2011 in Review

Man With the Golden Voice
-Ted Williams was the homeless man in Ohio with the golden voice.  He went from living on the streets to Hollywood, getting TV appearances, job offers and a new look.  He even was the voice of the new Mac & Cheese commercials.  Last we heard, Williams checked himself into rehab.  Whether or not he's still there is another story.

Scotty McCreery
-Scotty McCreery first appeared on American Idol and grabbed everyone's attention with Josh Turner's 'Your Man.'  Who knew he'd be your 2011 Idol winner in January?

Keith Urban Surrogate
-Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman's family grows as they have another daughter through a surrogate.  Faith joined 2 year old Sunday Rose.  Keith released a picture of his new baby girl a few days later.  How they kept the pregnancy and surrogate details a secret is a mystery, but good for them!

Harlem Globetrotter Bucket Blakes
-Buckets was in studio for the morning show before heading to Willard Elementary School in Oneida to entertain the kids.  A great time was had by all, including me, who got to spin a basketball on my finger.

FrogFest & Rodeo
-It was the big announcement we were moving FrogFestto the Herkimer County Fairground, adding a rodeo and Rodney Atkins would headline.

Mike Fisher Traded
-Carrie Underwood received some backlash from Canadians when her hockey player husband, Mike Fisher was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Nashville Predators.

Toby at Turning Stone
-Toby Keith heated things up at his show at Turning Stone.  By the way, he's back again for February 2012 with Rodney Atkins.

St Pat's Parade
-Everyone went green for the Utica St Patrick's Day parade.

Heart/Run Walk
-As they do every year, hundreds came out to take part in the Heart Run/Walk to benefit the American Heart Association.  They even all made it up Heartbreak Hill.

The Band Perry at MVCC
-The Band Perry made a stop at MVCC for a sold out show.  Good thing they booked them early.  They've won a number of award since then and are now on fire!

Tsunami
-A tsunami and earthquake hit Japan killing several people and injuring even more.  Homes and roads were washed away in the devastation.

Frankfort Tornado
-A tornado ripped through Frankfort, destroying a family home. Luckily no one was injured.  Along with the tornado, flooding caused problems all across Central New York.

Royal Wedding
-The world watched as Prince William married Kate Middleton.  T-mobile even put together a spoof video of the Royal Wedding

Reba's Dad Falls Ill
-Reba McEntire's father has a heart attack.  Luckily he made a full recovery

Leann Rimes Weds
-Leann Rimes' marries Eddie Cibrian after a their public affair while they were both married.

Blake & Miranda Wedding
-Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert finally tie the knot. They released their wedding pictures to People Magazine and their honeymoon picture was posted on Twitter.

Scotty Wins Idol
-Scotty McCreery is crowned American Idol champion.  Lauren Alaina was second.

Osama Killed
-The world celebrated as Osama bin Laden was killed.

Hollywood Deaths
-Macho Man Randy Savage dies in a car crash and actor Jeff Conaway dies at age 60.

Missouri Tornado
-A tornado ripped through Missouri killing more than 100 people, making it the deadliest in history

FrogFest
-Rodney Atkins tore the roof off the Herkimer County Fairground for Wild West FrogFest & Rodeo.

Trace Adkins Fire
-Trace Adkins lost his home in a house fire.  No one was injured, not even the pets since Trace's daughter went back into the home to rescue them.

Sheriff Deputy Killed
-Oneida County Sheriff's deputy Kurt Wyman is killed in the line of duty.  He was shot after responding to a domestic dispute call.

Hollywood Deaths
-Jackass star Ryan Dunn dies in a car crash and Dr Jack Kevorkian passes away

Boilermaker Road Race
-Thousands line the streets of downtown Utica to cheer on thousands more taking part in the Boilermaker road race.

Gloriana Becomes Trio
-Gloriana goes from a band of 4 to a trio after Cheyenne Kimball unexpected leaves.  She tweeted the news.

