Big Country 104.9 & 97.9: Big Country Blogs

Fort Ticonderoga to Host Major Battle Reenactment This Weekend

Jake Thomas — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:36:00 +0000

Fort Ticonderoga is hosting a major 2 day Battle Reenactment this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Here is the description of this incredible event from a press release we received from Fort Ticonderoga:

"Fort Ticonderoga presents the 1759 Siege of Carillon two-day battle reenactment July 20-21. Through a combination of demonstrations, vignettes, narrated boat cruises, and battle reenactments, visitors will experience the British advance for Lake George. Become immersed in this 18th-century siege; featuring the constant roar of cannon, thrilling battle reenactments, and even a nighttime program where visitors are immersed in the battle for Carillon, named Ticonderoga by the British once they capture the fort from the French. The Battle Reenactment will take place all weekend and is included as part of daily admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.fortticonderoga.org or at the gate."

I love history and this is definitely something you will never forget.

Great Meadow Correctional In Washington County Facility To Close

Jake Thomas — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:23:00 +0000

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announce yesterday that Great Meadow Correctional Facility will be closing for good on November 6, 2024. Great Meadow Correctional Facility has been the backbone of the community in Fort Ann, NY and Comstock, New York for generations and it's closure is going to send some waves through the North Country's economy, I can't imagine the pain and heartache for the families in the region that will be losing their jobs as a result. In many cases they can't be replaced. The prison is located in Comstock, NY at the intersection of Route 4 and 22. Great Meadow is a maximum security prison, and across the street from Great Meadow is Washington Correctional Facility which at this time will remain operating til further notice.

Doug Brooks - He's Actually Known as Doug Stone : Learn Why

Jake Thomas — Tue, 07 May 2024 13:15:00 +0000

Doug Stone's real name is Doug Brooks, he was the first artist ever signed by Epic Records by legendary Epic producer Bob Montgomery that he never saw perform live. That was an amazing accomplishment. Doug's original deal with Epic was in 1989 and there was another artist with the last name Brooks that was doing pretty well at the time, I think you know who that was. In case you don't it was Garth Brooks. Doug wanted to eliminate any confusion between him and Garth so he decided to use the recording name of Doug Stone and the rest as they say, was history. Doug is still on the road today and has many fans and many hits including "In A Different Light", "Why Didn't I Think of That", "I'd be Better off In a Pine Box" and many more. We love Doug Stone music here at Big Country 105.9 and 97.9 and he is definitely one of Country's Biggest Legends!

What's Your Favorite Lake

Jake Thomas — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:11:26 +0000

It's lake season! There's just something very peaceful about spending some quality time in each Spring and Summer at one of our beautiful lakes around the Capital Region and the North Country, and everyone has a favorite lake. Maybe it's a lake that your family or a relative has a house or summer camp on that you have been visiting for pretty much your whole life and making memories with your family, relatives and friends. Oh the memories, the cookouts, the boat rides. It never gets old. I have been spoiled to grow up so close to Lake George, and other beautiful lakes with the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains like Glen Lake, Schroon Lake, Brandt Lake, Hedges Lake.. but my all time favorite is Hadlock Pond. I have family that has lived there for years and it is the one place we always seem to get back together at now that they are all grown up and spread all over the country. Lakes in the North Country are truly the place where memories are made for lifetimes.

Spiders and Snakes - Reptile Show Coming to Albany

Jake Thomas — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:41:50 +0000

The Capital District Reptile Expo is coming soon to the Albany Capital Center on Sunday, May 19th from 10am-4pm. When my kids were younger I took them to a show just like this and they loved it. They were not afraid of the snakes and spiders and turtles and more. They were literally amazed and asked a ton of questions and wanted me to take lots of pictures of the critters for them. So if you have younger kids or grandkids I really think they would love to see this. The Albany Capital Center is located in Downtown Albany behind the MVP arena on 55 Eagle Street. Learn more about the show here.

