Page Updated August 20, 2021
(Check out the bio on another former DJ, Reedy Hall!)
Like every radio station, singing group, and sports team, people come and go and lineups change, but one thing is certain, none of the aforementioned can function without personnel...even automated, satellite and internet stations. It's people...hard working people that make a radio station function. It's with that understanding that we endeavor to recognize the outstanding on-air staff and key managerial personnel who have come through the doors at 406 South Mulberry in Elizabethtown, for over 50 years the home of 1400 WIEL.
Tom Baldwin-Engineer and on-air
personality in the 50's & 60's, beginning in 1952
(according to Billboard). His son, Mike worked in sales for WIEL a number
of years and is now sales director and co-owner of WASE (now the 'new WAKY').
Davis
Barton-70's jock.
Ross Becker-General Manager during Jones Radio years 1997-2003 and co-owner of Basix Communications, along with wife Linda. Currently anchors the news desk for KAAL-TV ABC 6 and owner of TV Mentor.com and can be heard on 14WIEL Online.
Ross Becker-General Manager during Jones Radio years 1997-2003 and co-owner of Basix Communications, along with wife Linda. Currently anchors the news desk for KAAL-TV ABC 6 and owner of TV Mentor.com and can be heard on 14WIEL Online.
|
Ross
writes:
"Among
the
many memories of WIEL, I recall the many Saturdays
and nights I spent just after we purchased the
stations cleaning and exploring through all of the
old boxes and files concerning WIEL. I
remember finding an old paper log under the
console in the main studio. I think it was
from 1962! Also, there was a closet filled with 45
rpm records and it was a blast going through them
all and discovering some gems. I have one
framed and on my wall right now. It is the
original 45 of LaBamba with the Del-Fi
label. It was a museum of broadcasting in
the 50's and 60's. I will never forget
it. I believe I could hear the station those
nights andweekends by myself digging through all
that history.(I'm) still in Salt Lake...anchoring
the 6 and 10 pm newscasts on KTVX, the ABC
station here."
Ross
continues:
"Ron and now Judy really understand the history and the passion of WIEL. When I was growing up in Green Bay, WI there was a station there that did the same for me. WDUZ-AM. I was in high school and used to get hamburgers for the DJ and ring the back bell. He would let me in and allow me to pick the records for the next hour. It was my 'seed' in the profession. I know WIEL provided that same 'seed' for so many. That is why I am proud my name was on the license for a small part of its' history. Thanks for keeping it alive." |
Steve Best-Worked in the News
Department for a short time in 1980 and as sports reporter, doing high school games off an on over
the years for WIEL/WKMO.
(from
Steve via Facebook)
Barry Black-Operations Manager of WIEL & WKMO mid 90's.
Ed Booher-News editor during the early 1950's.
Joy Bale Boone-reviewed books for the Louisville Courier-Journal for more than 50 years and on WIEL radio in Elizabethtown.
Joy back at WIEL and in print!
(courtesy of Paul Urbahns)
Ron Boone-News Director 1973-2004 until his death. Authorative, no-nonsense and well respected in community. Winner of numerous journalism awards, some of which were awarded posthumously, including induction into Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. For more, see his tribute on the Ron Boone page.
|
Steve
writes:
"A lot of good people went through WIEL. Too many to name, but Ron and Dick stand out to me, of course." |
Barry Black-Operations Manager of WIEL & WKMO mid 90's.
Ed Booher-News editor during the early 1950's.
Joy Bale Boone-reviewed books for the Louisville Courier-Journal for more than 50 years and on WIEL radio in Elizabethtown.
Joy back at WIEL and in print!
(courtesy of Paul Urbahns)
Ron Boone-News Director 1973-2004 until his death. Authorative, no-nonsense and well respected in community. Winner of numerous journalism awards, some of which were awarded posthumously, including induction into Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. For more, see his tribute on the Ron Boone page.
|
Judy Boone writes:
"Ron worked for WCTT in
Corbin, WYWY in Barbourville, WEKY in Richmond, WLAP in
Lexington for a very short time, WMST in Mt.
Sterling, then WIEL and on. Thanks again
for all you are doing on the website,
especially in Ron's memory."
|
| From the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame Inductees: Through thirty-one
year career as reporter and news director at
Elizabethtown radio stations, was heard on
several stations, including WIEL-AM, WASE-FM,
WRZI-FM and WKMO-FM. Provided news, commentary,
and public affairs programming to radio
listeners in Hardin County from 1973 until his
death in 2004. Called “a big-time talent” who
would have succeeded in a large market but chose
to stay in a relatively small one and always
thought of his work as public service. Known for
diligent, fair, reliable and thoughtful
reporting, with an emphasis on local stories and
local viewpoints to make connections with his
listeners. Graduate of Union College. Born in
Corbin; began his radio career there in 1964 at
WCTT-AM.
|
Dave Brackman-Born in
Campbellsville, Dave got into radio after serving in the Army,
at WIEL, WTCO in Campbellsville, WLRB in New Albany and the
renowned WINN in Louisville where he also took up hillbilly music playing at a
local club.
(from Hillbilly-Music.com)
Lynda Bradley-Sunday mornings 1981-1983.Judy Boone writes:
Amy Brandli-Coyle-Newscaster in 80's.
George Bratcher-DJ in mid 70's, as well as newsman on a fill-in basis-preceded E.J. Clark on Mid-Days. Program Director in 1974 and worked 5:30 to 10 AM air shift. Served as newsman and program director at WQXE.
George Bratcher
(courtesy of Judy Boone)
Ron Britain 'King Bee' (Ron Megel) -Disc Jockey in 1955. Enjoyed lengthy career in radio & television, starting in 1949 at WHAS. Worked at WKLO-TV, WINN, WKAY (Bowling Green), WIEL, WSAZ-TV (Huntington, WV), WFMT-TV (Ft. Monmouth, NJ), WLBS (Monmouth/Ocean, NJ), WKAZ-TV (Charleston, WV), WSAI & WKRC in Cincinnati, WHK (Cleveland), KCMO (Kansas City, MO), and WCFL, WIND, WLS-FM, WCFL, Satellite Music Net, WJMK, WTMX & WRLL all in Chicago. Retired from WRLL and radio in 2003 and is living in Louisville. From 440int.com, "I retired from radio for good in 2003 and am living with my wife, Peach, in Louisville, Kentucky. We just added 3,200 sq. ft. to our existing home, including an elevator and love everything about this place including the setting on nearly three wooded acres with a creek in the back. We are international horse owners, travel extensively all over the world with London being our favorite city followed closely by Hong Kong, and we still have our condo in Chicago located right across the street from the new Chicago Trump Tower. I continue to paint in my free time, am currently writing a book that may never be completed, and am simply enjoying the good life, thanks to my career in radio. I have always loved radio and being a part of it".
(from Hillbilly-Music.com)
Lynda Bradley-Sunday mornings 1981-1983.Judy Boone writes:
Amy Brandli-Coyle-Newscaster in 80's.
George Bratcher-DJ in mid 70's, as well as newsman on a fill-in basis-preceded E.J. Clark on Mid-Days. Program Director in 1974 and worked 5:30 to 10 AM air shift. Served as newsman and program director at WQXE.
George Bratcher
(courtesy of Judy Boone)
Ron Britain 'King Bee' (Ron Megel) -Disc Jockey in 1955. Enjoyed lengthy career in radio & television, starting in 1949 at WHAS. Worked at WKLO-TV, WINN, WKAY (Bowling Green), WIEL, WSAZ-TV (Huntington, WV), WFMT-TV (Ft. Monmouth, NJ), WLBS (Monmouth/Ocean, NJ), WKAZ-TV (Charleston, WV), WSAI & WKRC in Cincinnati, WHK (Cleveland), KCMO (Kansas City, MO), and WCFL, WIND, WLS-FM, WCFL, Satellite Music Net, WJMK, WTMX & WRLL all in Chicago. Retired from WRLL and radio in 2003 and is living in Louisville. From 440int.com, "I retired from radio for good in 2003 and am living with my wife, Peach, in Louisville, Kentucky. We just added 3,200 sq. ft. to our existing home, including an elevator and love everything about this place including the setting on nearly three wooded acres with a creek in the back. We are international horse owners, travel extensively all over the world with London being our favorite city followed closely by Hong Kong, and we still have our condo in Chicago located right across the street from the new Chicago Trump Tower. I continue to paint in my free time, am currently writing a book that may never be completed, and am simply enjoying the good life, thanks to my career in radio. I have always loved radio and being a part of it".