Casey Anthony Not Guilty
-Casey Anthony is found not guilty in the death of her daughter Caylee.

Caylee Anthony Song
-Gary Levox of Rascal Flatts co-writes a tribute song for Caylee Anthony.

Betty Ford Dies
-Former First Lady Betty Ford dies.  She was 93

Dog Wants Pool
-A dog who wanted a pool inside the house was our most viewed post of the month of July

Sugarland Stage Collapse
-The stage collapses at the Indiana State Fair, killing several people and injuring even more before Sugarland was set to perform

Polly Goes Over The Edge
-Polly Wogg raises over $1500 for Special Olympics and rappels off the Adirondack Bank Building in Utica for 'Over The Edge'

Dog Won't Leave Soldier
-A tearjerker of a video went viral when a loyal dog refused to leave the side of his master, a fallen soldier.

Manny's Cheesecake Fire
-A Utica landmark for over 40 years goes up in smoke. A fire destroys Manny's Cheesecake

Lee Flooding
-Tropical storm Lee dumped more water on Central New York than we could handle. Roads were closed, schools were delayed and crews worked overtime cleaning up

Luke Bryan Comes To Town
-Luke Bryan set a record when his 'Tailgates & Tanlines' tour came to the Utica Aud.  He sold more tickets for a Utica College concert series than any other act.

Sept 11th Anniversary
-It's hard to believe it was 10 years ago terrorist flew into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon changing our world forever.  We took a look back at that fateful day and honored those lives lost

Nancy Grace Wardrobe Malfunction
-Nancy Grace showed a little more than her fancy footwork on 'Dancing With the Stars' when her nipple slipped out of her dress.  She still denies it happened, but the tape doesn't lie.

Chilipalooza
-Local Fire Departments competed for the best chili in the area. ConFROGulation to Frankfort for winning. Local bands also entertained the crowd throughout the day at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds for Chilipalooza

Hank Jr Hitler Comment
-Hank Williams Jr got himself into hot water after comparing President Obama to Hitler on 'Fox & Friends.' He and his theme song were then pulled from ESPN and Monday night football hasn't been the same since.

Toby's Bar Comes To Syracuse
-Toby Keith will bring his 'I Love This Bar & Grill' to Syracuse.  It's expected to be open next Spring

Phoenix Football Player Dies
-Area students grieved after Phoenix football player Ridge Barden died during a Friday night game.  He was tackled in the 3rd quarter of a game and passed away from blunt force trauma.

Steve Jobs Dies
-Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs lost his battle with cancer.  He passed away at the age of 56 but left behind a legacy that has changed the way we communicate.

Gloriana Hometown Show
-Mike & Tom Gossin of New Hartford return with Rachel of Gloriana for a hometown show at Turning Stone and it was sold out!

Red Solo Cup
-Toby Keith released his dumbest and most popular song with 'Red Solo Cup.'

Kenny & Tim Tour
-Kenny Chesney announces he'll hit the road again with Tim McGraw for the 'Brothers of the Sun' tour.  No dates have been added in New York yet, but we can only hope.

Hollywood Deaths
-We lost boxing legend Joe Frazier and 60 Minutes icon Andy Rooney

Syracuse University Scandal
-Assistant Basketball coach Bernie Fine is accused of molesting a team ball boy. Head coach Jim Boeheim refused to step down amidst the scandal

Mindy McCready Mess
-Mindy McCready not only takes her son out of state without custody but is pregnant with twins.  Her son was later found by police in a closet.

Keith Urban Surgery
-Keith Urban undergoes throat surgery to have a polyp removed.  It was a success but he's still on vocal rest, so he's playing guitar with Brad Paisley while he recovery

Vinny Now Skinny on Biggest Loser
-Vinny Hickerson of Trailer Choir has lost over 180 pounds since starting on NBC's 'Biggest Loser.'  He may not have won the at home prize but he's won his life back and he's engaged.  Plus he made the hottest men list.