvation. He does not abandon us to the pattern of this world but claims our bodies as His temples, transforming us through the renewal of our minds. Each day, He sends His Spirit anew to you, calling you to repentance and enlightening you by His Gospel to see His wisdom. Knowing the depth of our sin, it hardly seems possible– but this is the wisdom of God. As the lights of Christmas fade, let the Light of His wisdom shine in our hearts.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect L10)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Happy St Patrick's Day from the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #652. Arise & Go, Santiago Molina, Corey Purcell, Mary Beth Carty, The Haar, The Gothard Sisters, Emma Langford, Socks in the Frying Pan, Fire In The Glen, The Chieftains, Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, The Langer's Ball, We Banjo 3, The BorderCollies, Heather Dale, Banshee in the Kitchen, The Celtic Kitchen Party. Santiago Molina, The High Kings, The Bow Tides, Matt McGinn, Poitín, Syr, Marc Gunn, Jesse Ferguson GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items for Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2024 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2024 episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on Spotify to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. It also makes it easier for you to add these artists to your own playlists. You can also check out our Irish & Celtic Music Videos THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:17 - Arise & Go “The Dirty Bee: La Grondeuse / Mutt's Favourite / Break Yer Bass Drone / The Dirty Bee” from Meeting Place 5:28 - WELCOME 8:23 - Santiago Molina “Acá y ahora” from Desde un nuevo lugar 11:30 - Corey Purcell “Jock Stuart” from Undaunted 16:14 - Mary Beth Carty “Lake Ainslie to Millburn” from Crossing the Causeway 20:07 - The Haar “Home Boys Home” from Where Old Ghosts Meet 27:26 - The Gothard Sisters “Alaska Set” from Dragonfly 31:01 - Emma Langford “Demon Darling” from Sowing Acorns 34:14 - Socks in the Frying Pan “Ahhhhhhhhh (Live)” from Raw & Ríl (Live) 37:50 - FEEDBACK 44:36 - Fire In The Glen “Big Strong Man” from Cutting Bracken 46:57 - The Chieftains “The Morning Dew” from Bear's Sonic Journals: The Foxhunt  -  Live In San Francisco 1973 50:40 - Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer “Folk Club Song” from Twelve Months & A Day 55:49 - The Langer's Ball “Reel/Jig: The Otter's Holt/Morrison's Jig” from Appetite for Tradition 58:46 - We Banjo 3 “Alive With You” from Open The Road 1:01:38 - The BorderCollies “Carraig Nua” from Sticks and Stones 1:04:55 - Heather Dale “Down By the Salley Gardens” from My Celtic Heart 1:08:10 - Banshee in the Kitchen “Banish Lisa” from The Last Pint  -  Not 1:11:29 - THANKS 1:15:08 - The Celtic Kitchen Party “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya” from Lobster Tail and Beer 1:19:05 - The High Kings “Paddy's Day” from The Road Not Taken 1:21:52 - The Bow Tides “The Power of Three” from Sailing On 1:26:44 - Matt McGinn “Lig Dúinn” from Behind Every Door // 2023 1:29:24 - Poitín “Mashed Mouse” from One For The Road 1:31:28 - Syr “To Avalon” from Sentinel 1:35:00 - CLOSING 1:37:02 - Marc Gunn with Jesse Ferguson “Molly Malone” from Come Adventure With Me 1:39:39 - CREDITS The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Finally, remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. This podcast is here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to keep making music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their communities on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. If you are a Celtic musician or in a Celtic band, then please submit your band to be played on the podcast. You don't have to send in music or an EPK. You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music and learn how to follow the podcast. It's 100% free. Just email Email follow@bestcelticmusic and of course, listeners can learn how to subscribe to the podcast and get a free music - only episode. At the end of every show, I ask you to vote for your favorite songs and tunes in that show. At the end of the year, I compile your votes into the Celtic Top 20 most - popular tracks of the year. We had some great music and musicians last year. I decided I want to share more music from these incredible artists on our first St Patrick's Day music special. You can listen to our Celtic Top 20 Best of 2023 episode #641 on our website. THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! You are amazing. It is because of your generosity that you get to hear so much great Celtic music each and every week. Your kindness pays for our engineer, graphic designer, Celtic Music Magazine editor, promotion of the podcast, and allows me to buy the music I play here. It also pays for my time creating the show each and every week. As a patron, you get music - only episodes before regular listeners, vote in the Celtic Top 20, stand - alone stories, and you get a private feed to listen to the show.  