😁 Happy Friday! For everyone who rang in the New Year by speed-eating 12 grapes, refusing to do laundry like it was suddenly cursed, and dramatically opening every door and window to “let 2025 out”… we respect the commitment.
Whether you’re truly superstitious or just looking for an excuse to skip chores, there’s something about a fresh year that makes us all a little more hopeful — and that’s the vibe we’re carrying into 2026.

Weekend Weather:
Today ☀ Hi 37, Sat 🌨 Hi 30, Sun 🌥 Hi 29, Mon ☀ Hi 45

B&A Club:
🎂 Happy Birthday
Chris Siepker -- Carroll
John Riesberg -- Carroll (73 yrs)
🥂 Happy Anniversary
none reported

The toy giant is betting that even if people don’t immediately want a computerized plastic block, they’ll still want “Star Wars” Legos that go “pew pew.”

Millie Giles

One of the biggest building manufacturers on the planet just unveiled a “ground-breaking” microcomputer, featuring a custom-made chip and built-in sensors. Plus, it’ll come with a little plastic Luke Skywalker.

On Monday, Lego announced the “Smart Brick” — a classic two-by-four block that’s embedded with a tiny computer. Naturally, the first “Smart Play” sets will be based on one of Lego’s longest-running, most lucrative, and tech-themed partnerships: “Star Wars.”

In the press release, the Danish toy giant described the Smart Brick as “one of the most significant evolutions... since the introduction of the LEGO Minifigure in 1978.” Per the company, the sensor-driven tech will use NFC-equipped smart tags to make sets “come to life” with reactive, motion-responsive light and sound effects.

For younger Lego enthusiasts, the platform will unlock a whole new way to play, while for many time-honored “Star Wars” fans, it means no longer having to make lightsaber noises themselves. Back in 1999, the media franchise was the basis for Lego’s first-ever official licensed product line; now, according to Brickset.com, there have been more than 1,000 individual Lego “Star Wars” sets released to date.

Lego sales have gone from strength to strength in the last few years, reporting record revenues of 34.6 billion Danish kroner (~$5.4 billion) and soaring profits in H1 2025, owing largely to the success of its themed sets. Indeed, Lego’s partnerships with iconic brands like Marvel, “Harry Potter,” and, more recently, “Fortnite” and Ikea, have seen it become a hit with kids and adults alike, securing cultural relevance outside of the play chest.

However, Lego might need to keep tapping buzzy licensing deals to garner Smart Brick sales that outweigh the company’s already soaring costs... and avoid a repeat of another time the world’s biggest toymaker tried to keep up with the world’s tech obsession.

CLICK HIGHLIGHTED FOR AUDIO: The Carroll Recreation Center (REC) will be hosting its annual Kids’ Night Out ’26 this upcoming Friday giving youth a chance to have fun in various of activities, giving parents a night off. REC Program Specialist Brenda Pottebaum says Kids Night Out has been a favorite for both kids and parents for several years now and is just another special program for youth to come make new friends while being safely supervised by REC staff. Pottebaum says all kids third through fifth grade are welcome to join this Friday, Jan. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to jump, run and swim the evening away with their peers. Pottebaum advises to purchase tickets in advance to secure your child’s spot. A link to register is included below and is due by Jan. 8, otherwise tickets will need to be purchased at the door if any are left. Cost is $30 per ticket. Pottebaum says Kids Night Out is just one of the many special events that the REC hosts throughout the year and says be sure to follow Carroll REC on Facebook for any future programs and details on how to participate. Again, third through sixth graders are encouraged to have a night out after getting back into the school routine with the REC’s Kids Night Out ’26, happening this Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. REGISTER HERE

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🥳 The City of Lanesboro will celebrate its quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, next summer, but the community’s organizational committee is already fundraising for the celebration beginning this weekend. The Lanesboro Quasquicentennial Committee will host a community soup luncheon on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lanesboro United Methodist Church and invites residents and visitors from surrounding communities. Guests may dine in or use the drive-thru. The menu will include a variety of homemade soups, such as chicken noodle, chili, and vegetable beef, alongside crackers and desserts. The meals are free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting planning efforts for Lanesboro’s quasquicentennial celebration, set for July 2027. Committee Chairperson Bailey Addison says, “The 125th Quasquicentennial is a massive undertaking that will require significant planning and funding to make it a memorable event for our entire community. This soup luncheon is an easy way for everyone to contribute to the success of our town’s historic celebration.” The forecast for Sunday appears favorable, but if weather conditions require postponement, the snow date is Jan. 18.

🎨 The Glidden-Ralston (G-R) Community-School Engagement Committee is inviting district families with students PK through sixth grade to a “Snow Much Fun” Family Night this upcoming Friday. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Smith Center, the committee has stations planned for various activities, a sweet treat plus more. Students and families will be able to participate in bingo, face painting, arts and crafts, a photo station, and an indoor-style snow ball fight. A free will donation ice cream social and a raffle will be available to raise funding for the committee to help cover expenses and to help fund future events like this, getting the community more involved in school functions. Again, all G-R district families of PK through sixth grade students are welcome to attend a family fun night this Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees are asked to use the Smith Center entrance.hare on Fac

Doors Open 7:00 pm | Show at 8:00 pm

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Sarah Colonna is a standup comedian, actor and NYT Bestselling Author!

She most recently starred as “Angie” in Netflix’s hit show “Insatiable and recurred as “Lori” in seasons 9 & 10 of “Shameless.” MORE INFO

At the start of each week the Carroll Broadcasting Sports Network Crew catches up with area high school coaches to recap their previous weeks events and preview the match ups that are happening for the week ahead. Listen here and subscribe.

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Kelly Tyko

Chains from Dunkin' to Subway are opening the year with protein-packed launches as the trend pushes deeper into everyday menus.

Why it matters: Protein is having a restaurant menu moment — and it's getting bigger. Now shorthand for "better-for-you" eating, it's reshaping menus as consumers dine out less, scrutinize value more and increasingly use GLP-1 drugs.

Driving the news: Protein-heavy additions hitting restaurants this week include:

The big picture: This wave of launches reflects how protein has already moved from niche to normal.

State of play: Even chains built around "lighter" or wellness-forward positioning are redesigning menus around protein counts.

Between the lines: This isn't just about nutrition. It's also about value, frequency and habit-building.

What they're saying: "Getting more protein in their diet is important to so many people. But all too often that protein is expensive or fried," Subway North America CMO Dave Skena said, adding that Protein Pockets are meant to make protein more accessible without sacrificing taste.

More News:

✅ IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY: Here’s 31 things to do in January to set the tone for a great 2026.

✅ RESET SEASON: The real Pros recommend doing these things in January.

✅ FLU SEASON: Tips and FAQ’s to navigate another nasty flu season!

✅ 26 THINGS IN 2026: 26 pop culture events to look forward to this year!

✅ FRIDAY: Kids Night Out at The Rec!

✅ LOOK FORWARD TO: Fantasy Day at Books & Bakery later this month!

Word Search: For those of you that wake up each morning wanting a challenge - how fast can you complete this word search. Ready, set, go.

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