Hey there,
It’s the time of year that I both love and hate. It’s getting warmer, which I love. It’s almost summer, which I love. And with that comes severe weather, which I love and hate!
You see I don’t like it, because it’s scary and unpredictable. But I love the rush of following storm and trying to catch where it’s going. I am relieved to say that today no one was injured and there was no serious damage reported in the Dubuque area. BUT that didnt’ stop Jamie Grey and I. We were called into work this afternoon and set out to follow the storm.
Our path started on HWY 20 and quickly shifted to Old Highway Road followed by the Northwest arterial and Balltown Road. I was the driver, Jamie the navigator. We both snapped some photos along the way and did live reports from the road. Ended up following the storm to Balltown and the scenic overlook. We spoke with Dennis Hoppenworth of Balltown who lives right on top of the hill. He explained the storm as it passed through and said they were lucky nothing hit.
I would love to tell you more about it. But I am exhausted. Quite a day for the KWWL Dubuque newsroom. Headed to bed. Hoping round 2 of the storms doesn’t hit while I’m sleeping. Below are some pictures that certainly tell more then I can.
This was off Old Highway Road in Dubuque. Looking towards HWY 52. Keeping a safe distance incase we needed to move or the storm moved.
The view from the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. By the race track.
Yeah that doesn’t look good. Good thing nothing touched down.
Not everyday you see that kinda wall cloud over the Dubuque area.
The aftermath in Balltown. Looking over to Wisconsin where the storm moved overtime.
This is more from Balltown. The calm after the storm.
Hope this entry finds you coming off of a wonderful weekend. I sure wish it didn’t rain all day yesterday!! Friday was BEAUTIFUL!
This blog I am writing to tell you about a success story that’s kind of inspiring. It’s not about a story I shot, or a topic recieving a lot of attention. It’s really just me sharing something LOCAL with you, in hopes that you are inspired too. Often time’s there aren’t enough hours in the day for me to cover all the things I’d liek to cover. This is my chance to share a story that might not be “breaking” but certainly fits in a tough economy.
Let me ask you this: do have you have passion for something? Anything? What makes your wheels spin? What is it in your life that makes bad days better and good days…GREAT?!
Well obviously for me it’s storytelling. BUT I also have a great passion for music. A drummer myself, I think it’s the one place in many people’s life where you can release emotions and thoughts while expressing something meaningful to others. But it’s such a tough “industry” to get your foot in the door. There are literally millions of people who call themselves musicians. I mean it doesn’t take long to realize that, just watch American Idol for a night (or any other talent shows these days). So it says a lot when a musician or band takes a step towards success.
Five years ago, when I was a student at Loras College, one of my roommates asked me to come listen to her friend’s band. She said they has just decided on a name and they were playing in a Battle of the Bands contest. She described them as a band that has a similar sound to Dave Matthews but a rather unique spin on it. I immediately agreed. I remember going to watch them and thinking…wow these guys are actually pretty good.
So….let’s fast forward 5 years…April 24th, 2009. Blackbloom Debuts their first CD at Silver Dollar in Dubuque.
Here they are rocking out on Friday Night.
I encourage you to check them out. For me, I felt like a proud parent on Friday when I heard them play. TO see how far they’ve come since I first saw them…it’s pretty amazing.
And here’s even more inspiration for you. They all do this music gig full time. Nick, their lead singer, left his day job (with security and benefits) for his music. He spends all of his time focusing on the music and getting better. They are constantly practicing, looking for places to play and ways to get better. Believe me when I say they have come around soooo much.
Here is a LIVE recording their original called “Honestly” - They describe themselves as a band with “gutsy vocals, beefy rhythm, sizzling keys and searing guitars in a new perspective on the indie rock scene. Your ears will hear the clamor of the city meeting the solace of the country before BlackBloom is done catalyzing the hope of the 60s, the recklessness of the 70s, and the inventive pop approach of 90s alternative music.”
The crew consists of:
Nickolas Heim - Guitars, Vocals
Kurt Droessler - Drums
Bobby Bradford - Guitar
Brandon Hagen - Bass, Vocals
Here’s an exclusive interview with Nick Heim:
How long have you been playing? What made you pick up the guitar?
I have been playing music all my life, from singing in the bath tub as a toddler to the now rock stage. I picked up the guitar when I was 20 years old as a hobby. I mainly started cause I absolutely loved music, of all types, and was impressed by some of the musicians around campus. As most college students, I was really poor, and could afford a cheap guitar and amp, that my former dormmates had to listen to the same awful chords, and horrible solo attempts time after time. Most of them are fans of the band now, as they can’t believe its the same guy playing.
Where do you get your inspiration for songs?