First Round Of Golf This Year- Always Special

Jake Thomas — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:30:06 +0000

Well I will be up with the chickens for my first round of golf in 2024. I have a 7am tee time for 9 holes at Bay Meadows in Queensbury. I would like to play 18 but that has to wait until next Sunday. There's nothing like that first round. It's really the only round of the year that I never worry about my score or anything really. You're just getting fresh air, having fun and working out those winter kinks in your swing. I play all over the place in Queensbury, Kingsbury and even make a trip to Clifton Park and Schenectady for a few rounds each year. If I am really feeling good about my game I will play at one of the PGA courses at Turning Stone.. I have to feel REALLY good though as though rounds are a wee bit expensive. LOL! Hope I see you on the links.

THE FIRST BBQ OF THE YEAR - ALWAYS A BIG DEAL

Jake Thomas — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:46:00 +0000

Well, the literal kickoff to warmer weather is official. I grilled for the first time last night. I had my heart set on grilling some chicken with my homemade South Carolina Mustard based sauce which I love, but my wife was in the mood for a nice pork loin so that is what I put on the grill. It smelled so good. Of course the prep took about 10 minutes I made a nice rub with brown sugar, paprika and some black pepper and hit it good with that, then whipped up a some sauce with a touch of teriyaki sauce to really balance it. You Have to get the base char on it after 2 flips before you sauce it, then it was about 25 minutes at 400. Oh my it was so good. I will share more of by BBQ with you through the Summer for sure.

The Best Truckin' Songs Ever

Jake Thomas — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:51:07 +0000

I love Classic Country music in general, but some of the biggest memories I have as a kid were the great songs about Truckin' and driving those 18 wheelers to make sure the shelves can stay stocked, the mail can get delivered and the cars can get replenished on the car lots. Rick Jackson's Country Classics On Big Country 104.9 and 97.9 is doing a "Truckin' Country" theme this week, and you can hear Rick on Saturday nights from 7-10pm and Sunday mornings from 7-10am. It just got me thinking about those songs so I wanted to share my Top 5 Truckin' songs with you. I hope you like them.

#5. Phantom 309 by Red Sovine

#4. Teddy Bear by Red Sovine

#3. East Bound and Down by Jerry Reed

#2. Roll On by Alabama

AND... AT #1 (drumroll).... Convoy by C.W. McCall

Remembering Hal Ketchum

Jake Thomas — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:49:06 +0000

Country legend Hal Ketchum was born on April 9, 1953 right here in the Capital Region, in Greenwich , New York. He sadly passed away way too young in 2020 after a long battle with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Hal started playing music at the age of 15 and never stopped, He was a regular on the country music charts in the 1990's after releasing his first album in 1991. His hits still ring with fans of country music and include his biggest hit "Small Town Saturday Night", "Past the Point of Rescue", "Mama Knows The Highway", "Hearts Are Gonna Roll" and many more. The one thing that you can count on is that his hits will live forever with us on Big Country 104.9 and 97.9.

FIREFIGHTERS PLAYING CHARITY HOCKEY GAME IN GLENS FALLS

Jake Thomas — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:40:07 +0000

It's good to see great people doing something for a great cause. The Saratoga Professional Firefighters hockey team "The Saratoga Springs Fire" will play a charity hockey game against the Troy Firefighters IAFF Local 86 hockey team to raise money for renovations and an expansion of the Farm Toy Show Building at the Washington County Fair in Greenwich, New York. The proposed work will cost about $16,000. The game will be held at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls at 6pm. Admission to the game is free, but the fire companies are accepting donations. Please attend and please be generous, as this is a wonderful thing they are doing for the community.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN LAKE GEORGE -TRAVEL ADVISORY EFFECTIVE APRIL 10TH THROUGH AUGUST 31ST

Jake Thomas — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 16:34:00 +0000

The New York State Department of Transportation posted a Travel Advisory for the Interstate 87 Overpass on Route 9 in Lake George beginning April 10th through August 31st to facilitate a bridge replacement project. Details from the NYS DOT are below:

TRAVEL ADVISORY

LANE CLOSURES ON STATE ROUTE 9 IN LAKE GEORGE, WARREN COUNTY

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 9 in the area of the Interstate 87 overpass in the Town of Lake George, Warren County will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals, beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, and continuing through approximately August 31 to facilitate a bridge replacement project.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedule. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Follow NYSDOT on X, formerly known as Twitter: @@NYSDOT and @NYSDOTAlbany. Find NYSDOT on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.

