Bonnie & Friends

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

  1. 23h ago

    Bonnie & Friends: Sweating with the Oldies, Stanley Cup Swaps, and 40 Years of Tal the Orangutan

    Welcome back inside the Corwin Subaru Studios! In today’s action-packed episode, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman are sweating through an unseasonable June heatwave as temperatures flirt with near-record 90s. The team breaks down major local updates, including a controversial 4-to-1 West Fargo City Commission vote that put the brakes on a major roundabout project, and the official confirmation of Fargo’s newest Police Chief. Over in sports, Jace slides into the studio to recap a wild night on the ice and the hardwood. The Minnesota Lynx continue their absolutely electric 7-2 start to the season with a dominant 34-point routing of the Phoenix Mercury, fueled by point guard sensation Olivia Miles. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins snap their losing skid with an emotional 9-6 win over the White Sox, highlighted by an unexpected grand slam. Plus, the Stanley Cup Finals kick off tonight in Raleigh, pitting the red-hot Carolina Hurricanes against a completely transformed Vegas Golden Knights team. Finally, the show hooks up with Kathy from Chahinka Zoo in Wahpeton to preview the upcoming Blue Goose Days festival. We get the inside track on a local artist painting live snow leopards, a 100-year-old carousel ride with the governor, and a massive 40th birthday bash for local legend Tal the Orangutan—who might just be playing the plastic recorder for a visiting orchestra this summer. Key Moments: Roundabout Rollback: The West Fargo City Commission votes 4-to-1 to completely halt the 52nd Avenue West and 9th Street West roundabout construction project, deciding to return all grant funds. The Sizzling Omega Block: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki explains the science behind the persistent, unseasonable 90-degree heatwave locking down the Red River Valley. Lynx Sensation: Rookie Olivia Miles ties franchise history by scoring in double figures for nine straight games to open her debut season as the Lynx dismantle the Phoenix Mercury 111-78. Twins Slam the Door: Joe Ryan strikes out nine over six innings and Tristan Gray crushes a crucial grand slam to lift the Twins to a 9-6 victory over Chicago. The Fridge Attack: Jace shares a bizarre viral story of a comedian pinned in her kitchen for hours after her son climbed on a 600-pound French-door refrigerator. Tal Turns 40: Wahpeton prepares for Blue Goose Days, celebrating a historic local partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and honoring Tal the Orangutan's 40th birthday as gifts flood into the zoo. The Tipping Point: The…

    2h 5m

  2. May 28

    05-28-26 Bonnie & Friends: Heavy Winds, High Stakes, and the $63 Million Micro-Concert

    In this packed Thursday morning edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome the absolute peak of spring weather as temperatures touch a scorching 82°F. But don't unpack the patio furniture just yet—a severe wind advisory is pushing gusts up to 55 miles an hour, triggering red flag warnings across the Red River Valley. The sports segment takes a somber turn as Jace puts a bow on the Minnesota Wild’s season following a heart-wrenching overtime collapse in Colorado. Between previewing tonight’s highly anticipated Fargo City Commission candidate debates and exploring the bizarre case of an 11-year-old taxidermy prodigy, the duo dives into the "Question of the Morn" regarding the biggest relocations listeners have ever made. Plus, Clay County Extension's Jill Patry steps into the studio for week two of Lawn and Garden Radio to save your backyard from the metro area's notoriously "wascally" rabbits. Key Moments The Ultimate Battle with Tetris: Jace recaps the Minnesota Wild's season-ending 4-3 overtime loss to the Avalanche. After leading 3-0 in the first period, the Wild couldn't stop a lightning-fast Colorado rally that Jace compares to playing a high-level game of Tetris. Batten Down the Hatches: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki rings the alarm on a 55 mph wind machine sweeping the tri-state area, warning residents to secure empty trash cans and watch out for blowing topsoil. Fargo City Commission Debates: Bonnie and Jace preview tonight's live broadcast from 5 to 7 p.m., where six of the seven city commission candidates will face tough questions about Fargo's $1.37 billion debt. Wascally Wabbit Warfare: Horticulture expert Jill Patry joins the show to share tricks on protecting tender spring vegetables and young apple trees from the metro's highly destructive rabbit population. The 11-Year-Old Taxidermist: The team shines a spotlight on Grayson Goheen, a local Detroit Lakes kid who has already launched his own successful taxidermy business bleaching deer skulls and mounting massive crappies. The Great Cross-Country Move: Inspired by listener emails, Jace chronicles his own massive relocation path from South Dakota to Arizona, Georgia, California, and finally back to his favorite Midwestern roots. Toddler's Handgun Discovery: A shocking crime blotter report detailing a St. Paul traffic stop where a toddler pulled a fully loaded handgun out of a diaper bag. An All-Star Cast for a Cause: A classic look back at music history highlights a legendary 1985 charity song that united rock royalty and…