Jesse Carden-Former part-time DJ. In addition to being
on the air at WIEL, Jesse also occasionally DJ'd at the
Ireland Army Hospital radio station, where he played music
for the patients. He also repaired televisions at the
hospital.
E.J. Clark-Another popular air personality 1975-1977 until becoming program director for WKMO and the other half of the Santa & Sparky show (Santa). Left WKMO for WTMT in Louisville. Worked for AM 790 WKRD. Currently runs Kentucky Winners Circle:
The Kentucky Winner's Circle was founded by E. J. Clark back in 1997 as a one hour weekly horse racing show originally heard on, WTMT-AM 620. The station changed formats from Louisville's oldest Country Music format to an all-sports station. Clark, a US Air Force veteran who returned in 1971 to his native state of Kentucky, worked in radio full time for over 30 years. Over those 30 plus years E.J. (Edward James) worked as a DJ, a Country station Music and Program Director, Mobile DJ owner, Announcer for "Dawn at the Downs" at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby and Breeder's Cup Week.
Bob Cline-"WKLO weekend/swing jock for a large portion of the mid-to-late '70s" (from 1080wklo.com). Whereas most jocks tended to use WIEL as a stepping stone to either WKLO or WAKY, Bob did the opposite, getting into sales at WIEL in 1991 for a time. This was not his forte and he went back on the air. Later, went by J.R. Kennedy when WKLO became WCII. Currently an alcohol/drug rehab counselor for troubled kids in Louisville.
Clem Cockerel- Program Director in the early 1950's.
Bob Craft-Popular air personality and program director from 1975-1984, as well as one half of the Santa & Sparky call in show (Sparky), Bob started in radio at New Albany's WREY in 1969 and was there for about a year, before leaving for WKRX (now WVEZ). While working at WREY, Bob also worked part-time for Louisville's #1 country station, WINN for the legendary Moon Mullins, who heard Bob on WREY and invited him to come across the river and do country on weekends, which Bob did! While at WKRX, he also did a part-time stint at the legendary WAVE-970. Also worked as PD and air personality for WSAC in the mid-80's, as well as working for Clear Channel in Louisville (WAMZ/84WHAS) from 1994-2006, both on the air and in production. Currently semi retired now, Bob free lances voice work for radio and TV nationwide from his in-home commercial production studio, CRAFTY-VOICEOVERS, from where he's done voice-over work for 14WIEL Online.
E.J. Clark-Another popular air personality 1975-1977 until becoming program director for WKMO and the other half of the Santa & Sparky show (Santa). Left WKMO for WTMT in Louisville. Worked for AM 790 WKRD. Currently runs Kentucky Winners Circle:
The Kentucky Winner's Circle was founded by E. J. Clark back in 1997 as a one hour weekly horse racing show originally heard on, WTMT-AM 620. The station changed formats from Louisville's oldest Country Music format to an all-sports station. Clark, a US Air Force veteran who returned in 1971 to his native state of Kentucky, worked in radio full time for over 30 years. Over those 30 plus years E.J. (Edward James) worked as a DJ, a Country station Music and Program Director, Mobile DJ owner, Announcer for "Dawn at the Downs" at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby and Breeder's Cup Week.
(Courtesy of Kentucky
Winner's Circle!)
|
EJ writes Derby Week
'09!
"WIEL
was some of the best radio I ever was a part
of. After working for Clear Channel and
selling for WHAS and even once hosting "Sport
Talk84"--that says a lot!"I am working the
Backside and Press Box of Churchill
Downs this week and getting ready for
Derby 135. Man, are you kidding me--when I get
some time, I would love to come down there for
a visit. I still host the horse racing
radio show on WKJK-AM 1080 and you gotta hear
the intro that Bob Craft gives us each and
every week!!!!
EJ writes: "I left WQXE in the fall of 75 and did midday/afternoons until I went down the hall and put WKMO on the air on August 15th, 1977 (the day before Elvis died). I was at WKMO as their program director and morning personality until the end of September 1982. I resigned and went back to Louisville to do afternoons at WTMT. It is nice to learn someone cares about those days. During the 70's and early 80's WIEL was one of the best local AM stations in the state. It was really a mini "WHAS" in it's service and relationship to the E-town and Hardin County-Central Kentucky communities. Great local Radio!" EJ writes:
Thank You for the kind
words about KMO. Yes--I put about three
--14-hour a day-- years into that station when it
first went on the air.There was Deanna and Bobbie
and a host of DJ's , Daryl Hodges, Lonesome
Jay Dyer, Greg Layhay--and many more all coming
and going. There were two special first and
2nd
Birthday parties, LIVE shows with John Conlee and
Cowboy George and the Beer Drinkin'
Rodeo Band. We went to Nashville,
actually waited to talk about ridin' electronic
bulls and let the "Urban
Cowboy" craze catch-on in
Kentucky--finally! Also--Mike Lunsford and his
Whiskey River band came and played on our special
free concerts. In between all that--Bob Craft
and I started and expanded C& C
productions mobile DJ company--actually carrying
boxes of LP's and 45's to each GIG! I
wore boots and jeans to work everyday--wore Cowboy hats to every
concert and trip to Nashville and loved
just about every minute of it--till I
just got tired and burned out and needed move
back and to go home to my beloved,
Louisville. That was from 8/15/77 until
9/28/82...part of the Long Radio Road ...and you
can quote me on that!
|
|
EJ writes:
"We had a chance to visit with Allen Jones [recently]and talk about the "old days" at WIEL/WKMO. It was good to remember all the good days of radio when radio was so much more simple and fun. So, Mary and I stopped by the old radio station on Hwy 62 on Saturday...man, it sure looked deserted but y'all know that better than me." |
Bob Cline-"WKLO weekend/swing jock for a large portion of the mid-to-late '70s" (from 1080wklo.com). Whereas most jocks tended to use WIEL as a stepping stone to either WKLO or WAKY, Bob did the opposite, getting into sales at WIEL in 1991 for a time. This was not his forte and he went back on the air. Later, went by J.R. Kennedy when WKLO became WCII. Currently an alcohol/drug rehab counselor for troubled kids in Louisville.
Clem Cockerel- Program Director in the early 1950's.
Bob Craft-Popular air personality and program director from 1975-1984, as well as one half of the Santa & Sparky call in show (Sparky), Bob started in radio at New Albany's WREY in 1969 and was there for about a year, before leaving for WKRX (now WVEZ). While working at WREY, Bob also worked part-time for Louisville's #1 country station, WINN for the legendary Moon Mullins, who heard Bob on WREY and invited him to come across the river and do country on weekends, which Bob did! While at WKRX, he also did a part-time stint at the legendary WAVE-970. Also worked as PD and air personality for WSAC in the mid-80's, as well as working for Clear Channel in Louisville (WAMZ/84WHAS) from 1994-2006, both on the air and in production. Currently semi retired now, Bob free lances voice work for radio and TV nationwide from his in-home commercial production studio, CRAFTY-VOICEOVERS, from where he's done voice-over work for 14WIEL Online.
|
Bob on his alias:
"When i was an impressionable youth learning radio as a rookie at WREY in 1969, I thought I had to have a radio name... so I chose 'Mark Mattingly'. After I left there I used my own name for the rest of my radio career." Bob writes: “Santa and Sparky
was a biggie for me and EJ at WIEL. (I) hope you
got some audio on that and my best stuff as
Sparky. A footnote...when I came to work at
84WHAS radio, EJ and I did a Santa and Sparky
call in show live on 84WHAS, once each for two
straight Christmas seasons (2001 and 2002)-that
was WEIRD, because we did it EXACTLY like we did
the show on WIEL all those years ago, complete
with our usual skits and background music.
Johnny Melloan, who worked at WIEL in sales when
I first got there in 1975, said he had his radio
on 84WHAS those mornings and thought he had hit
a time warp or something when he heard us,
before he realized we were actually on 84WHAS
live doing the same show we used to do at WIEL.