All that for as little as $1 per episode. A special thanks to our Celtic Legends of the Podcast: Bill Mandeville, Marti Meyers, Brenda, Karen DM Harris, Emma Bartholomew, Dan mcDade, Carol Baril, Miranda Nelson, Nancie Barnett, Kevin Long, Gary R Hook, Lynda MacNeil, Kelly Garrod, Annie Lorkowski, Shawn Cali HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST Go to our Patreon page. Decide how much you want to pledge every week, $1, $5, $25. Make sure to cap how much you want to spend per month. Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music. You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com. TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. Well, that's how most of my Celtic Invasions work anyway. But later this year, I schedule a brand new Celtic Invasion of Scotland's Whisky distilleries. We're gonna travel to Scotland, taste whisky, go for a hike through glorious Scottish countryside, then taste more whisky and do it all over, mixed in with some incredible food and a ton of fun. I need 6 people to make this trip happen. If you're interested in joining the invasion, sign up to our mailing list at http://celticinvasion.com/ #celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please email me. I'd love to see a  picture of what you're doing while listening or of a band that you saw recently. Email me at follow@bestcelticmusic. Christopher Fennell replied to my Re: Happy St Patrick's Month Feedback Request:  "Hi Marc, I love your podcast! I'm celebrating the early part of St. Patrick's month by volunteering in the Iditarod race in Alaska. I'll be singing Celtic tunes while taking care of the huskies running for 1,049 frozen miles from Anchorage to Nome. I have dual citizenship with the Republic, as my grandparents immigrated from Roscommon, Dublin, and Limerick. Perhaps I can start a sled - dog team representing the Republic somewhere in the future. Best wishes," Ben Doran replied to my feedback request: "Hello Marc; The weather here in Wisconsin today definitely inspires kilt wear. And weather/whether or not it is nearly this nice on St. Patrick's Day weekend, I'll be kilting it up. And singing with the band Ar Ais Aris (a - rash a - reesh)("Back Again") on Saturday in Berwyn, Il; then Sunday, to Galena, Il; then finish up with our two usual gigs for retirement communities in Rockton, Il and Beloit, WI on Monday. I will (yep) probably color my beard in orange and green for Monday. I think among the many new sounds/new music that I've heard from your podcasts, it would be the band, Larkin, that has my fancy (this week, anyway). No, I don't consider myself fickle, just distracted.  Slainte, Marc!!" woodland folk emailed a photo: "heading to the wood for a fire and a practice,can listen then my friend... Attached is a picture,me and another friend who plays a Welsh harp, stopped to play a little on the river brue ...." Nathanael Stottlemyer emailed: "We're losing Good Celtic Music Hi Marc, It was last year that I started listening to your podcast, and like a mad man I started your podcast at the very beginning. I'm now at the year 2016 and I've loved every episode. There is just one problem. When I look up the bands that I loved and that I want to purchase their music, they're gone. There's no website, no Spotify, no YouTube, sometimes I can't even find their CD's used! And it's a shame, because they're good songs and sometimes, take Young Hunting by Serious Kitchen (Which was in your best of the year podcasts more than once) it's the only Celtic rendition of the song on the internet. I managed to buy the last Tig! Album off the internet, but it's looking bad for some of my other favorites. We're losing years of Celtic music, and it's a shame, especially since I know that the members of Serious Kitchen and others are still around. I don't suppose I'm missing a way to buy these albums. I really hope I am. I don't suppose you could use your amazing Celtfather connections and reach out to some of the people of these bands and see if they'd put on Bandcamp? Or perhaps a huge "Best of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast" album with some of these lost treasures? They're some of the best music I've heard. Thanks, Nathanael"  