    2h 11m

  3. May 27

    05-27-26 Bonnie & Friends: Bouncy Balls, Blown Leads, and the "Bactory" Board Game Battle

    In this Wednesday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi returns to the microphone alongside Jace Denman after a quick trip to northeastern Minnesota. The weather center is serving up a classic spring roller coaster, with sunny, crisp 50-degree days layout for the week. Jace breaks down a dramatic, heart-wrenching week in Minnesota sports, from the Wild's devastating postseason exit to the Timberwolves' uphill playoff battle. The duo dives into the "Question of the Morn" regarding the first major purchases listeners ever made on plastic, leading to a nostalgic trip down memory lane involving Sears appliances and old-school electronics. Plus, the show shines a spotlight on the global fight against polio with Rotary's "Recital with a Cause," and tracks a high-tech "Bactory" robot that is actively patrolling local farmlands. Key Moments The Ultimate Heartbreak: Jace puts a bow on the Minnesota Wild’s season following a chaotic 4-3 overtime collapse against the Colorado Avalanche, setting a bizarre NHL postseason record for blowing a three-goal first-period lead while managing under 10 shots the rest of the game. The "Mice Mafia" Aftermath: Jace updates the audience on his ongoing battle with vehicle-dwelling rodents, confirming that while his vehicle currently smells wonderfully like peppermint oil, he's keeping the old-school snap traps set just in case. The $249 Sears Splash: The "Question of the Morn" unearths listeners' first credit card splurges, featuring Bonnie's memory of buying a $249 Sears microwave to build her credit and another listener's $600 25-inch RCA television. Recital with a Cause: John Andreessen of the FM Rotary joins the studio to celebrate their benefit concert at First Lutheran Church, which has raised over $300,000 to double-match the Gates Foundation in the global eradication of polio. The $50,000 "Bactory" Scout: Ag Director Bridgette Readel reports on the cutting edge of agtech, highlighting autonomous "Solix" robots running on solar power that patrol 500-acre fields to scan for weeds and target-spray them in real-time. Chuck E. Cheese Returns: Local parents rejoice as it's announced that Chuck E. Cheese is returning to the metro area, taking over the old David’s Bridal building in West Fargo. Syringe Program Realities: Fargo Cass Public Health notes a decline in syringe services participation after an internal policy shift, though total visits and enrollment saw a massive spike earlier in the year. The King of Target Field: Byron Buxton hits his eighth home run of the season at Target Field,…

    2h 11m

  4. May 26

    05-26-26 Bonnie & Friends: Ring of Honor Royalty, High-Stakes Comebacks, and the "Mice Mafia" Grand Finale

    In this high-energy Tuesday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Jace Denman and Big Game James McCarty step up to mic to handle a wild weather week in the Red River Valley. Waking up to wall-to-wall sunshine and a crisp 30-degree morning, the guys track a beautiful 71°F day—though Jace warns everyone to brace for a blistering, summer-like 86°F surge by Wednesday. The sports segment is firing on all cylinders, headlining a spectacular 19-point NBA playoff comeback by the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets and celebrating Adrian Peterson’s official induction into the Vikings Ring of Honor. On a lighter note, Jace drops a final report on his vehicle's persistent mouse infestation , James recounts his absolute disaster on the slow-pitch softball mound , and the duo checks in on local icon Larry Knutson’s upcoming retirement blowout. Key Moments The Great Escape from Denver: James breaks down the Timberwolves' staggering 119-114 Game 2 victory. After trailing by as many as 19 points, a massive 30-point performance from Anthony Edwards and the ultimate eviction of Victor Wembanyama tied the series at a game apiece. All Day in the Ring of Honor: The purple and gold are officially enshrining a legend. Jace announces that 2007 first-round draft pick Adrian Peterson will join the Vikings Ring of Honor this fall, cementing a legacy that holds the franchise record for rushing yards and single-game dominance. The "Mice Mafia" Mama Caught: Jace celebrates a monumental milestone in his personal war against vehicle-dwelling rodents, revealing he caught a "fat little mama mouse" over the weekend. The Infinity ERA Disaster: In a hilarious confessional, James details his regular-season debut on the slow-pitch softball mound. After stepping up to pitch with absolute confidence, his very first pitch was crushed past a motionless outfield and clear over a sidewalk. The Legend's Final Curtain: Moorhead Area Public Schools sets the date for play-by-play icon Larry Knutson’s official retirement open house on May 6th, honoring a legendary 51-year career broadcasting local athletics. The Wienermobile Prom Car: Bonnie’s show prep unearths a heartwarming story out of Kansas, where a group of high schoolers spotted the 27-foot long Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at a Sonic and successfully convinced the "hot dogger" driver to give them a lift to prom. Disaster in the Deep Woods: The blotter tracks a wild insurance fraud scheme out of California dubbed "Operation Bear Claw," where three geniuses were arrested after…