After the show the second year, Kelly Carls
(operations manager for 84WHAS) called on his
cell phone and asked ‘if Sparky was on Ritalin
…if he isn’t he NEEDS to be!!’ Bob on Ron Boone
& Dick Curtis: "When I
first arrived at WIEL in ’75, I remember board
opping for one of the Panther games at the
station and hearing Dick and Ron doing the thing
they loved so much...NO ONE could touch them
when they teamed up for a broadcast. The real
stars of WIEL are Ron Boone
and Dick Curtis, in my opinion, and I was just a
young whippersnapper sitting back just
asking questions and learning from those two
guys!" Bob on remotes:
"In 1980, the 30th anniversary of WIEL going on the air was celebrated at the State Theatre. I was program director at the time and came up with the movie that was playing the day WIEL first signed on. It was Marilyn Monroe and Sterling Hayden starring in "The Asphault Jungle". We had a big promotion on the air with lots of free stuff, along with free admission. We invited all of Hardin County to enjoy the nostalgia of the movie, the theatre and the historical significance of all with the anniversary of WIEL. I even got Dick Curtis to narrate the opening of the movie and tie in all the significance of what the moviegoers were about to see. I think we gave away some great prizes, too...it was a great promotion!" |
Dick
Curtis-Authorative and expert longtime sports director
in 60's & 70's, Dick (real name Richard Shagool) later did
sports play by play for HCE-TV. Was married to Jayne Shagool.
Dick passed away 9/24/2010 after a long illness. [I had happened to have talked to
Dick for a moment 3 years ago and he still sounded the same as
when was on the air...GREAT!-MH]
Condolences
Dick Curtis with Charles Rawlings (4:30)
Dick interviews former
Elizabethtown coach and principal Charles Rawlings from July
12, 1974.
(from original WIEL archives/reel)
Dick Curtis with Bobby Hiles (2:35)
Dick interviews interviews Coach Bobby Hiles about Notre Dame coach Digger Phelps speaking at
Marion County's Basketball Banquet from March 27, 1974..
(from original WIEL archives/reel)
|
Bob Craft writes:
"Dick hosted the "WIEL Saturday
Morning Quarterback Club" each week during
Panther sports. He'd meet with the coach as
well as the star players of the football games
the night before. It ran for a long time and
Dick did that remote from a local fast food
restaurant with excitement and poise...it was GREAT!!""Dick Curtis, who did our morning sports, was a fixture at WIEL since the 50’s. When I arrived there in 1975, I felt honored to work with such a man as Dick Curtis. He was the ‘total professional’. A lot of people don’t realize it, but he was up for the General Manager job when Dee Huddleston left as senator. He didn’t get the job. It was instead given to Bill Walters. I always thought that Dick earned the right to be ‘the man’. He would have been terrific for the job. Instead, he was given the job of doing the program logs for WIEL, coordinating all sports broadcasts, and of course announcing all the Panther games on radio and delivering the morning sports, ALL of which were done like the true PROFESSIONAL Dick was and IS to this day. Dick Curtis was "FABULOUS". |
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Richard Curtis Shagool, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at the age of 78. “Dick Curtis,” as he was most commonly known, was born Sept. 1, 1932, in Osage City, Kan. He spent most of his childhood in the Highland, Kan., area and graduated from Kansas State University in 1954. He served three years in the U.S. Army, during which time he was a writer for the Far East edition of the Army’s Stars & Stripes publication. After fulfilling his obligation to the Army, Curtis began a 40-plus year career in radio broadcasting. Starting out as a nighttime DJ and sports announcer, Mr. Curtis advanced to sports director and later, program coordinator at radio station WIEL-AM in Elizabethtown. He was the “Voice of the Panthers” for nearly 30 years, providing play-by-play coverage of Elizabethtown High School baseball, football and basketball. He had the privilege of being associated with several state championship teams, including the 1969 class 2-A football champs, the 1970 and 1975 state baseball champs, the 1972 boys Sweet Sixteen tournament finalists and the 1998 girls Sweet Sixteen tournament champs. Some of his fondest memories centered around a trip to Abbeville, La., to provide radio coverage of the E’town Babe Ruth League All-Stars during the 1974 Babe Ruth World Series. Curtis also was instrumental in revitalizing local slow-pitch softball leagues during the late 1970s and ’80s. He served as Hardin County Softball Commissioner for several years, as well as coaching, umpiring and managing concessions at the E’town softball complex. He was an outdoors enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, outdoors cooking and gardening. Curtis was preceded in death by his father, John Walter Shagool, and his mother, Elizabeth Shagool Berry. He is survived by a brother, Jack (Mardelle) Shagool, of Spokane, Wash.; his former wife and mother of his children, Rebecca Jameson Shagool, of Elizabethtown; his present wife, Jayne Humphrey Shagool; two sons, Lynn Shagool, of Elizabethtown, and Ron (Colette) Shagool, of Bardstown; a daughter, Deanna (Robert) Hopkins, of Louisville; a grandson, A. J. Shagool, of Bardstown; two nephews, Scott and Chuck Shagool; and one niece, Stacey Ward, all of Washington. He will also be missed by his pet Schnauzers, Sloopy and Huber. The funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Brown Funeral Home with the Rev. Carlton Puryear officiating. Burial will follow in Elizabethtown Memorial Gardens. Visitation is from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Brown Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Elizabethtown High School Athletic Boosters, the Elizabethtown Area Baseball Commission or the American Red Cross. Condolences may be expressed online at www.brownfuneral.com. “So-long, thanks for listening, and best of luck to all good-sports.” (It
is
somewhat
sad
that
visitation
for
Dick
is
on
the
station's 60th birthday-MH) |
|
Iconic Hardin County sportscaster Dick
Curtis passes away
by Greg Crews gcrews@thenewsenterprise.com
One of the most familiar
voices in Hardin County has signed off for the
final time. Richard Curtis Shagool, known to
his listeners as Dick Curtis, passed away at
the age of 78 on Thursday, ending a lengthy
battle with an illness. Curtis came to Hardin
County as a young journalist in 1957, and over
the course of 40 years he became an area
sports icon as the sports director of WIEL-AM,
announcer for Elizabethtown High School
sports, play-by-play broadcaster for HCEC-TV
and commissioner of the Elizabethtown Softball
Commission. “Dick is one of the great sports
announcers,” said Bo O’Brien, who worked
alongside Curtis as a high school sports
announcer. “He loved being around the kids and
doing different things with kids and he kept
up with everything. He cared about the
athletes. He’ll be missed by some of us, at
least the older ones I know.”
Curtis was born Sept. 1,
1932, in Osage City, Kan. He served in the
U.S. Army for three years, at which time he
began his career as a journalist while writing
for the Stars & Stripes. In 1957 Curtis
came to work for WIEL as a late night disc
jockey. He took over the radio show “Tunes
around Town,” and became one of
Elizabethtown’s first radio personalities as
he spun rock and roll tunes. Eventually, the
name of the program was changed to “The Dick
Curtis Show.” That’s back when radio was still
golden. It wasn’t all syndicated like it is
now,” said Elizabethtown resident Marty
Fulkerson, who credits Curtis with getting him
a job at WIEL in the early 1980s. “General
managers came and were gone, but Dick Curtis
was always there. Ron Boone and Dick Curtis
were icons.”
After two years, Curtis
was promoted to sports director, where he
found his niche, delivering play-by-play at
area high school football, basketball and
baseball games. “Curtis is one of the best
sports announcers that I have ever
encountered,” former WIEL general manager and
U.S. senator Dee Huddleston told WIEL in an
interview. “I’m sure he had opportunities. He
could have gone to larger stations and
specialized in sports. But for some reason he
liked the community and decided to stick with
us and we were very appreciative.” Curtis
further endeared himself to Hardin County as
he delivered some of the most significant
games in Elizabethtown High School history.
Curtis called Elizabethtown’s Class 2-A state
football championship in 1969 as well as the
Panthers’ state baseball championships in 1970
and 1975. He was there for the boys’
basketball state runner-up finish in 1972 and
was there when the girls’ team fell in the
title game in 1998.
If Elizabethtown High
School is the “home of state champions” as it
likes to announce before games, then Curtis
was “the voice of state champions.” “Dick
Curtis was always the type of person to
encourage with a minimum of criticism,” said
Radcliff native Paul Urbahns, who worked for
Curtis at WIEL as a DJ in the early 1970s.
“His interest and enthusiasm in all facets of
radio broadcasting was catching. He was one of
the few sportscasters that actually showed an
interest in the boys playing the game … it
wasn’t just a game or sporting event.”