In a share house full of likeminded, creative types, Rockton Records was founded with the intention of shining more light on the projects of friends and artists around them that often sit on the fringes of the mainstream. Hiding on hard drives or in SoundCloud aliases, the idea was simple, more people might want to hear this music. Ryan Borrett, the brains behind Rockton Records, sits down with Mark Neal to chat about putting on the managerial hat to champion underserved voices and supporting creative friendships within the talented local music and arts community. First Pressing is a new RTRFM podcast championing the visionaries behind WA record labels. Join Mark Neal each fortnight for a deep dive into Perth's independent music scene and the people that nurture the community. https://open.spotify.com/episode/06F1MVgtMhKqEMkXIt82gl

In a share house full of likeminded, creative types, Rockton Records was founded with the intention of shining more light on the projects of friends and artists around them that often sit on the fringes of the mainstream. Hiding on hard drives or in SoundCloud aliases, the idea was simple, more people might want to hear this music.  Ryan Borrett, the brains behind Rockton Records, sits down with Mark Neal to chat about putting on the managerial hat to champion underserved voices and supporting creative friendships within the talented local music and arts community. First Pressing is a new RTRFM podcast championing the visionaries behind WA record labels. Join Mark Neal each fortnight for a deep dive into Perth's independent music scene and the people that nurture the community.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Children's hospitals in Canada are seeing an increase in cases of a common respiratory virus: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). How do we get this under control? Dr. Tim Sly, epidemiologist, returns with Scott to offer some advice. Canada's premiers are dialing up the political heat in their efforts to get Ottawa to increase federal health transfers to the provinces and territories. Our guest Colleen Flood says that Canada has a “fragmented accountability” system that only provides voters with the option of voting out a government if they are unhappy with their health system or how it's being managed. Minister has rejected original Rogers-Shaw deal, leaves door open with new conditions. Our guest Marvin Ryder says he sees this as a clear path toward success for the deal! It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast. Guests: Rondalyn Brown, Manager of Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton, Ontario. Barry Choi, Travel & Personal Finance expert. Dr. Jim Stanford, director of the Vancouver-based Centre for Future Work. Dr. Timothy Sly, Epidemiologist and Professor Emeritus in the School of Population and Public Health with Toronto Metropolitan University. Marvin Ryder, Professor with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Mel Cappe, Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Science; Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy; University of Toronto. Colleen Flood, research chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Ottawa. Eric Kam, Professor of macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, International Monetary Economics, Implications of Monetary Growth, with Toronto Metropolitan University. Scott Radley, Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Podcast Co-Producer –Matt Taylor News Anchors – Dave Woodard & Diana Weeks Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919

Official Website: https://www.lawabidingbiker.com In this episode, I talk with Curtis Sawyer of Indian Rider Radio for his podcast.   Curtis reached out to me because he sees me as an inspiration in the podcast and YouTube space.  I have to admit that it is quite humbling, and I appreciate his kind words.  Curtis is looking to grow his podcast through YouTube.  We get into what it takes to be successful as a content creator. Let me tell you, it isn't easy. We also talk about the motorcycle community; where it is and where we see it going. YOU CAN LISTEN TO INDIAN RIDER RADIO HERE SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE  One of the big changes is that motorcycle companies are looking to YouTube and other social media platforms for advertising.  It seems the days of magazines and moto-journalists are passed.  Riders watch YouTube and other social media platforms to get honest reviews of motorcycles.   CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! Update to what I said in the episode. We finally connected with the company that handles Public Relations for Indian Motorcycles.  We expect to ride and review some Indian motorcycles in the very near future.  Keep an eye out on our YouTube Channel for those ride and review videos.   NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED: Harley-Davidson Empire Collection Install | Is it the best? Sponsor-Ciro 3D CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation Sponsor-RickRak CLICK HERE The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution Forget those messy straps and bungee cords Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag Sponsor-Butt Buffer CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion? New Patrons: Derek Evenson of Saint Peter, Minnesota Robert Browning of Toledo, Ohio Michael Nielsen of Olympia, Washington Robert Shuttles of Elgin, Texas Kenneth David Severance of Reidsville, North Carolina Terry Morning of Rockton, Illinois Michael Pellew of Grantsville, Utah Giancarlo Lazzara of Whitestone, New York  Michael J Roberts If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation: ________________________________________________________ FURTHER INFORMATION:   Official Website: http://www.LawAbidingBiker.com   Email & Voicemail: http://www.LawAbidingBiker.com/Contact   Podcast Hotline Phone: 509-731-3548 HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker

Welcome to the Bent Biblios Podcast!  On this episode we had the opportunity to sit down with a long time favorite author of ours, Kelley Armstrong.  Kelley is a New York Times Best Selling author, and fellow Canadian!  Kelley has written well over 30 novels, from standalones such as Aftermath and Wherever She Goes to series such as the Rockton, Cainsville and Otherworld series, just to name a few.  We are here today to chat with Kelley about her latest novel, A Rip Through Time, the first book in a new series.In this episode we chat with Kelley all about her novel, A Rip Through Time, Kelley's research process, in the field experience, Victorian forensics, character development and humor, Kelley's favorite things to do in Edinburgh, being Canadian and so much more.You can purchase all of Kelley's novels wherever books are sold.You can get your copy of A Rip Through Time here:Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=a+rip+through+time&crid=2YIC3EXSYSCPN&sprefix=a+rip+through+time%2Caps%2C81&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Chapters/Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-rip-through-time-a/9781250864895-item.html?ikwid=a+rip+through+time&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=8ac97f202d36e66c6cd4aecb5e83d782Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Rip-Through-Time-Kelley-Armstrong/dp/1250820006/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1663330673&sr=8-1 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-rip-through-time-kelley-armstrong/1139985523?ean=9781250820006You can keep up to date with Kelley here:Website: http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleyarmstrongauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelleyarmstrongWe hope you enjoyed today's episode.  If you did, please leave us a review or visit us on Instagram at @bent.biblios.podcast and let us know!We put up new episodes every other Friday.

Join Mark Kastel, nationally prominent industry watchdog with OrganicEye, with thoughts on what we can do to protect the organic farming movement. OrganicEye is an organic farming movement located in Lafarge, Washington. OrganicEye started as a values-based industry. It was built on a loving, collaborative relationship between family-scale farmers and shoppers willing to pay for food produced based on superior environmental stewardship, humane animal husbandry, and economic justice for the people who produce our food. OrganicEye's mission is ensuring these values and commitments are not compromised in the modern food system. Mark lives on a 160-acre organically managed farm in the rugged hills of southwestern Wisconsin, near the tiny burg of Rockton, where, as executive director of OrganicEye, he continues to advocate for economic justice for family farmers and to preserve the foundational precepts of organic farming.  Tune in to hear all about how Mark and his organic movement make an impact on organic farming today! You'll hear: How Mark got interested in agriculture 1:34 Mark's first introduction to organics 4:18 Why we need a watchdog when working with organics 11:39 Mark's view on the overarching principles of organic 29:25 How we can get people to switch their focus back from healthcare to healthy food 35:52 The challenges and problems with faux milks 51:31 How Mark advises families to differentiate real organic from factory, corporate organic 55:25 What Mark has to say about buying from a grocery store versus a local farmer 59:45 Mark's favorite farming tool 1.07:25 About the Guest: Mark Kastel is Executive Director of OrganicEye, a prominent organic industry watchdog. Making the paradigm shift to organic agriculture after beginning his career with International Harvester, JI Case, and the FMC Corporation, he's been a certified organic farmer, a consultant to farmer co-ops, a lobbyist with the Farmers Union, and, since founding The Cornucopia Institute almost 20 years ago and then OrganicEye in 2019, has been recognized as the country's preeminent corporate and governmental watchdog in organics. After OrganicEye relocated from Washington DC earlier this year, he once again maintains an office on his 160-acre farm near La Farge, Wisconsin. Resources: Website: https://organiceye.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organiceye.org  The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! At AgriGro, we know that in today's modern agriculture, our efforts can deplete life or add life. When you look for ways to add life, it's sustainable and makes everything work better. The result is enhanced plant and soil health for crops, gardens, and turf, as well as improved animal health and environment for livestock and wildlife. Our products are all-natural, easy to use, and friendly to the soil, the plant, as well as the grower. AgriGro's® formulations deliver essential plant nutrition along with an advanced prebiotic concentrate, which significantly increases the multitude of beneficial native microbial species already residing in the production environment. Through these environmentally sound technologies, we're adding life to crop production, livestock, home, turf, and wildlife markets. You don't have to be dependent on crop production efforts that deplete life… Just Add Life with AgriGro®.