    2h 14m

  5. May 19

    05-18-26 Bonnie & Friends: The Weekend Wrap-Up & Cuba's Agricultural Struggle

    Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman host the Monday, May 18th edition of Bonnie & Friends, delivering a cozy post-weekend wrap-up filled with personal highlights, critical weather warnings, and local construction updates. The show unpacks a rare El Niño-driven wildfire surge across Minnesota and features an intriguing look at "That's the Dream Farm" in Glyndon. Plus, Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the studio to break down why a looming frost poses a massive threat to regional crops and exposes a shocking real estate scam targeting American farmland. Key Moments Unseasonably Chilly with Rain and Frost Alerts: Jace and chief meteorologist Dean Wysocki warn listeners that despite hitting May 18th, temperatures are struggling to leave the 40s. While the metro area only caught 13 hundredths of an inch of rain over the weekend, the real concern is a clearing sky on Tuesday night that will trigger widespread frost and freeze warnings across the region. Minnesota Wildfire Outbreaks: The show reports a devastating outbreak of fires over the weekend in Central Minnesota, specifically affecting the Brainerd Lakes, Cross Lake, and Two Harbors areas. Spurred by hot, dry conditions and fierce spring winds, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was forced to deploy water-scooping planes to combat the blazes, which destroyed at least 30 structures. The Looming Agricultural Frost Threat: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the morning show to emphasize the critical steps home gardeners and farmers must take ahead of Tuesday night's frost. While early grass crops like wheat and barley can tolerate the freeze, and un-emerged corn remains safe, sprouted soybeans and highly sensitive tomato plants could face total destruction if left uncovered. The "Rat" Farmland Real Estate Scam: Bridget exposes a highly sophisticated, acute scam currently infiltrating the real estate industry: seller impersonation fraud. She details the story of Colorado farmer Casey Kimbrell, who discovered a fraudulent realtor had listed a parcel of his cropland under his name, arranging for the entire payout to wire into a scammer's bank account. The threat hits close to home, as North Dakota is currently the number three state for high-volume farmland transitioning ownership. Cuba's Drastic Agricultural Collapse: In international ag news, Cuba is enduring a catastrophic food production crisis due to a rigid U.S. energy blockade. Starved of fuel shipments from Venezuela for three consecutive months, Cuban tractors have ground to a halt, forcing farmers to revert entirely to primitive animal and human labor…

    2h 16m

  6. May 14

    05-14-26 Bonnie & Friends: Wind advisories, Wild Heartbreak, and the Great Migration Relocation

    In this Thursday morning broadcast of Bonnie & Friends, hosts Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome a sunny but wind-whipped morning in the Red River Valley. While temperatures are expected to climb to a warm 82°F, the real story is a severe wind advisory with gusts potentially hitting 55 miles an hour, creating dangerous fire conditions and testing the limits of patio furniture. In the sports world, it's a day of mourning for hockey fans as the Minnesota Wild saw their season end in a dramatic overtime collapse against Colorado. Between recapping Jace's extensive cross-country moves and previewing tonight's Fargo City Commission debates, the team sits down with Horticulture Educator Jill Patry to tackle listener questions for week two of Lawn and Garden Radio. Key Moments Minnesota Wild Season Finale: Jace recaps the Wild's "most Minnesota thing ever"—blowing a 3-0 first-period lead to lose 4-3 in overtime, officially ending their playoff run. Extreme Wind Warning: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of a "two hands on the wheel" kind of day, as 55 mph gusts and dry conditions prompt red flag warnings for fire danger across the valley. The Great Migration: The "Question of the Morn" unearths Jace's journey from South Dakota to Arizona, Georgia, and California before finally returning to the Midwest, prompting a debate on the best places to settle down. Fargo City Commission Debates: Bonnie previews tonight’s high-stakes debate featuring six of the seven candidates, focusing on the city’s debt and future infrastructure projects. Toddler's Handgun Discovery: A chilling story out of St. Paul detailing a traffic stop where a toddler pulled a loaded handgun out of a diaper bag, leading to multiple felony charges for the father. Lawn and Garden Rescue: Jill Patry joins the show to discuss fertilizing strategies and how to protect plants from "wascally rabbits" that have been wreaking havoc on local lilacs and apple trees. Jack Strand's NFL Debut: The team celebrates local Dragon quarterback Jack Strand’s first appearance in Atlanta Falcons highlights during rookie minicamp. Chucky Cheese's Comeback: Nostalgia reigns as the team discusses the return of Chucky Cheese to West Fargo, moving into the old David’s Bridal building.