In the 1970s Curtis stepped out of the
press booth and onto the field as he breathed
life back into Elizabethtown’s slow-pitch
softball league, which was on the verge of
being disbanded. “It was so bad, the city was
about to shut us down,” Curtis said in a 1998
interview with then News-Enterprise
reporter
Marty Hepner. “There was more fighting going
on than softball. Umpires were being assaulted
with bats and things like that. Something had
to be done.” Thanks to Curtis, something was
done. After presenting the idea to the city
council, Curtis and others created the E’town
Softball Commission in 1978. Curtis and the
ESC cracked down on troublemakers with
suspensions and practice limitations.
“When Dick was in charge,
we were all a lot younger then, but that’s
when softball was fun,” said Elizabethtown
resident and umpire Marty Matusiak. “He
organized it and gave it a little bit of class
and a little bit of structure. It took off
from there. He gave it the push it needed.”
Curtis added respectability to the league by
bringing in trained umpires, who kept games
and players in check. “I’m proud to say in my
20 years out there, we never had to call the
police once,” Curtis said.
In 1997, just shy of 40
years after coming to WIEL and 20 years after
taking up the cause of recreational softball,
Curtis retired, bringing to an end a number of
careers that together left an impact on Hardin
County that few have ever-and likely will ever
match.
News-Enterprise sports
writer Nathaniel Bryan contributed to this
story.
|
Condolences
|
Deanna Pozesny
writes:
"I am so sad about
his passing and relieved that it was
gentle for him. Our offices were across
the hall from each other way back when.
We shared an enjoyment of old "big band"
music and he was a dear friend,
gentle-man and all around good
person. I will remember Richard
Shagool as a very special and dedicated
man and feel honored to have known and
worked with him in a profession that we
both loved".
|
|
Bob Craft writes:
"Dick
will be missed. I'm very glad I had the
chance to work with him for the decade we
worked together on the morning show at
WIEL. I went to see him the Thursday night
a week before he died, and we talked and
reminisced about our time as broadcasters
together-and he laughed! THAT's the
way I want to remember him...
History is so vitally important...especially in a small town like E'town. Dick was the BEST sportscaster I have ever seen....and as a man he was classy and knew when to fight for what needed to be done." |
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E.J. Clark
writes:
"He was truly a
special icon of sports for Hardin County. I enjoyed working with Dick and
talking radio with him over my seven
years at WIEL and WKMO. Dick taught us all many things about
sports and radio and most by his example and his
actions.
By the way--Dick
Curtis was also one of the voices of the
Santa & Sparky call-in show over the
years as the voice of "Herky" and other
characters. Some of you, I know
remember that from WIEL and WKMO. So
you see, Dick loved every facet of radio and
inspired us all. We will miss him."
|
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Mark Travis
writes from Facebook:
"What a
loss. If you ever needed to know anything
sports,Dick was the man. Not only local sports
which he was always on top of but national as
well. While i was the afternoon guy at WIEL
Dick would come in to the studio, get his
notes ready and we would chat a bit then kick
in to the sports. He will be missed!!!".
|
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Cale Tharp writes
from Facebook:
"This is so sad ...I worked with Dick
in 1986 and 1987....he was a true legend! He
will be missed!!!".
|
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Harry Harrison
(Michael Marvin) writes from Facebook/Brown Funeral Home:
" I was very shocked to
learn of Dick Curtis' death. I worked at WIEL in the late 70's and
80's when he was sports director. I board-oped
many of the ballgames he called. Truly he is a
legend in Hardin County. He and I were
good friends. He was known for his wit,
knowledge of sports and pop music standards, and a
very dry sense of humor as well. He will be
missed.".
|
Nathan
Dunaway writes from Facebook:
"I
worked with Dick at WKMO... he was truly a decent
man."
|
Paul Urbahns
writes:
"As one who had the good fortune to know (and work with) Dick Curtis, I was always made welcome when I would stop by his office just to chat over the years. We will all miss him and his upbeat attitude." |
|
Marty
Fulkerson writes from Brown Funeral Home:
"Our Prayers and thoughts are with you. So many great thoughts and memories of our time together at WIEL. Dick was the person that recommended me to come to work at the station when I was in high school. I had the pleasure of learning sports and play by play from the legend. Thanks "Buffalo" for the opportunity of a lifetime and thank you most for your friendship. We will miss you." |
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Mark Stahr writes from Facebook:
"Dick
Curtis was local and loved all local sports,
the true meaning of town loyalty!!"
|
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Ron Lewis writes
from Facebook:
"The thing I
remember about Dick Curtis was when he would
broadcast our little league games on WIEL on
Friday and Saturday nights. He made us all feel
like we were in the Major Leagues having our games
broadcasted. As a kid this was cool in the 60's!" |
|
Barbara Jent Walker writes from Facebook:
"Someone
special
can
never
be
forgotten...the
family
has
my deepest sympathy. My dad listened to WIEL
every morning while getting ready for work." |
Dick Curtis with Charles Rawlings (4:30)
(from original WIEL archives/reel)
Dick Curtis with Bobby Hiles (2:35)
Dick interviews interviews Coach Bobby Hiles about Notre Dame coach Digger Phelps speaking at
Marion County's Basketball Banquet from March 27, 1974..
(from original WIEL archives/reel)
Neil Davidson (airname: Dan Ingram) - Disc jockey from 10 AM to 3
PM weekdays in 1974.
Steve
Dennis (Wilmes)-Disc jockey mid to late 70's. Has his
own production studio, "Bungalow Productions", outside of
Atlanta, Georgia.
Steve Dennis today
Jay Dyer-Although never a 'live' DJ on WIEL, was a satellite DJ during the 'Jones years'. Prior to this, he was a popular, yet controversial DJ at WKMO. Worked in child counseling after WKMO, although whether before or after the Oldies 1400 era is unclear. Currently residing in Arizona.
Bob J. Edwards- Did afternoon drives on WIEL. When E.J. Clark left he took the Santa Spot on the Sparky and Santa & Show. When Bob Craft decided to do it again at WSAC, again he played Santa. Bob J. retired from radio after leaving WSAC. He now resides in Florence, Ky. His only stint in radio in recent years was as a guest on the Gary Burbank show at WLW in Cincinnati during " Sports or Consequences" just one year before HE retired.
Bill Earle-Well respected news director 1956-1973. More to come!
Ron Foster-Satellite jock from the the Pure Gold 1400 format. One of two longtime jocks at 97 Gold KMCM in Midland, TX.
Gary Franklin-Sports reporter (dates?). Played Bob Cratchit in 1990 Hardin County Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Marty Fulkerson-Sunday morning DJ starting in 1983, working until 1991. Did ballgames with Dick Curtis as well as news reporting with Ron Boone and Belinda Stark. During tenure did morning, afternoon and evening shifts...even weekends-basically what was available or needed, including airtime on WKMO. Became salesman in 1985 after some help from Paul Steiner. Afterwards worked sales at WZTU in Orlando 1991-1992. Nicknamed "The Governor", now is a local businessman and city councilman. Played young Ebenezer Scrooge in 1990 Hardin County Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Scott Goettel-Morning man and program director in mid-80's. Came to WIEL from WAKY. Prior to WAKY, Scott started his career at WSAC-AM and WWKK ("K-105") in Fort Knox, where he served from November 1980 through April 1985, after landing a spot on their Sunday night program "Sittin' In". Most recently served in Creative Services at WHAS (over 21 years for Clear Channel). Still does voice-over work, including for 14WIELOnline, and as of 4/07/08 was back in local radio at WQXE-FM 98.3, where he is now Production Director....congratulations, Scott!! According to Scott, "I really like it there, and everyone has welcomed me so nicely. It's a great place with great people!"
(courtesy WQXE website)
Scott (right) with the legendary Johnny Randolph
Steve Dennis today
|
Michael Marvin
writes:
Goodbye, old
friend
The walls will no longer reverberate With your laughter As you have played the nostalgic songs The studio will be empty As I walk in for the first day The voice on the radio will sound different As you move to California I will play with the ghosts of the past As the sun reaches its zenith And starts to slowly descend Goodbye, old friend California calls you Good luck Good-bye |
Steve was a part of a very close core of WIEL
staffers...Michael composed this upon Steve's departure from
WIEL.
Jay Dyer-Although never a 'live' DJ on WIEL, was a satellite DJ during the 'Jones years'. Prior to this, he was a popular, yet controversial DJ at WKMO. Worked in child counseling after WKMO, although whether before or after the Oldies 1400 era is unclear. Currently residing in Arizona.