The Hamilton Today Podcast... Father Makarenko returns to the show, for a local perspective on the war in Ukraine, and what Hamiltonians can do to offer support. A new Ipsos poll says that if an election were held tomorrow, Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party would take home 38 per cent of the decided popular vote. Syrup season is here but collecting that sweet, sweet sap can prove to be a bit sticky given some of the weather we have had. How are things going at Westfield Heritage Village? Ontario is lifting masks, in most environments, today but the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board voted against ending the mandatory mask policy for staff and students of all ages on March 21. What does the HWDSB's decision mean for you, whether you're a student or parent of one, if you enter a classroom without a mask from a legal perspective? We look at developments from Russia's war in Ukraine, negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian government and more. CP Rail stoppage has the potential to hit Canada hard. How hard? Let's ask Professor Opher Baron what could be coming down the track. Guests: Father William Makarenko, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St Vladimir, 855 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario Darrell Bricker, CEO of IPSOS Polling Peter Lloyd, Collections Officer with Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario Jen McQueen, concerned parent, former anchor with 900 CHML Dawn Danko, Chair, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Julius Grey, Montreal civil rights lawyer, Senior Partner at Grey Casgrain, s.e.n.c.; a member of the Faculty of Law at McGill University from 1977 to 2002; taught at the Université de Montréal and the Canadian Human Rights School in Charlottetown; Past president of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation, 1985 to 1988 Dr. Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto Dr. Opher Baron, Distinguished Professor of Operations Management, Academic Director, MMA Program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto Scott Radley. Host of The Scott Radley Show, Columnist with the Hamilton Spectator Host - Scott Thompson Content Producer –William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer - William Webber Technical/Podcast Co-Producer - Ben Straughan News Anchors – Diana Weeks, Dave Woodard Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://omny.fm/shows/scott-thompson-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Brett sit down and talk about a physical therapist approach of fitness training. Brett sees the other side of fitness training with people hurting themselves by being active and not being smart or people not not being active. Brett is a Rockton local joining our team after a recent move home from Salt Lake City. His football career led him to play NCAA football for Augustana College. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University-St. Louis in 2017. Brett has a strong background in strength and conditioning from personal experience in football, but also supported by his Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) certification. He works full-time as a physical therapist and enjoys spending his days off in the gym helping people reach their fitness goals. Enjoy the show!

If you travel on Route 322 from Rockton into Clearfield, you've probably been wondering what's up with the signs stuck along the median, indicating the planets in our solar system. Mystery solved! Retired teacher Sue Shaffner says she wanted to give people a little surprise. It certainly made us smile!

Also happening today, Governor Pritzker is scheduled to meet with President Biden at the White House today; Indiana State Police have teamed up with the state's trucking industry for an enforcement campaign; actor Jussie Smollett is expected to be in a Chicago courtroom this morning for a hearing on felony charges for lying to police about being attacked in January 2019; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, Governor Pritzker is scheduled to meet with President Biden at the White House today; Indiana State Police have teamed up with the state's trucking industry for an enforcement campaign; actor Jussie Smollett is expected to be in a Chicago courtroom this morning for a hearing on felony charges for lying to police about being attacked in January 2019; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, Governor Pritzker is scheduled to meet with President Biden at the White House today; Indiana State Police have teamed up with the state's trucking industry for an enforcement campaign; actor Jussie Smollett is expected to be in a Chicago courtroom this morning for a hearing on felony charges for lying to police about being attacked in January 2019; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Bridge reports on Moody's upgrading of the State's Bond Rating and what this means for the state's financial situation.Matt Kaye on the House Appropriations Committee revoking of line speed waivers in meat and poultry plants.Interview with Mercer County Farmer Chad Bell in reaction to the June 30 acreage and stocks report.GROWMARK's Executive Director of Energy Supply and Pricing, Kelvin Covington joins the show to talk lubricants. They discuss the Chemtool explosion in Rockton, IL and the potential impact on supply and demand for products.

