I'm not sure why, but I'm in the mood to write about local kids programming. It is a rare thing these days. If you grew up in or near Sioux Falls, you remember "Bozo The Clown" or "Romper Room" on KSOO-TV (later KSFY). On KELO there was Dave Dedrick and Captain 11. In Sioux City, there was "Major 9" and "Canyon Kid" on KCAU-TV.

 I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and for me it was all about Duane Ellett and Floppy. Duane was a popular radio announcer in Des Moines and he developed his puppet dog sidekick, Floppy, for TV on WHO-TV. As a child I was glued to the set every day at 12:15 and 3:30 so I could see Duane and Floppy tell jokes, talk with other kids and show cartoons. When I got a little older, my family and I would go to the Iowa State Fair to see Floppy do live shows in front of the State Fair Grandstand. In fact, somewhere at my Mom's house in Des Moines, there may still be an autographed picture of Floppy. I loved that show. I remember when it was cancelled too. WHO-TV brought in new management who didn't want to spend the money on local kids programming and they replaced Floppy with "The Love Boat". Yup, Duane and Floppy moved away and I got Captain Stubing and Issac The Bartender. I could not believe it. They eventually relagated Duane and Floppy to a once-a-week, Saturday morning program. It didn't last long. I've always thought it was a crime to send "Duane and Floppy" to the dustbin of history before they were ready to go.

 But it has me thinking now about stations and local kids programming and how it's virtually impossible to find. I know of one: Dan Wardell at Iowa Public Television. He has programs on IPTV which focus on the importance of eating healthy foods, exercise and reading and kids love it! My son Austin is a huge Dan Wardell fan. As am I. As a fellow broadcaster, I have amazing respect for what he is doing. Not only does he have TV programs on IPTV, but he also travels the state, going from library to library to promote the love of reading and during these events he tells the kids it's OK to TURN OFF THE TV! I work in TV but I like this idea, especially for kids.

  So Dan Wardell and IPTV, thanks for doing what you do. A lot of other stations in other states could learn from your example.

 Quote Of The Day: "Hello KIds!" "Hello Floppy!" The salutation exchange between Floppy and his live studio audience at the beginning of every episode of 'Duane & Floppy'.

 This Day In History: Gangster John Dillinger was shot to death outside Chicago's "Biograph Theater" on this date, July 22nd, 1934.

 Thanks for stopping by and taking a quick read! Feel free to leave a comment below or send me an e-mail by clicking here.