Bob J. Edwards- Did afternoon drives on WIEL. When E.J. Clark left he took the Santa Spot on the Sparky and Santa & Show. When Bob Craft decided to do it again at WSAC, again he played Santa. Bob J. retired from radio after leaving WSAC. He now resides in Florence, Ky. His only stint in radio in recent years was as a guest on the Gary Burbank show at WLW in Cincinnati during " Sports or Consequences" just one year before HE retired.
Bill Earle-Well respected news director 1956-1973. More to come!
Ron Foster-Satellite jock from the the Pure Gold 1400 format. One of two longtime jocks at 97 Gold KMCM in Midland, TX.
Gary Franklin-Sports reporter (dates?). Played Bob Cratchit in 1990 Hardin County Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Marty Fulkerson-Sunday morning DJ starting in 1983, working until 1991. Did ballgames with Dick Curtis as well as news reporting with Ron Boone and Belinda Stark. During tenure did morning, afternoon and evening shifts...even weekends-basically what was available or needed, including airtime on WKMO. Became salesman in 1985 after some help from Paul Steiner. Afterwards worked sales at WZTU in Orlando 1991-1992. Nicknamed "The Governor", now is a local businessman and city councilman. Played young Ebenezer Scrooge in 1990 Hardin County Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Scott Goettel-Morning man and program director in mid-80's. Came to WIEL from WAKY. Prior to WAKY, Scott started his career at WSAC-AM and WWKK ("K-105") in Fort Knox, where he served from November 1980 through April 1985, after landing a spot on their Sunday night program "Sittin' In". Most recently served in Creative Services at WHAS (over 21 years for Clear Channel). Still does voice-over work, including for 14WIELOnline, and as of 4/07/08 was back in local radio at WQXE-FM 98.3, where he is now Production Director....congratulations, Scott!! According to Scott, "I really like it there, and everyone has welcomed me so nicely. It's a great place with great people!"
(courtesy WQXE website)
|
Scott
Writes:
"Ironically, my
very first day on radio (WWKK/WSAC) was on
November 30th, 1980, and my last day in radio was
on November 29th, 2007...one day short of 27 years
in the business" |
Scott (right) with the legendary Johnny Randolph
Jeffrey Goodrich- Prior to
working at WIEL, Jeff worked at WQXE in the summer of
1975 when it was out on US-31 near Glendale, working
nights. At WIEL,he was a part time DJ by the name of Doc
Adams, doing fill in and swing shifts in the Summer of
1977 and also at WKMO, doing mostly weekends and
fill in. He was also afternoon jock at WSAC AM in 1977
as Jeffrey G., at the same time he was at WIEL.
Reedy Hall-DJ at WIEL in 1959, and compiled the station best seller list for the Elizabethtown News and Hardin County Enterprise. Also taught school in Rineyville and was one of the founders of a band called the Kentucky Rangers, playing throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Reedy passed away March 20, 2015 in Aztec, New Mexico.
Russ Hamnett-Senior Accounts Executive who moved into GM position after departure of Ross Becker. Did quality production voice-overs. Had long standing career in broadcasting beginning in homeland of Canada before moving to Florida to serve as GM at two stations before his death in 2006.
Reedy Hall-DJ at WIEL in 1959, and compiled the station best seller list for the Elizabethtown News and Hardin County Enterprise. Also taught school in Rineyville and was one of the founders of a band called the Kentucky Rangers, playing throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Reedy passed away March 20, 2015 in Aztec, New Mexico.
(New)
Russ Hamnett-Senior Accounts Executive who moved into GM position after departure of Ross Becker. Did quality production voice-overs. Had long standing career in broadcasting beginning in homeland of Canada before moving to Florida to serve as GM at two stations before his death in 2006.
(photo courtesy of
Northern Arizona University)
Russell Stonier-Hamnett 1937-2006
"In the Beginning..." (3:37)
Russell Stonier-Hamnett 1937-2006
"In the Beginning..." (3:37)
Charles Hardin-Known as,
known on WIEL during the early 1950s as "Uncle Chuck", hosted
a popular children's radio show reading stories for children,
in addition to general announcer duties. Chuck later
worked at KMOX in St Louis), WBBM in Chicago, WHAS and WSM in
Nashville. At the time of his death he operated
"Chuck's Tours".
Eric Harlan-Part time disc jockey
in 70's-early 80's. Also worked part time weekends at WSAC-FM
in the mid 80's. Currently teaching communications at
Mississippi University for Women.
Eric Harlan today
Eric Harlan today
Mike Harmon - Popular DJ 1970-1974. Came from WTCO in Campbellsville Ky. Harmon hosted a popular mid-day telephone call-in talk show
called "What's on Your Mind" while at WIEL. In a recent telephone interview Mike stated, "It's hard to think of something to say for about an
hour everyday for a year." Left WIEL in 1974 for WLCK in Scottsville, KY before returning to Campbellsville. Since then he had worked as
"Michael J." (his first name and middle initial) at various stations including WAIN, WLSK and WLBN. Mike had been out of radio for about 10
years and had been living in Campbellsville. Mike's obituary appears below.
Michael J. Harmon, 64, of Campbellsville, died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in Greensburg. Born Dec. 24, 1950, in Taylor County, he was the son of Dollie Mae Cox Harmon and the late James E. Harmon. Survivors include one son, Phil Harmon and his mother, Dollie Mae Harmon of Campbellsville. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Jamie Harmon and Paul Harmon. Graveside service was Monday, Dec. 7, at Campbellsville Memorial Gardens. Steven Keher and Kenny Keher officiated. Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home is charge or arrangements.
Charlie Harper-GM in the 90's.
|
Deanna Pozesny writes:
"Charlie Harper LOVED
radio more than anyone I ever worked for. He loved
every facet of it, right down to the cases which
housed those fascinating tubes and wires, bits and
pieces of electronic mystery which, when
assembled, provided the background score to each
of our personal life experiences, however
diversified. Charlie had several warehouses filled
with radios of every vintage and description...and
he would refurbish them, coaxing the music, news,
weather and sports out of each of them. He
researched radio stations throughout the country,
offering GMs nationwide refurbished radios which
were created the year their station went on the
air. He even gave ME an antique record player and
radio to commemorate 1967, my first year in radio.
His radio experiences in big markets and with
prominent people he had known from coast to coast
could easily have filled a sizeable book, yet he
was just as content to preside over a small
station in a small town, rolling with the
ever-changing punches of the electronic age.
Charlie didn't need the paycheck. He needed the
environment and people who loved the medium as he
did. He trusted you to do your job, with guidance
if needed, but never with ego or
intimidation...that wasn't his style, for he was
totally secure with his persona and in his
element. He believed in positive reinforcement. I
could paper a wall with his notes of appreciation
for 'super' and 'excellent' work. The man simply
inspired you to do your best for the station,
for him, and for your own satisfaction.Charlie was a people person and public service was a priority to him. When he hired me as his Administrative Assistant, he asked how I felt about public service and later provided me with a second box of business cards titled Community Services Director. The logs became stuffed with PSAs, to the dismay of Traffic and the deejays who had to air them. We collected food for Kentucky Harvest and Toys for Tots [images of which are on the Photos page-Webmaster]. He insisted on 100% staff participation in United Way and we had a WKMO winter coat drive for Helping Hand, a huge and successful promotion for Kentucky Kids Workshops, as well as continual projects. Another station manager might have thrown out all the old manual typewriters...or worse yet, made us contunue to use them! But Charlie had me donate them to the Handicapped Workshop. I have a huge book of appreciative letters for our stations' contributions to the public welfare. A visitor to WIEL/WKMO rarely left without some little gift from big-hearted Charlie...especially children. He was always rummaging in the supply closet for a cap, balloons, pen or keyring. He required a cooperative, pleasant environment and provided it-his optimism was catching. He could turn some of my most challenging work into fun projects because he enouraged input and creative ideas. Charlie could keep the whole staff in stitches with his stories...but the funniest thing was when he'd hid in the bathroom to have a cigarette after he's quit smoking, thinking we didn't know! Until I worked for Charlie I had never seen a General Manager roll up his white sleeves to change a fluorescent light bulb, unstop a clogged toilet, or service the fax machine so I wouldn't get my clothes ink soiled...even make coffee because I was busy. He'd say '"your time is as valuable as mine." You didn't work 'for' Charlie as much as you worked 'with' him. I've worked for the good, the bad, the ugly and the nightmare of General Managers over 27 years. In retrospect, I feel truly blessed to have concluded my 'career' in radio with one so tall in every respect...so supportive, so appreciative and so admirable a person as Charles Harper. He was (and is) head and shoulders above the rest."  Page still inside the present day EAS Guide (staff photo) |
Bill Harris-Original GM upon
inception in 1950, a position he served until 1952 after which
time he was succeeded by the long serving Dee Huddleston.