GROWMARK's Executive Director of Energy Supply and Pricing, Kelvin Covington joins the show to talk lubricants. They discuss the Chemtool explosion in Rockton, IL and the potential impact on supply and demand for products.Paul Olson, president of Southern Illinois Chapter 32 of International Harvester and Case IH collectors, from the National Big Red Power Roundup at the DuQuoin State fairgrounds. He talks about his love for Case IH Tractors.

Peter Flowers, Partner, Meyers & Flowers, talks to Tom Gimbel about the business of law, the explosion in Rockton, the environmental fallout of the disaster, and how the people of Rockton have been impacted by the explosion.

The Rockford Register Star's coverage of the Chemtool industrial fire incident in Rockton, Illinois. Several representatives from emergency responders and the health department briefed reporters on the latest details regarding health concerns for people and the environment. We'll hear from Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson, Winnebago County Public Health Administrator Sandra Martell, and Craig Thomas, the federal on-site coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Produced by Scott P. Yates/Rockford Register Star) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In other top stories tonight: Rockton chemical plant continues burning, but fire is contained; acupuncture proved popular during pandemic; litter in parks is a problem, Mayor Lightfoot says; and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In other top stories tonight: Rockton chemical plant continues burning, but fire is contained; acupuncture proved popular during pandemic; litter in parks is a problem, Mayor Lightfoot says; and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In other top stories tonight: Rockton chemical plant continues burning, but fire is contained; acupuncture proved popular during pandemic; litter in parks is a problem, Mayor Lightfoot says; and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, a chemical plant fire in Rockton, north of Rockford, will be burning for several days, and people within a mile of the plant remain evacuated from their homes; a top cop in one western suburb has announced her retirement after 30 years with the department; Mayor Lightfoot has selected former Elgin school superintendent Jose Torres as the interim CEO for Chicago Public Schools; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, a chemical plant fire in Rockton, north of Rockford, will be burning for several days, and people within a mile of the plant remain evacuated from their homes; a top cop in one western suburb has announced her retirement after 30 years with the department; Mayor Lightfoot has selected former Elgin school superintendent Jose Torres as the interim CEO for Chicago Public Schools; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, a chemical plant fire in Rockton, north of Rockford, will be burning for several days, and people within a mile of the plant remain evacuated from their homes; a top cop in one western suburb has announced her retirement after 30 years with the department; Mayor Lightfoot has selected former Elgin school superintendent Jose Torres as the interim CEO for Chicago Public Schools; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The great WGN-TV Meteorologist Tom Skilling joins Anna to talk about the heavy rain that fell over the weekend, why that rain didn’t do much to help with our drought issues, how the chemical fire in Rockton is impacting our weather, the anniversary of the Mount Pinatubo volanic eruption, the perfect weather we are seeing today, the next chance […]

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hollywoodandchinadollshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hollywoodandchinadollshow/support

Stories include an update on a kidnapping in Peru, an update on the fire still burning at a chemical plant in Rockton, and the search is over for Peoria's next top law enforcement leader.