    2h 20m

  7. May 11

    05-11-26 Bonnie & Friends: Playoff Intensity, Mouse Mafia Updates, and the 80-Degree Surge

    In this high-energy Monday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman recap a busy Mother's Day weekend while preparing for a week of extreme "roller coaster" weather. Temperatures are expected to soar to near 80°F mid-week before plummeting back into the 40s by Friday. The show is packed with intense sports news, including the Minnesota Timberwolves' resilient playoff series against the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Wild's momentum shift against the Avalanche. Between local news on a rash of underground parking burglaries and the somber conclusion to the search for Al Oden, Jace provides a weary update on his vehicle's persistent mouse infestation, which has now claimed mouse number three and one poof ball from his favorite beanie. Key Moments Timberwolves' Playoff Gritty Victory: Jace recaps the Wolves' Game 4 win, highlighted by Anthony Edwards' 16-point fourth quarter (36 total) and the ejection of San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama after a flagrant elbow to Nas Reed. The "Mice Mafia" Strikes Again: Jace reports catching mouse number three in his SUV after finding a nest built out of the poof ball tassel torn from his MSUM beanie. Wild Momentum Shift: The Minnesota Wild secured a critical 5-1 Game 3 win over the Colorado Avalanche, changing the momentum of their Western Conference semi-final series. Search for Al Oden Ends: A somber report confirms that missing Wahpeton man Al Oden, 73, was found deceased in a submerged vehicle in the Cheyenne River nearly two weeks after disappearing. Burglaries and ATV Chases: Fargo police investigate a rash of apartment package thefts, while a separate incident on the White Earth Reservation left one man dead following an ATV pursuit. Fix-It Forward Speedway: The Red River Valley Speedway has officially been renamed the Fix-It Forward Speedway through a new naming rights partnership. Law Enforcement Torch Run: More than 400 officers begin the Torch Run for Special Olympics today, carrying the flame through major North Dakota cities including Fargo and Bismarck. Historic News Memories: The "Question of the Morn" unearths listeners' most ingrained news memories, with 9-11, the 1997 floods, and the Challenger disaster topping the list.

    2h 17m

  8. Apr 29

    04-29-26 Bonnie & Friends: Playoff Clinchers, Strategic Scams, and the Solera Transition

    In this Wednesday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi returns from vacation to join Jace Denman for a breakdown of a busy week in the Red River Valley. The weather continues its "roller coaster" trend, with sunny 50-degree days leading into a potentially beautiful weekend, though Saturday looks to be the pick day with a high of 72°F.   The show highlights major community shifts, including the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center rebranding as Solera and moving to a larger facility. In the sports world, the Minnesota Wild have taken a commanding 3-2 series lead over the Dallas Stars, while the Timberwolves prepare for a high-stakes Game 6 against Denver. Between updates on a local "parking ticket" text scam and the tragic end to the search for Al Oden, the team sits down with Jody Hudson to discuss Solera’s expanded mission.   Key Moments Solera's New Dawn: Jody Hudson, Development Director, explains that the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center has changed its name to Solera to remove barriers to seeking help and will move into the old Fargo Public Schools administrative building on June 1st. Wild Take Control: Jace recaps the Minnesota Wild's efficient 4-2 Game 5 victory in Dallas, highlighted by Kirill Kaprizov’s franchise-record 17th career postseason goal. Timberwolves Turnover Trouble: The Wolves dropped Game 5 to the Nuggets after committing 25 turnovers, missing key starters Anthony Edwards and Dante DiVincenzo due to injuries. Fargo Text Scam Alert: Jace warns listeners about a widespread text scam regarding fake parking tickets coming from international area codes like the Philippines (+63). Al Oden Search Concludes: Somber news confirms that 73-year-old Al Oden, who had dementia, was found deceased in a submerged vehicle in the Cheyenne River. WNBA Draft Insights: The Minnesota Lynx bolstered their roster by selecting TCU point guard Olivia Miles with the #2 overall pick. Recital with a Cause: John Andreessen of the FM Rotary discusses tomorrow night’s benefit concert at First Lutheran Church to support global polio eradication. Credit Card Confessions: The "Question of the Morn" unearths listeners' first major credit card purchases, ranging from a $249 Sears microwave to a $600 RCA television.