Bill Harris, circa 1985
(courtesy of Bruce Reeves)
Bill Harris, circa 1985
(courtesy of Bruce Reeves)
Max Highbaugh-'Career part-timer'
in the E'town & South Central Kentucky circuit, has served
as board operator, in voice-overs & production for WIEL,
WKMO, WRZI, WTHX, and WXAM from 1999 until 2010, but has since
returned in 2019 to WIEL & WKMO. Started at 16 as a DJ at
WQXE from 1979-1981 and at WKMO from 1981-1982. While on
active duty, was one of the ship DJ's aboard the USS Caron
1985-1987 and was jock at WODC 88.5 FM Christian radio in
Virginia Beach, VA 1994-1995. Graduated Columbia School of
Broadcasting 1995. Program & Music Director for WAKYOnline
from 2005-2009 and for Oldies1400 Online and now 14WIEL Online,
since 2007. Has done some extensive part-timing at WQXE/WULF,
and at WBRT in Bardstown where he's been since 2012 and 2010,
respectively. Also acts as webmaster for radio related
websites including WIEL Information
Radio .
Daryl Hodges-Disc jockey in late 80's & 90's, serving briefly as PD. Prior to this, he was a DJ at WKMO 1979-1982. He finished his radio career at WHRZ in Madison/Providence, Ky. Daryl lost a battle with cancer October 1, 2011.
Daryl Hodges-Disc jockey in late 80's & 90's, serving briefly as PD. Prior to this, he was a DJ at WKMO 1979-1982. He finished his radio career at WHRZ in Madison/Providence, Ky. Daryl lost a battle with cancer October 1, 2011.
|
Daryl writes:
"Sometime in
the mid to late 80's, Scott Goettel was PD
at WIEL and I was working at WKMO. Scott and
I became friends and he realized that I had a love
for the music WIEL played. After months of
talking to Ken Trimble, who was manager at
the time, Scott and I talked him into
letting me take the position as music director for
both stations. Then came Jay Dyer and Scott
moved me to WIEL where I worked a night time air
shift and was his music director. In time
Scott took a full-time job with WHAS and I became
PD by default. When Trimble left and Frankie Nunn
became acting manager, he and I pushed to change
the format of WIEL to all oldies...enter Charlie
Harper, who liked the idea so we did it. It was
loads of fun and because of the satellite, the
only live shift was afternoons, so I took that
position. We did traffic updates with the E'town
City Police and it was a blast. I left WIEL in mid
1991 and moved to Madisonville, where I've been
since." "One of my
fondest memories of WIEL was when we changed the
format to all oldies. We promoted it for a month
ahead of time and it was to happen on April 1,
1989 at 12NOON. The thing was that nobody knew
what we were going to do. All the promo said was
'some old friends are coming back to WIEL April
1st...be here'. On April 1 at noon we turned the
transmitter off for 15 seconds, then turned it
back on and played a taped collage of oldies and
announced that the 'old friends' was in fact the music and
welcome to the 'New Oldies14'. Everyone thought it
was an April Fool's joke, but it wasn't. It was
GREAT!"
|
Larry Hodges-Program director in 90's.
Bob Horsley-Program Director under
Charlie Harper in 1991. Also served as fill-in jock for WKMO
and Chief Engineer. Later worked for various Radio Shack
stores.
Walter "Dee" Huddleston-Long time General Manager 1952-1972. Prior to WIEL, Dee was program and sports director for WKCT in Bowling Green from 1949-1952. Was also partner of WLBN in Lebanon 1957-1972. Left radio to begin successful career in politics, beginning in Kentucky Senate 1965-1972 and finally in the U.S. Senate from 1973-1985. Currently owns a consulting firm. Served as 1958 Chairman of the Kentucky Broadcaster's Association. Incidentally , a "Cousin Walt" also started at WIEL in 1952...his last name was unknown, leaving the possibility this could have been an alias Dee 'operated' under. Received the General Federation of Women's Clubs "Award To Broadcasters" December 2, 1965. The article appears on the Media and History page. Sadly, Dee passed away in his sleep the morning of October 16, 2018.
Walter "Dee" Huddleston-Long time General Manager 1952-1972. Prior to WIEL, Dee was program and sports director for WKCT in Bowling Green from 1949-1952. Was also partner of WLBN in Lebanon 1957-1972. Left radio to begin successful career in politics, beginning in Kentucky Senate 1965-1972 and finally in the U.S. Senate from 1973-1985. Currently owns a consulting firm. Served as 1958 Chairman of the Kentucky Broadcaster's Association. Incidentally , a "Cousin Walt" also started at WIEL in 1952...his last name was unknown, leaving the possibility this could have been an alias Dee 'operated' under. Received the General Federation of Women's Clubs "Award To Broadcasters" December 2, 1965. The article appears on the Media and History page. Sadly, Dee passed away in his sleep the morning of October 16, 2018.
Mark Isham-Disc jockey throughout
80's, hosted 'Rock and Roll Nighttime with David Diamond' in
1984, along with Mark Travis. He also announced at WQXE from
1996-2004 and most recently T-107 WCTT and
99.5 KD Country in Corbin. He was a key talent doing
voice-over work for 14WIEL Online, where he can still be
heard today. He was last a Psychology Professor at Somerset
Community College. Mark passed away August 12, 2018.
|
Mark writes (on
12/07/07):
"Every year, I
recognize this date. Twenty-seven years
ago today, I signed on the air for the first
time at WIEL! It was a Sunday morning,
December 7, 1980, at six o'clock. I
still even have a photocopy of that day's
log. It was the start of my working
life. Greg Thompson trained me; Eric Harlan
mentored me; and Daryl Hodges offered
technical support most weeks (he also brought
biscuits and sausage sometimes)!
P.S. Cale gave me a cold call one
afternoon in '96 to offer me a job at
Quicksie. I was pretty dreadful back then but,
for some reason, Bob Craft never gave up on me
and I am forever in his debt for that. I
never got too far away from radio after that,
working at WEKY in Richmond during college and
moonlighting at WQXE from 1996 to 2004 while I
was a full-time counselor at
Communicare. It's nice to be "back on
the air" at WIEL where it all began!
Once in
college (about 1986), a palm reader told me
I'd quit working after twenty years.
--Nothing happened in 2000".
|
 Mark on location (courtesy of Mark Isham) |
 Mark w/2018 14WIEL Online Staff Award (courtesy of Mark Isham) |
Greg Kapfhammer-Evening DJ in the
70's. Worked later at WHAS in Louisville.
Gene Kaye - Host of the "Tunes Around Town" show during 1957. The Feb 2, 1957 issue of Billboard magazine states that Gene "gets voice tracks from artists in order to introduce him AND his show, as well as to give a lead-in for their latest release". This was actually forward thinking and something that did not become common place in DJ radio until the early 1960s. Two of the artists mentioned from whom he received voice tracks were Andy ("Butterfly") Williams, who was on Cadence at that time, and television's legendary Steve Allen, then on the Coral label. Billboard, the nation's music weekly, also reported Gene had an interesting mystery tune gimmmick on his show, whereby six participating sponsors contributed small prizes each night. Winners had to collect their "loot" in person at one of the advertiser's place of business, thus bringing in potential customers.
Kyle Key-Ran a Saturday morning request show 1990-91. Worked at WRZI-FM 1994-1995. Started in radio at 16 and continued on air work through college at Western Kentucky University. Kyle also worked for the United Broadcasting Network as a producer for a couple of syndicated talk shows and later crossed over to television and worked his way up to executive producer for Cal Thomas at America's Voice Television Network (now on FOX News). Kyle later branched out as a public relations consultant for numerous clients including the Radio America Network, and produced two nationally syndicated radio shows.
Gene Kaye - Host of the "Tunes Around Town" show during 1957. The Feb 2, 1957 issue of Billboard magazine states that Gene "gets voice tracks from artists in order to introduce him AND his show, as well as to give a lead-in for their latest release". This was actually forward thinking and something that did not become common place in DJ radio until the early 1960s. Two of the artists mentioned from whom he received voice tracks were Andy ("Butterfly") Williams, who was on Cadence at that time, and television's legendary Steve Allen, then on the Coral label. Billboard, the nation's music weekly, also reported Gene had an interesting mystery tune gimmmick on his show, whereby six participating sponsors contributed small prizes each night. Winners had to collect their "loot" in person at one of the advertiser's place of business, thus bringing in potential customers.