Never Trust A Rodent With The Weather Forecast

Jake Thomas — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:42:14 +0000

I hear people say all the time that the weather people never get the weather right. I will say, I do agree with that some of the time, but then again they do actually get it right at least half the time. However I think Puxatawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania never gets it right. I know that he is just a rodent and it is for fun, and big day of tourist dollars for Pauxatawney, PA. I will say though that when does predict an early Spring that we don't take it to the bank, but it gives us hope. Then when it blows up and we get 20 inches at the end of March and some more garbage in Upstate New York this week, I blame him. I'm sorry for getting mad at you Phil, you are cute and you are an American Icon.. and your big day is also my late Grandmother's birthday too so I guess I will give a hall pass this year, but don't screw it up next year... or else! LOL! :)

Championship Parade for Glens Falls Black Bears Today

Jake Thomas — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:33:39 +0000

Downtown Glens Falls will be hosting a parade at 5pm today for The Glens Falls Black Bears NYS Class A Basketball Champions. Congratulations are well deserved and we all had a great time watching the team bring home the title. It was a very fitting year for Glens Falls to win the State Championship as for many, many years the city of Glens Falls has been home to the NYS High School Basketball Championships. This was the last year the city is hosting, at least for a few years as the tournament will move to Binghamton next year. Enjoy your victory parade!

Snowstorm of the Year - I Hope That's It

Jake Thomas — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:38:35 +0000

I had such big plans for this past weekend. I was going to roll my grill out of the garage and start cooking, but that is delayed for a while. LOL! Mother nature really hit us below the belt so to speak with a late March snowstorm that easily ended up being the largest snowfall we received this year in the North Country. I lost track at 20 inches at my house in Glens Falls. Thank god I was fully stocked with ibuprofen. It just kept coming and coming. 3 rounds with the snow blower and shovel between Friday night and Sunday Saturday night, and then 1 final clean up on Sunday morning once it finally stopped. WOW! Fingers crossed, I hope that's the end of it!

Of Course- One Last Blast of Winter This Weekend

Jake Thomas — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:56:00 +0000

Mother Nature is throwing one last curveball at us in the Capital Region and North Country with a little bit of everything expected this weekend. Some snow, some sleet and a little freezing rain is in the forecast too. Please be careful if you are on the roads and run into some bad weather. I really, really.. REALLY hope this is going to be it so we can move onto to Spring and get the shorts out of the moth balls. Areas to the North of Glens Falls and the Adirondacks could see the most in the way of accumulation. The old saying used to be March comes in like a Lion and out like a lamb, but this year it was backwards as it came in like a Lamb and out like a Lion!

My Mother In-Law Is A Cardinal

Jake Thomas — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:24:31 +0000

I have a beautiful Cardinal that hangs out at my house, I believe it is the same one each year. When I am out it really chirps away at me every time without fail. I always tell my wife that it's her mother yelling at me. LOL! She says she thinks it is too. The thing that is hilarious is that it only chirps at me, and when my wife is out it just quietly looks at her. I don't know if she is mad at me about something, or if she is telling me to be nice to her daughter. All I know is she will be there waiting for me when I get home again and if she wasn't I would be worried. Many people believe that Cardinals are loved ones that have passed on. Read more about it here. They are beautiful and ironically I graduated from Fort Ann High School and our sports teams are The Fort Ann Cardinals.

Bring The Grill Out Of The Garage - Spring is Here

Jake Thomas — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:10:09 +0000

I was out raking my lawn over the weekend and picking up all the sticks to help the lawn come is as good as I can. I also gabbed my pieces of 2 by 4 and my 2 blocks that I use every year to level off my big grill and smoker every year and will be rolling it out of the garage and setting it up for duty this weekend. To me that is when I know Spring is here. I spend a lot of time smoking briskets, pork shoulders, chicken and grilling burgers, dogs and sausages. My neighbors always come out when they smell the food cooking and say "Wow, that smells great, when are we eating?" LOL! I always share with them, as a good grilling neighbor should!