    2h 11m

  9. Apr 28

    04-28-26 Bonnie & Friends: Playoff Push, High-Stakes Trials, and the Great "Tooth" Squirrel Rescue

    In this Tuesday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman welcome a breezy morning with temperatures expected to soar to 59°F. The show is packed with major local headlines, including a murder trial beginning in Fargo, a shooting investigation on the city's south side, and the final interviews for NDSU’s next president. The sports world is equally intense as the Timberwolves prepare for their playoff battle against the Nuggets while celebrating a reservist-led victory over the Pelicans. Between updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse and a political rift in the North Dakota GOP, the team explores a heartwarming story about a squirrel named "Toothy" and dives into a "Question of the Morn" about weird housecleaning discoveries. Key Moments NBA Playoff Prep: Jace recaps the Timberwolves' regular-season finale win and looks ahead to their best-of-seven series against the Denver Nuggets, emphasizing the need for rotational health. Murder Trial Begins: A jury has been seated for the trial of 31-year-old Leo D’Arto, accused in the August 2024 shooting death of Samson Blair. South Fargo Shooting: Police search for a suspect after a man was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound on 16 1/2 Street South; the victim and suspect are believed to be known to each other. NDSU Presidential Finalists: The search for NDSU’s next leader officially concludes today with final interviews for Drs. Marshall Stewart, Bernie Savarese, and Alan Smith. The Rescue of "Toothy": A Pennsylvania woman captured a wild squirrel with overgrown teeth curling into its nose, taking it to a rehab center for a successful "trim". Bridge Investigation: Updates on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore reveal the recovery of more victims and the significant logistical impact on East Coast shipping. GOP Internal Friction: A narrow party vote to strip the GOP brand from candidates who skip conventions is labeled "symbolic" by Secretary of State Michael Howe. Spring Cleaning Finds: Listeners share hilarious and gross discoveries from under appliances, including seven stray socks, a set of car keys missing for a month, and petrified snacks.

    2h 10m

  10. Apr 27

    04-27-26 Bonnie & Friends: Playoff Intensity, Bridge Shocks, and the Great Housecleaning Discovery

    In this high-energy Monday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman recap a weekend of spring cleaning and major sports milestones. The Red River Valley is currently enjoying a reprieve from the wind, with temperatures starting at 33°F and heading toward a high of 59°F. The sports world is dominated by the start of the NBA playoffs, where the Timberwolves prepared for a high-stakes series against the Denver Nuggets. Between updates on a local shooting investigation and a major bridge collapse in Maryland, the duo explores the "Question of the Morn" regarding the most unusual items discovered during spring cleaning—ranging from long-lost car keys to petrified snacks. Key Moments NBA Playoff Fever: Jace recaps the Timberwolves' preparations for their best-of-seven opening-round series against the Nuggets in Denver, noting the importance of rotational health and the challenge of facing the reigning standards of the league. Bridge Tragedy Update: The show covers the ongoing investigation into the Dali cargo ship collision that caused the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, noting the recovery of more victims and the significant impact on East Coast logistics. South Fargo Shooting: Police continue to search for a suspect after an adult male was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound on 16 1/2 Street South; authorities believe the victim and suspect are known to each other. Housecleaning Hall of Fame: Listeners share hilarious and gross finds from under couch cushions and behind appliances, including seven stray socks, a set of car keys missing for a month, and a "retirement fund" of loose change. NDSU Presidential Finalists: The search for NDSU’s next leader concludes today with final interviews for the three contenders, followed by a public meet-and-greet in the Oceti Sakowin Ballroom. GOP Internal Rift: North Dakota Republicans face friction after a narrow vote to strip the party brand from candidates who skip conventions, a move Secretary of State Michael Howe calls "symbolic" rather than legally binding. Grain Safety Robots: Ag Director Bridgette Readel highlights National Ag Grain Safety Week, featuring "Grain Weevil" robots that prevent farmers from having to enter dangerous bins. Tiger Woods Arrest: The team reacts to news of Tiger Woods' arrest for a suspected DUI after a single-vehicle rollover, noting he refused a blood test at the hospital.

    2h 17m
See All (34)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Flag Family Media
  • Show Website
    Bonnie & Friends