Kyle Key-Ran a Saturday morning request show 1990-91. Worked at WRZI-FM 1994-1995. Started in radio at 16 and continued on air work through college at Western Kentucky University. Kyle also worked for the United Broadcasting Network as a producer for a couple of syndicated talk shows and later crossed over to television and worked his way up to executive producer for Cal Thomas at America's Voice Television Network (now on FOX News). Kyle later branched out as a public relations consultant for numerous clients including the Radio America Network, and produced two nationally syndicated radio shows.
|
Kyle writes (on 1/24/09):
"I absolutely love
the WIEL page and enjoyed the tribute to Ron.
While in high school, I worked for WIEL from 90-91
on Saturday mornings and aired a more progressive
oldies rock program mixed with a little
Fred Wiche Weekend Gardener and Paul
Harvey. During my senior year at WKU, I interned for
Ron Boone and Ross Becker at
WRZI from 94-95. I did some on air work
but mainly helped with production and news. I
experienced a small slice of the station's history
but had a blast all the same. Great job on the
page!!" |
Bennie
Ketron-'Last of the live air staff', he worked part time
Sunday mornings 1990-1997 during the Pure Gold 1400 years. Bennie passed away
January 3, 2020.
Greg Laha- Disc jockey at WIEL/WKMO 1976-87,
serving as PD at WKMO 1982-85, and PD at WIEL 1986-87. You can
also check out a plug from Tony Butala of
the Lettermen from October 1981! Greg also worked at WCGW/WEQR in North Carolina from 1987-93, in addition to various stations in Lexington
before working on-air at WASE 103.5 in Elizabethtown.
Michelle Lawson (McLane)-Newscaster
on WIEL & WKMO. Michelle later did news for WHAS, WQXE,
WASE & WLVK. Michelle passed away August 3, 2009 after a
lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 45.
Michelle McLane 1995
Robert E. Lee (real name Gerry Cunningham)-PD at WIEL around 1974 as well as on the air 3-8, Gerry worked as part-time jock at WKLO for about 6 months in 1975, after having previously done programming at WXVW in Jeffersontown in 1972. He also did the afternoon drive at WVLK in Lexington. Left WKLO to do nights at WTMA in Charleston, South Carolina, followed by afternoons at cross-town WCSC as Scott Ashley. He later came back to Charleston and worked at WKQB and WKTM. Today he's a Web positioning consultant based out of California (info courtesy of Rip Rinehart and www.1080wklo.com).
Charlie Lewis-Disc jockey and Music Librarian in the mid 50's. After a stint in the Army, Charlie went on to work at the Pentagon.
Dave Lyons (real name Dave Peavler)-Originally from Kentucky, Dave came to WIEL in the mid-70's after having worked at Phoenix Top 40 powerhouse KRIZ, where he went by Dave "Rock & Roll" London. He also worked briefly doing overnights on weekends at KJ-100 in the late 70s. He died of liver failure not long after.
Michael Marvin aka Harry 'Michael' Harrison-Longtime 70's jock nicknamed "Mr. Oldies", started career at University of Louisville radio station (WLCV) as a student from 1974-75. Also lent his talents across Kentucky at WLOU Louisville 1975-76, WQXE 1976-77, WBRT 1977, WIEL 1977-84 (and again 1986-89), WLCB Hodgenville, WEKY Richmond, WIRV Irvine, as well as WSAC Fort Knox and part time weekends WAKY (both from 1985-86). Michael was at WASE (now the 'new WAKY'), from 1989 until the late 2000's. During his retirement years, he resided at Signature Healthcare in Elizabethtown calling Bingo games, making announcements and in a form of 'returning' to radio he filled spare time writing and recording 14Trivia for 14WIEL Online. Michael passed away August 10, 2020.
We interviewed Mike on 2/24/2018...give a listen below!
(Updated)
Michelle McLane 1995
Robert E. Lee (real name Gerry Cunningham)-PD at WIEL around 1974 as well as on the air 3-8, Gerry worked as part-time jock at WKLO for about 6 months in 1975, after having previously done programming at WXVW in Jeffersontown in 1972. He also did the afternoon drive at WVLK in Lexington. Left WKLO to do nights at WTMA in Charleston, South Carolina, followed by afternoons at cross-town WCSC as Scott Ashley. He later came back to Charleston and worked at WKQB and WKTM. Today he's a Web positioning consultant based out of California (info courtesy of Rip Rinehart and www.1080wklo.com).
Charlie Lewis-Disc jockey and Music Librarian in the mid 50's. After a stint in the Army, Charlie went on to work at the Pentagon.
Charles
Logsdon-Part time 50's jock. An accomplished actor in local
theatre, played Ebenezer Scrooge in 1990 Hardin County
Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Dave Lyons (real name Dave Peavler)-Originally from Kentucky, Dave came to WIEL in the mid-70's after having worked at Phoenix Top 40 powerhouse KRIZ, where he went by Dave "Rock & Roll" London. He also worked briefly doing overnights on weekends at KJ-100 in the late 70s. He died of liver failure not long after.
Tom
Maples-Disc jockey from the mid 50's. DJ for “Square Block Jr”.
Went on to work in the
Tucson, AZ market.
Michael Marvin aka Harry 'Michael' Harrison-Longtime 70's jock nicknamed "Mr. Oldies", started career at University of Louisville radio station (WLCV) as a student from 1974-75. Also lent his talents across Kentucky at WLOU Louisville 1975-76, WQXE 1976-77, WBRT 1977, WIEL 1977-84 (and again 1986-89), WLCB Hodgenville, WEKY Richmond, WIRV Irvine, as well as WSAC Fort Knox and part time weekends WAKY (both from 1985-86). Michael was at WASE (now the 'new WAKY'), from 1989 until the late 2000's. During his retirement years, he resided at Signature Healthcare in Elizabethtown calling Bingo games, making announcements and in a form of 'returning' to radio he filled spare time writing and recording 14Trivia for 14WIEL Online. Michael passed away August 10, 2020.
|
Mike writes:
|
We interviewed Mike on 2/24/2018...give a listen below!
| 1400
Jock Talk with Michael Marvin (22:23) |
Heidi
Matthews-Progam Director in 90's, worked at WIEL twice
from 1977-1984 and then again from 1986-1989. She worked
primarily at night, much of the time it was on 250 watts. The
music format was primarily adult contemporary.
Kathy Pence Lee-Weekend newsperson (years?)
Deanna Pozesny-Outstanding copywriter in 70's & 80's, she was described by fellow staffers as the "best there is". Started in 1967 as copywriter for KDBS & KALB in Alexandria, LA. Her gifts in radio copywriting sent her everywhere from Michigan, Colorado to Washington State. Locally she has done traffic for WSAC, copywriting for WIEL & WKMO, and news at WQXE. Returned in 1989 to take her final assignment as Administrative Assistant to Charlie Harper. Currently retired.
Ted "the Bear" Richards-In addition to Dave Sanders, Ted is the only other non-local personality we will mention from the 'Jones years'. During the daytime he was, and remains perhaps one of the most widely known satellite jocks. In radio over 30 years, Ted also does voice-over work for Jones Radio, as well as many of the Oldies1400 liners during that time.
Rip Rinehart-Disc jockey from 1974-1975, going by both his name and as Michael O'Malley. Also worked at WSAC-FM in Fort Knox and WAVE970 and WKLO in Louisville. Was 'Eric Henderson' at WCSN-FM, PD for WKJJ (KJ-100), and worked at WCII with Bill Bailey before doing voice over work for KDKB in Phoenix. After working in sciences and engineering, is currently Solution Architect for Avaya in Shelbyville, Ky. Can be heard doing voice-overwork for 14WIELOnline & hosting 14Track Crossings.
From the Feb 3, 1979 issue of the Scene (Louisville Times)
(from Rip via Facebook)
Bill McClain-Former jock.
Stan McKenney-Program Director 1975-76. Worked previously at WSAC in Fort Knox. Originally from Cynthiana, Ky, Stan also wrote several songs recorded by Bill Withers, Gladys Knight and The Pips, and The Chi-Lites. Bill Withers' album "Still Bill" contains one of his songs co-written with Bill, "Who Is He (And What Is He to You)". Stan passed away July 24, 2018 .