My inspiration from songs is from the moment generally. As a singer, emotion in music is very important, and I find that at the greatest and worst of times, one finds the words to express best. What I want to strive for is the intention of the words, IE, when Bob Marley says, “Everything is gonna be Alright”, we all believe him, and never second guess it.
How many hours a week does the band spend practicing/writing etc?
The band never stops. This is not a standard 40/hour a week job. We rehearse as a band around three times a week, but also each of us maintain a strong personal practice base at any given moment. Darn Scales.
What do you like the most about your job?
The stage is like a drug that I cannot quit. Its such a great feeling to have people singing and dancing to the songs that you wrote at 3 am in your bedroom. The microphone is a powerful tool, that can allow anyone to have a voice, I guess this at times is my soapbox, that I can climb up on every once and awhile and am humbled by when people listen.
What is the band’s ultimate goal? Where are you hoping to take your music?
BlackBloom’s ultimate goal would be to open the eyes of the world, to a different way of thinking. As have we have been, and continue to be inspired by the greats, whether local in Dubuque, or on the biggest stages on the planet, we try to make new footprints in the sand. Possibilities are endless.
Check them out! I promise you won’t be dissapointed. If anything you should be inspired by their efforts. It says a lot, especially in this economy, to give up something that provides and follow you’re heart and you passion.
It’s worth a listen.
And did I mention they are a Dubuque band? Bringing that local connection to people all over the area.
Often times I am assigned to stories about proposed laws or new laws and how they effect people like you; how they effect local business. Today happens to be one of those days and I WANT YOUR OPINION.You see there is a proposed piece of legislation that would allow the sale of hard liquor in gas stations across Iowa. Two lobbyists are registered in favor of expanding gas station liquor sales: Kum & Go convenience chain and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa.
The vote could come up in the house today! For those who don’t know, it’s currently illegal to sell anything but beer and wine in the same space where people pay for gas and other goods. To get around the existing law, some Iowa gas stations built separate rooms with separate doors and separate cash registers for the purpose of selling hard liquor.
The idea behind all this started with the thinking that rural gas stations should sell hard liquor to make it more accessible; for some rural residents their nearest grocery store IS a gas station! People against the law say it will cause a rise in drunk driving and underage drinking. Those in support say it offers more convenience to people in rural communities.
But what I’m asking you is this: do you agree with the proposed law that would allow the sale of hard liquor in gas stations? Is it a good idea to sell hard liquor in the same room as all other items in a gas station?
Leave your comments below. Most people I talked with today said they like the idea, although it’s not something they have ever really pushed for. It would sure give new meaning to a “convenience store!”
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Lauren~
Ps - if you’ve jumped on the bandwagon called Twitter feel free to follow me at www.twitter.com/LaurenSquires - you’ll get updates on my stories and an up to the minute update on the scene of stories.
Yesterday was one of those days where I absolutely loved my job! You know not everyday in this business is as glamorous as it looks but yesterday was inspiring for me.
I was “off the desk” working on a story that will air tonight at 5 and 6. It’s a preview of the Loras College Dance Marathon - an event that keeps college kids up all night dancing to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network (specifically the University of Iowa Children Hospital).
I have attended the event and played videographer for 2 years and I wanted to preview the event by finding a family that has benefited from the money.
Meet Jacob Dean.
He’s a third grader who was born with a bilateral clef lip and pallet. In his short time here he’s been through 11 surgeries (3 in the last year) and numerous trip to Iowa City. He has directly benefited from the money that Loras College and all other Dance Marathon’s raise.
Yesterday after he got off school I met him in the gym at his school. I interviewed him and he told me so many stories about the hospital and the doctors and the way he was treated while he was there. I was inspired by his excitement and passion for life despite all he’s been through. He even asked if I knew Ron and Tara. He says he watched the news every night with his dad. Then he asked me if I always reporter on “Money Matters” which I happen to do a lot lately…that’s proof that he watches and comprehends. haha it was funny!
Anyway, the best part of the interview was the end when I asked him what he loves most about his life. He said “that I’m alive and that I’m not sick.” WOW!
So I leave you with that thought today. If a 9 year old boy can see the simplicity in life…I sure hope we can.
Here is a video from last year’s Dance Marathon.
If you’re interested in attending the Dance Marathon tonight, visiting hours at from 8-11 pm. Stop by the Marie-Graber Ballroom at Loras College and join in on the fun and inspiration. This year their goal is to raise $55,000 +. Last year they raised over $53,000! WOW!
Today is my mom’s 5 year cancer diagnosis date. I know it happens to be tax day too…weird! But I thought I’d share this with you. It’s a glimpse into the last 5 years. Say tuned next month for her entire story…from diagnosis to recover to remission.
So I am very visual person. I tend to look for parallels in life. I like to relate things and find ways to explain them.