Also happening today, another Chicago Cubs star admits he has not been vaccinated against COVID and doesn't intent to be; charges are pending against a security guard who allegedly shot a man during an argument near Maggie Daley Park last night; today marks the beginning of a weeklong commemoration of the end of slavery; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, another Chicago Cubs star admits he has not been vaccinated against COVID and doesn't intent to be; charges are pending against a security guard who allegedly shot a man during an argument near Maggie Daley Park last night; today marks the beginning of a weeklong commemoration of the end of slavery; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also happening today, another Chicago Cubs star admits he has not been vaccinated against COVID and doesn't intent to be; charges are pending against a security guard who allegedly shot a man during an argument near Maggie Daley Park last night; today marks the beginning of a weeklong commemoration of the end of slavery; and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jayme & Grayson unveil which state is more fun between Missouri and Kansas. Plus, an update on the chemical plant fire in Rockton, Illinois & hear the story of a child being stuck in a storm drain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stories include the FBI searching for a kidnapped girl from Peru, IL, a chemical plant explosion in Rockton, and financial troubles for the owner of Peoria's Northwoods Mall.

Jim Markell from Midwest's Best Podcast takes us on a haunted history tour of The Wagon Wheel Resort in Rockton, IL. Built mostly from reclaimed materials in 1936 By Walt Williamson, the resort went on to become a local hot spot for both celebrities and locals. This week we get into ghost stories, mysterious deaths and the multiple fires that eventually destroyed the resort. Join us for a conversation about this haunted location, and the paranormal/spiritual legacy its left behind in the ashes. 

A Stranger in Town: A Rockton Novel (Casey Duncan Novels Book 6): Book By Kelley Armstrong “Kelley Armstrong is incredible at writing atmosphere, and it's on full display in her Casey Duncan series.” ― Bustle “There are small towns, and then there's Rockton . . . The crimes they solve will keep readers guessing, while the remote setting adds to the suspense and heightens the sense of danger.” ― BookBub “Read one, and you will want to read the rest.” ― BookPage Website: https://gobookmart.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gobookmart-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gobookmart-review/support

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Thursday, March 25th. It looks like another cold, cloudy, and rainy day is in store for us on Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, there will be a chance for rain all day in the Cedar Rapids area, with the highest likelihood for rain coming in the afternoon and evening hours. The rainfall is not predicted to be heavy. When it is not raining, it is expected to remain cloudy, with a high temperature of 50 degrees. Two inmates used prison hammers to kill a nurse and a correctional officer Tuesday morning in a failed attempt to escape from the Anamosa State Penitentiary, officials said Wednesday. Nurse Lorena Schulte, 50, and Officer Robert McFarland, 46, died of blunt force trauma to the head. McKinley Roby, an inmate who tried to help Schulte and McFarland, also was hit in the head, but survived and is being treated at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Another Anamosa staffer, Lorie Mathes, was briefly taken hostage in the Tuesday morning escape attempt, but was not hurt, according to Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Rick Rahn, who spoke at a news conference Wednesday afternoon in front of the prison. Michael Dutcher, 28, and Thomas Woodard, 39, who were serving time at Anamosa for robbery and other charges, now are charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and kidnapping, Rahn said. They had been planning the escape attempt for some time, he said. The men checked out the hammers and a metal grinder Tuesday under the ruse of fixing something in the break room area of the prison's infirmary. They used the hammers to break through windows and attempted to use the grinder to remove the bars.  The roughly 950-inmate state prison is now under full lockdown as officials investigate and assess security. A man already facing a murder charge in Illinois now faces local charges in a fatal March 7 wrong-way crash on Interstate 380 through Cedar Rapids. Tyler Lee, 34, of Rockton, Ill., turned himself in about 4 p.m. at the Linn County Jail, shortly after police announced he was being sought. He faces two vehicular homicide charges — one related to driving while drunk and the other for reckless driving. He also faces two counts of causing serious injury by motor vehicle. Police said Lee was driving a pickup truck the wrong way down the northbound lanes of I-380 near the Seventh Street NE exit when he hit another vehicle. The collision killed a passenger in that vehicle, 23-year-old David Nguyen of Cedar Rapids. Toyota Financial Services will relocate its Cedar Rapids customer service center that employs 600 people within the next two years, a spokesman told The Gazette. Toyota will consolidate its customer service centers from six to three locations — Chandler, Ariz., Plano, Texas, and Alpharetta, Ga. The Texas location will cover the central region. Toyota spokesman Vince Bray said every employee “in good standing” will be offered a role at one of the other customer service centers. “Most will be offered roles in Texas, but some could go to the other centers,” Bray wrote in an email. Bray did not disclose separation benefit possibilities for those employees who do not relocate. This briefing is sponsored in part by Corridor Careers. Are you looking for a job? https://www.corridorcareers.com/ (CorridorCareers.com) is a resource to local job seekers where they can get job tips, sign up for local job alerts, build a resume and more. Check it out at https://www.corridorcareers.com/ (CorridorCareers.com). Be sure to subscribe to The Gazette Daily news podcast, or just tell your Amazon https://www.thegazette.com/topic?eid=121774&ename=Alexa&lang=en (Alexa) enabled device to “enable The Gazette Daily News skill" so you can get your daily briefing by simply saying “Alexa, what's the news If you prefer podcasts, you can also find...

