😁 Happy Friday! Christmas trees— the true centerpieces of the season. And here’s a fun fact to kick things off: the tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was a 212-foot Douglas fir in Seattle back in 1950. Imagine trying to get that one straight in the stand… or trying to pretend it “just needs to settle".” And of course, it wouldn’t be December without the annual showdown: real tree vs. fake tree. Do you prefer that fresh-pine smell and the thrill of vacuuming needles until July? Or are you team pre-lit perfectly shaped, and pulled from the basement in 5 minutes flat? Either way, ‘tis the season to pick your team, plug it in (or water it), and deck the halls your way.


Weekend Weather:
Today ☁ Hi 25, Sat 🌨 Hi 9, Sun ☀ Hi 13, Mon ☀ Hi 32

B&A Club:
🎂 Happy Birthday
Angie Tigges -- Maple River (60 yrs)
Melvin Renze -- Manning (98 yrs)
Rick Wilson -- Carroll
Malissa Ahlers -- Arcadia
Melanie Girard - Manilla
Logan Feld - Carroll
🥂 Happy Anniversary
none reported

The annual Stuff the Bus food drive for the Community of Concern Food Pantry is set for this weekend in Carroll, and its organizers say this year’s drive comes after one of the most challenging months in the pantry’s history. Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) saw disruptions to their benefits at the start of November due to the government shutdown, and many of them turned to the Community of Concern, a need-based rather than income-based pantry, to help cover the gap. Luanne Kustra, who has organized Stuff the Bus for more than 20 years, says it will help the pantry restock its shelves during its traditionally busiest time of year. The suggested donation is $20, and that will purchase a prearranged bag of grocery items for the pantry.

Stuff the Bus runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Carroll Hy-Vee. Volunteers will be stationed inside at a table collecting donations from shoppers, while a Western Iowa Transit (WIT) bus, provided by Region XII, will be parked outside for people to drop off supplies from home or elsewhere. Part of the preparations includes packing the bags on Friday night, and Kustra says many hands make light work.

Kustra adds that those wanting to support Stuff the Bus but won’t be available on Saturday can also donate to the pantry via Venmo, and those details are included with this story on our website. Kustra says her goal is to collect at least $2,000 or the equivalent in food items for families in need this Christmas season. Again, Stuff the Bus runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Carroll Hy-Vee.

CLICK HIGHLIGHTED FOR AUDIO: After needing to postpone due to winter weather, the Animal Rescue of Carroll will be at the Westgate Mall this weekend with its annual Cause for Paws fundraising event. This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers will be accepting donations to support the adoptable dogs and cats at the shelter looking for their forever home. Executive Director for the rescue Jessica Briggs says that the organization has a list of the most requested items for this year. Briggs says for every item donated, something will be given back in return.

Tickets can also be purchased for $3 each. Raffle prizes were donated by A Touch of Country, Jeanie’s Hallmark, True Value Hardware and Home Store and Vita Suite. Briggs encourages everyone to bring down their own pets for a photo opportunity with a famous Christmas character. Again, come support the Animal Rescue of Carroll with the annual Cause for Paws fundraising event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westgate Mall in Carroll.

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Join us for the last episode of Must Know People, as John Ryan, a legendary voice in community radio, bids farewell to the microphone. Discover the humorous and unexpected turns that characterized John's career, including sleepless nights and memorable mishaps on air. Listen to John's insights on how radio has evolved and what it means for the future as he opens up about his storied past and his plans moving forward. LISTEN NOW

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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✅A BUSY TIME: Last minute Holiday Hosting hacks that will actually save your sanity.
✅LISTEN: A festive playlist to make wrapping gifts feel way more fun.
✅DRIVE: Check out the best route for local Christmas light displays.
✅FOR THE MOMS: Quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas.
✅WATCH: Add these to your Christmas movie watch list this year!
✅CONTEST: It’s J.P. Floorings ‘Ugly Flooring Contest’ submit your photos today to enter!
✅SATURDAY: Elf on a Shelf Christmas Crafts at the Carroll Public Library!
✅COMING UP: 3rd Annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt event by Grit in Willey!

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