NATIONAL PIE DAY- IT SHOULD BE EVERY DAY

Jake Thomas — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:36:37 +0000

It's National Pie Day today. I can't believe that pie only gets one day! Every Day should be pie day. There is nothing better for dessert after dinner or even lunch than a nice piece of pie. I love almost all pies. My favorite is pecan pie and I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I am also a big fan of of apple pie, and homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie (it's a Northeast thing). Any chocolate pie fans out there?? I am just happy to see that pie is getting the props it so richly deserves, I just think it should be more than a day. Let's lobby for National Pie Month and give it some real attention. Wait a second.... it's National PI day.. it's a math thing! Are you kidding me. I like my PIE day better. Would you rather eat Pie, or see if there play with you calculator figuring out what PI is? 3.14 (Infinity).

ECLIPSE GLASSES ON SALE AT CONVENIENCE STORE- SHOULD I TRUST THEM

Jake Thomas — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:34:03 +0000

I like to run into convenience stores, well because they're convenient. But sometimes I am hesitant to buy stuff for my health from them. IE.. if I need cold medicine, even if it is over the counter I like to talk to a pharmacist and tell them wat is going on with me and see what they recommend. I will grab coffee, pump gas, grab a candy bar or a soda most of the time. I know the eclipse is coming on April 8th and i have read a lot of articles about the potential damage that could happen if you view it without the proper safety eyewear. When I was checking out of my usual convenience store I saw they had eclipse glasses by the register for $3! I didn't buy them. I am going to get mine from someplace that has a vision center so I can make sure that what get is safe. You only have 1 set of eyes, so be careful and protect them.

My Grill Can't Wait To Start Cooking This Spring

Jake Thomas — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:42:00 +0000

I love to grill and smoke meats in the Spring and Summer months. I will literally spend hours out there on the weekend with various cuts of chicken, pork and beef. My friends love it this time of the year because I always bring them samples of what I have done. I am old school in the fact that I make all of my rubs and my sauces from scratch. Nothing from the bottle for this guy. If you are driving through downtown Glens Falls and smell something incredible coming from a grill or smoker I can't say for sure that it's me... but it probably is!! Happy soon to be grilling season to you, have fun and be creative.

Greenfield Center Native Commanding Air National Guard Unit

Jake Thomas — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:51:00 +0000

Congratulations and a salute are in order for New York Air National Guard Colonel Robert Donaldson of Greenfield Center, NY. According to News Channel 13-WNYT Donaldson was promoted to Commander of the NY Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing. Donaldson has been in the wing for 33 years and is a pilot himself. He has also proudly served our state and nation with missions to Greenland and Iceland and served at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. We're very proud of you, and thank you for your service.

Kevin Monahan Sentenced on 2nd Degree Murder Conviction

Jake Thomas — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 17:51:00 +0000

In a very sad story that is local, the sentence in the Kevin Monahan trial was handed down today. Monahan was found guilty of 2nd degree murder in the shooting death of 20 year old Kaylin Gillis according to Spectrum News 1 . Monahan received a sentence of 25 years to life. Gillis was a 2021 graduate of Schuylerville High School. The shooting occurred at Monahan's residence in Washington County. The story has gained national attention from major networks as seen in this story from CNN in which Washington County Judge Adam Michelini was quoted as saying "You just don't get it". Monahan's defense team has filed an intent to appeal.

New Multi Purpose Arena Coming to Schenectady

Jake Thomas — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:03:25 +0000

The Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady will be home to a beautiful new facility in a few years, the Mohawk Harbor Event Center will be the name of the new facility and it will be the future home for Union Hockey and many other events that will now be able to come to Schenectady for the community. The photo you see is a rendering of what the facility will look like. According to a press release on the project from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority the Mohawk Harbor Event center will be able to seat 2,200 for Union Ice Hockey and will be able to hold up to 3,600 people for other trade shows, special events and conventions. You will have to wait awhile while they build it, they are expecting the new arena to be ready for the 2025-26 Union Hockey Season.

Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th In Upstate and Western New York State

Jake Thomas — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:56:00 +0000

Residents and I'm sure tens of thousands of curious tourists will be flocking to Western and Northern New York State for the first total solar Eclipse to be visible in New York State in almost a century. Yes, it has almost been 100 years since a total solar eclipse was clearly visible in our state. The historic event will happen on April 8th between 3:15 and 3:30pm and should last approximately 3 minutes. Remember though, you should not look at the solar eclipse with the naked eye, wear protective eye wear ... very good sunglasses at the bare minimum. This event is going to bring a lot of tourism money to parts of the state that usually don't see a lot a activity in April so that's a great thing. Please click here to get eclipse viewing safety tips from NASA.

Was Your Tax Refund Smaller This Year?

Jake Thomas — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:59:00 +0000

Did you file your taxes yet? Did you go "WHAT??" when you saw what your refund was going to be? Was it a good "WHAT" or a "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED WHAT"? I am guessing that more times than not it was not a good "WHAT". The IRS is says this year tax refunds are averaging 29% less than they were in 2023. The said that some filers may experience issues with what they call "bracket creep" , whatever that means. It's early in the filing season so the average could get better. I guess at the end of the day the real success is just not owing the state or the feds anything so if the numbers come out positive for you and your families, that's good. Happy filing!

Global Foundries Receives $1.5 Billion For Expansion

Jake Thomas — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:08:53 +0000

Global Foundries with their huge chip fab campus in Malta and also a location in Essex Junction, Vermont received and amazing $1.5 billion in government funds for expansion and updating of the chip fabrication plants. That is great news for the local employment front as the bigger they get, the more jobs they will be creating for the local economy. The funds are part of a program to increase the amount of chips that are made in the US to cut down on the reliance from other countries to supply us here in the US which is actually a good thing for us. I know many people that work for Global Foundries and I'm sure this is welcome news to them and their families and for the local economy.

Miami Dolphins New Defensive Coordinator Is a Local Graduate

Jake Thomas — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:41:20 +0000

A former Saratoga Springs Graduate is making a big splash in the NFL. Anthony Weaver was named the new defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. Wow. That's an incredible accomplishment to say the least. We will see him on the sidelines whenever a Dolphins game is on and I am sure his parents are very proud. I'm sure his classmates are as well. According to the Miami Dolphins website Mike McDaniel the head coach has known Weaver for 20 years and they coached together in Cleveland back in 2014 and McDaniel. Weaver also has been on the coaching staffs for the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Raven and Houston Texans. Congrats Anthony, we're very proud of you on the Capital Region and North Country.

Maybe The Groundhog Was Right

Jake Thomas — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:12:00 +0000

I can't speak for the rest of the country, but Phil said that there was going to be an early Spring this year, and here in the Capital Region and North Country he may be right! We just literally missed a big storm up here, and there is next to no snow on the ground. I know other parts of the country have gotten hit with some heavy snow, but not here. At least not yet. It may be a little early and I really don't know how much you can trust a groundhog with the weather forecast, but.. maybe, just maybe he might have got it right for our region. I guess we will have to wait and see.

What is Your Go To Restaurant for Valentine's Day

Jake Thomas — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:40:21 +0000

It's Valentines Day! Did you get everything set for your sweetie? The card, the candy? Maybe flowers and some jewelry? What about the romantic dinner? Did you make that reservation yet? OMG!! When it comes to having a romantic dinner in the Capital Region and North Country, there are really so many incredible choices that you could pick. What is that "go to" place you love to go to for a nice romantic dinner with your sweetie. We would love to know.

Toby Keith 3 Hour Tribute With Rick Jackson on Big Country

Jake Thomas — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:45:04 +0000

Toby Keith's passing was a shock to the world. Sadly Toby lost his brave fight against stomach cancer. His fans and friends and family are still feeling a hole in their hearts. Toby's music though, will live forever ..especially here on Big Country 104.9 and 97.9. Our good friend Rick Jackson from Rick Jackson's Country Classics will host a 3 hour tribute to Toby, featuring his music and the literal story of Toby Keith's life. Please join us for this touching tribute. We will be airing it twice this weekend for you, Saturday evening from 7pm-10pm, and Sunday morning from 7am-10am. Tell your friends.