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Tuesday, March 9. Enjoy your warm sunny Tuesday weather early while you can. It might be the best the week has left to offer. According to the National Weather Service it will be mostly sunny with a high near 65 degrees Tuesday. It could be windy, with winds of 5 to 15 mph gusting as high as 30 mph. Tuesday night, there looks to be a good chance of rain. With the chance for showers increasing into Wednesday. An Illinois murder defendant out on bail was driving the wrong way on the interstate through Cedar Rapids early Sunday when he smashed into an oncoming sport utility vehicle, trapping three people inside and killing a fourth, according to court records and police. The wrong-way driver, identified by authorities as Tyler S. Lee, 34, of Rockton, Ill., received minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He has not been charged in the crash, which remains under investigation.The crash killed a front-seat passenger of the SUV, identified Monday as David Phuong Nguyen, 23, of Cedar Rapids. Rescuers had to extricate three others from the crumpled SUV, one with serious injuries. Records show Lee currently is a https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/wrong-way-driver-in-fatal-i-380-wreck-is-also-a-murder-suspect-in-illinois-20210308 (defendant in a murder case) out of Winnebago County Illinois, a county on the Wisconsin border halfway between Chicago and Dubuque. The Marion Independent School board voted to postpone voting on whether or not to https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/education/marion-schools-mascot-marion-idependent-school-district-indians-mavericks-20210305 (adopt the Maverick) as its new mascot. The district is uncertain of whether to use Maverick as a replacement for its former mascot of Indians, because the word Maverick comes from 19th century Texas Ranger Samuel A. Maverick, who, while he was nice enough to rebel against branding cattle, did not have a problem with owning slaves, profiting from a plantation, or buying up land the United States took from Mexico. School board members expressed frustration with the controversy, saying that the common use of maverick has outgrown any racist origins. Students who spoke to the boards suggested that they wanted a mascot they felt reflected them and they could gather around, such as the Red Wolves that had been an alternate mascot suggestion. Another vote on the Mavericks mascot decision will be on April 12. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday signed into law sweeping legislation that will significantly alter Iowa's elections by reducing the number of days for early voting, restricting absentee voting and threatening county auditors with fines and jail time if they break the new requirements. The legislation was rushed through the lawmaking process by majority Republicans who introduced it and passed it in just over a week with only GOP support. According to the bill, polls on election day will close an hour earlier, at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m.; the number of early voting days will drop to 20 from 29; absentee ballots will also be mailed out 20 days before the election instead of 29; and there is only one drop box allowed per county for dropping off completed early ballots. Under the new law, Iowa's early voting window is shortened to just under the national average. However, the shortened time in which absentee ballots can be mailed out to voters puts Iowa in the bottom handful of states. This briefing is sponsored in part by Corridor Careers. Are you looking for a job? https://www.corridorcareers.com/ (CorridorCareers.com) is a resource to local job seekers where they can get job tips, sign up for local job alerts, build a resume and more. Check it out at https://www.corridorcareers.com/ (CorridorCareers.com). Be sure to subscribe to The Gazette Daily news podcast, or just tell your Amazon...