Thursday 15th January 2026

September Pack the Backpack Winner: Aaron Backlin

The September Minuteman Printing & Graphics Pack the Backpack winner, is Aaron Backlin – Spanish / Computer Science Teacher @ Grinnell High School. He was nominated by Mary Lindberg, and here is what they wrote to Kix 101.1.

Grinnell-Newburg High School was unable to fill an open high school Spanish teacher position for the 2025-2026 school year leaving Mr. Backlin as the only full-time high school Spanish teacher. Because of this, Mr. Backlin’s teaching schedule wasn’t finalized until less than a week before the school year started. He graciously switched one of his classes from a standard class to an accelerated class very last minute to allow for the incoming 9th graders to have a path towards AP Spanish. He is always willing to do what is best for the students and the school even if it creates more work for himself. He is always smiling and willing to help a student. In addition to his Spanish teaching, he assists with high school debate and was selected by the students as a commencement speaker in 2024. He also helps lead a trip to Spain once every three years. He is a positive, engaged, welcoming, hardworking part of the school and the community who makes an impact inside and outside of the classroom.

On the last Wednesday of the month during the school year, we award $101 to a Kix Country classroom to help out with supplies. Nominate a Kix Country teacher today at Kixweb.com.

 

More Episodes

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Jonathan Knight

The List for Thursday, January 15th 2026

Welcome to The List,

Martha Stewart is planning way ahead and she’s not joking. Martha says she wants her remains composted and returned to her garden as nutrient-rich soil. She explained that when her horses pass, they’re buried respectfully on her property, and that’s where she wants to go too. No coffin. No fuss. Just full Martha Stewart sustainability, right to the end.

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Matthew McConaughey has officially trademarked “Alright, Alright, Alright” and even his face and voice. The move is aimed at stopping unauthorized A.I. versions of him from popping up online. So, if a robot tries to sell cologne using his voice, lawyers will arrive immediately.

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Social media actually did something wholesome. Gunnery Sergeant Stephen Corson is heading to the Marine Corps Ball and asked Ella Langley to be his date via TikTok. The video has more than 1.6 million views and even includes him asking ChatGPT his odds. Answer, half a percent to two percent. He still shot his shot and asked if she might be “Choosin’ Utah.” No response yet, but the internet is rooting hard.

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Jelly Roll just dropped the trailer for his first-ever voice acting role. He plays a bear named Grizz in the animated movie GOAT. It’s from the creators behind Spider-Verse, and features Jelly’s new song “I’m Good.” The movie hits theaters February 13. The man is everywhere.

Catch The List, with Jonathan Knight this afternoon at 4:20. Only on Iowa’s BEST Country KIX 101.1

 
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January 15, 2026
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