So today as I’m heading out to Balltown to check on the AMAZING progress of Breitbach’s rebuild, I immediately thought about how it is Easter weekend. Traditionally Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this weekend. It’s a time of hope and new life. Which happens to be exactly what’s going on in Balltown. Hope for the future, new life for the people. See the parallel? You see one year ago this weekend (which happened to not be Easter because Easter was early last year) they were putting in the roof. But one year later…same weekend they are doing it and it falls on Easter.
It makes sense…and for me it give hope. The parallel is there!! Of course if you don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus (which I’m not saying you have to) then the parallel isn’t there. But still its a new beginning for the town…again. And they are rising above the ashes.
So here are some pictures from today…it’s amazing what 2 weeks time can do. I drove past here 2 weeks ago and it was just cement foundation.
Progress! Progress! Progress!
Some of the guys working on the roof today. Amazing job!
That’s all for now. Tune in at 6:00 and 10:00 for the full story. Happy Easter. If you’re free tomorrow…I’m anchoring sports again at 5:00 and 10:00. Should be interesting since it’s Easter Sunday.
Sorry for my hiatus from this blog. I had a wonderful weekend out at Camp Wapsie in Coggon, IA for a retreat with 7th graders from LaSalle, Regis, Harding and Franklin in Cedar Rapids. I will post more on that later…but I wanted to share with you the excitement I have for the latest entertainment announcement:
Port of Dubuque, America’s River Festival is June 12th-14th. This year’s headliner: Creedence Clearwater Revisited….
Yeah…you know you’ve heard this song before…it’s a total summer song! I’ll be there!
Also…each day has a theme.
Friday is the Beach Party - Best Costumes win tickets to Saturday’s show. Tickets are reserved for best nerd, parrot-head and Gilligan’s Island. You can compete in the FIRST America’s River Festival Duathlon. The registration is $50.00 per person. Registration will take place at the Mystique Casino on Friday, June 12 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm The event consists of a 1.5 mile run followed by a 17 mile bike ride and finishing with a 3.1 mile run.
Saturday is concert day - June 13th Creedence Clearwater Revisited will rock out on the America’s River Festival main stage at 9:00 pm. I googled their songs….‘Have you Ever Seen the Rain’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Fortunate Son.’ Opening for Credence Clearwater Revisited is Blue Oyster Cult at 7:00 pm. Concert goers will be bringing their cowbells for their famous song “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”
You know “MORE COWBELL!” the famous SNL skit?
Sunday’s the big Dock Dogs show (this is the kid friendly day). Also NEW this year will be a special appearance by the Cat in the Hat and Curious George on Sunday, June 14. These two guests are making their way for a special stop in Dubuque. You won’t want to miss them!
Friday admission is FREE to the festival, beach party and concerts. Saturday, admission to the festival and standing concert area is $10 with children 12 and under free. $25 Reserved tickets for Credence Clearwater Revisited can be purchased through Ticketmaster or Five Flags. On Sunday admission is free to the festival.
So…I’m pretty excited for all of this because it means summer is closer then ever!!! I sure hope to see you at these events. Mark your calendars and don’t miss it!
Have a great day!
Lauren~
ps - Now I’ve got don’t those two songs stuck in my head!!!
Happy last day of March. I don’t know about you but I can’t believe how fast this month’s flow by. It’s spring…April starts tomorrow and hopefully the weather will start turning around.
Today is actually an important day. Friday I previewed it for the 6:00 pm news.
It’s called “Spread the Word to END the Word”. A campaign designed by youth of the Special Olympics to remove the word retard from people’s vocabulary. The students at Western Dubuque High School held a pep rally Friday to kick off the campaign. It was in conjunction with the sending off of their Special Olympics athletes.
Already by Friday afternoon the students had signed over 160 pledges from students who said they would NOT use the “R” word.
I was inspired by the students and their efforts. It’s not often that you see and hear of students coming together for a cause and letting their voice be heard. The passion they had for the cause and the energy that had…it was contagious. It was inspiring and it reminded me why I like my job so much.
Sometimes we need reminders like that. Today…of all day’s I reminded myself of Friday’s story and the efforts of those students.
Check out the website here for more info on this campaign. Already almost 30,000 on the website…not to mention those who have signed it in person. What a great bandwagon to jump on. Seriously!!! Check it out. If anything think about how this word is used and if you use it inappropriately…change that habit.
And now for today’s tidbits:
Quote of the day: “The weeks turn to months and the months into years. There’ll be sadness and joy, there’ll be laughter and tears. But one thing I pray to heaven above, may each of your days be a day full of love.” - Andy Williams
Something to check out: Present the Conficker.…apparently it’s this April Fool’s Day virus. I guess it hit one of the computers in our newsroom. Apparently MAC users are immune. I don’t know much about it but check it out.
Song you should check out: “Free To Be Me” - Francesca Battistelli
I don’t know much about it but check it out.