Stan later in his career. A photo during his time at WSAC appears on our Photos page.
Bill Michaels-Mornings on WIEL. Worked previously part-time at WQXE. Later did overnights on WKMO as Bill Holly.
Mike Mills-Evening DJ in 80's after stint at WAKY 1978-83.
Bob Morris-Afternoon Drive Time in the early 70s.
Jim Neal-Popular disc jockey at WIEL early to mid 60's. Named "Mister DJ USA" in January 1964 by The Legend 650 AM WSM in Nashville! This article appears on the Media and History page. Jim also gets some ink on page 47 of the February 29, 1964 issue of Billboard magazine. Jim was formerly at WKOL 1330 AM (now WYPC) in Wellston, Ohio as well as the Armed Forces Korean Radio Network prior to coming to WIEL.
Glenn Nichols-Part time disc jockey in the early 70's. Prior to WIEL, did mornings & weekends at Bardstown's WBRT from 1955-1959. Currently owner of Nichols Sign Art, using talents he used to make 'WIEL Information Radio' license plates for station employees.
Stan McKenney-Program Director 1975-76. Worked previously at WSAC in Fort Knox. Originally from Cynthiana, Ky, Stan also wrote several songs recorded by Bill Withers, Gladys Knight and The Pips, and The Chi-Lites. Bill Withers' album "Still Bill" contains one of his songs co-written with Bill, "Who Is He (And What Is He to You)". Stan passed away July 24, 2018 .
Stan later in his career. A photo during his time at WSAC appears on our Photos page.
Bill Michaels-Mornings on WIEL. Worked previously part-time at WQXE. Later did overnights on WKMO as Bill Holly.
Mike Mills-Evening DJ in 80's after stint at WAKY 1978-83.
Bob Morris-Afternoon Drive Time in the early 70s.
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Bob writes:
Hi
guys, Former WIEL jock in the early 70’s here just checking in to see if you have email address’ on some of the old timers. I am Bob Morris (as you know early 70’s). My daughter was born in E-town and I have so many fond memories. Would like to email Bill Walters, Greg Kaphammer, Dick (Shagool) Curtis among others. I spent most of my time in Ga, although I did spend time at KOAQ Denver and WRQK Greensboro. Landed in Memphis about 3 months ago, not on the air and kinda miss it. Let me hear from former WIEL’ers. Bob Shannon President/General Manager KWAM 990AM Office: (901)
261-4200 Ext: 229
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Jim Neal-Popular disc jockey at WIEL early to mid 60's. Named "Mister DJ USA" in January 1964 by The Legend 650 AM WSM in Nashville! This article appears on the Media and History page. Jim also gets some ink on page 47 of the February 29, 1964 issue of Billboard magazine. Jim was formerly at WKOL 1330 AM (now WYPC) in Wellston, Ohio as well as the Armed Forces Korean Radio Network prior to coming to WIEL.
Glenn Nichols-Part time disc jockey in the early 70's. Prior to WIEL, did mornings & weekends at Bardstown's WBRT from 1955-1959. Currently owner of Nichols Sign Art, using talents he used to make 'WIEL Information Radio' license plates for station employees.
 Glenn Nichols in 1971 (above) and today (right) 10/01/12 (photographs by Greg Kapfhammer) (courtesy of Glenn Nichols and Paul Urbahns) |
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Kathy Pence Lee-Weekend newsperson (years?)
Deanna Pozesny-Outstanding copywriter in 70's & 80's, she was described by fellow staffers as the "best there is". Started in 1967 as copywriter for KDBS & KALB in Alexandria, LA. Her gifts in radio copywriting sent her everywhere from Michigan, Colorado to Washington State. Locally she has done traffic for WSAC, copywriting for WIEL & WKMO, and news at WQXE. Returned in 1989 to take her final assignment as Administrative Assistant to Charlie Harper. Currently retired.
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Bob Craft writes:
"Another
unsung
hero
(or
heroine
in
this
case)
was
discovered
with
the
hiring
of
Deanna
Pozesny
in
1975
by
Stan
McKinney
(PD).
She
came
with
a
resume that would have enabled her to
work at WLS in Chicago. We were lucky to
have such a gifted writer and radio
person as Deanna. Most people listening
to the locally produced radio spots back
then didn't realize just who
was responsible for the writing , and
sometimes directing of, the commercial
copy we ran. The most clever, exciting,
challenging, and successful copywriting
I had ever seen was all
done by Deanna...she made all of us
airpeople look pretty good back then.
She was and is very close to me and I'm
glad to say we are "soulmates" and will
be until we both die of old age! That
was the experience that Deanna brought
to a little home town station in E-town.
Deanna brought class and beauty to the
office as well-a radio
professional who also had the writing
skills of one of the great radio poets
THIS part of Kentucky has ever
known. Truly, she has it all.
Kisses,
Dee Dee (her nickname)! You might be
thinking right now 'man, is he over the
top!' Well everything I said was and is
true about this wonderfully talented
retired radio writer...and believe it or
not, she's (even) a better painter than
she is radio writer!"Deanna writes:
"...about
the number 14...it's funny you'd
comment on that. For some crazy reason that
has ALWAYS been my personal favorite number
since I was a small child. My first radio
station, K-Dixie was 1410. In
Michigan it was 1470 and Channel 41 (14
backwards), and I know there were others. That
number was destined to be a big part of my
life...and to this day, everyone (family, etc)
knows that 14 is my number. Is it coincidence
or destiny that 14 of us responded to your
request for the birthday greetings? I believe
it was just meant to be. Some things are
sacred...we just don't question
them."
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Ted "the Bear" Richards-In addition to Dave Sanders, Ted is the only other non-local personality we will mention from the 'Jones years'. During the daytime he was, and remains perhaps one of the most widely known satellite jocks. In radio over 30 years, Ted also does voice-over work for Jones Radio, as well as many of the Oldies1400 liners during that time.
Rip Rinehart-Disc jockey from 1974-1975, going by both his name and as Michael O'Malley. Also worked at WSAC-FM in Fort Knox and WAVE970 and WKLO in Louisville. Was 'Eric Henderson' at WCSN-FM, PD for WKJJ (KJ-100), and worked at WCII with Bill Bailey before doing voice over work for KDKB in Phoenix. After working in sciences and engineering, is currently Solution Architect for Avaya in Shelbyville, Ky. Can be heard doing voice-overwork for 14WIELOnline & hosting 14Track Crossings.
From the Feb 3, 1979 issue of the Scene (Louisville Times)
|
Rip
writes:
"Under Bill Walters as GM,
Robert E. Lee, George Bratcher, and Dave Lyons as
PDs, and the great Ron Boone as News Director, I
got a real education in radio. And I think we
sounded fantastic for a small town operation." |
Dave
Sanders-Although not a local personality, Dave hosted
(on WIEL) and continues to host nationwide 'Dave's Diner, one
of the hottest rock and roll live request shows across the
nation. From 7pm-midnight he played wall to wall oldies,
taking requests via telephone. Joining him nightly were a
stellar cast of peculiar characters, all of whom made the
diner a very special place to spend your evening. The show
continues to air via the Jones Radio Network on radio stations
on both sides of the dial.
John Scott-Former jock.
Jayne Shagool-Mid-days in the mid-80's. Married to Dick Curtis until the time of his passing. Did voice over work in early days of WRZI (Ritzi). Currently retired from teaching and as director of Hardin County Educational Television.
Mark Stahr-Following Scott Goettel's shoes, he was morning man and PD March-October 1987. Cutting his teeth in radio at WSAC 1470 & WWKK K-105 in late 1982 until 1985, Mark was also Scott's replacement at WAKY, where he was on the air 1985-1987 before coming to 14WIEL. Upon leaving WIEL he did five years at WLRS-102 from 1987-1992 before fate again brought him back to Elizabethtown where he put in two years at WQXE from 1992-1994. Currently on the air at WAMZ 97.5 in Louisville and works as a creative production specialist for the Clear Channel cluster in Louisville, where he has been since '94. Perhaps one of the busiest guys in radio, Mark is also currently on the air at 94.3 the Wolf (WULF) in Elizabethtown and also does voice-over work for 14WIEL Online. Mark also served as
Mark Stahr today
(photo courtesy of Mark Stahr)
Belinda Stark-News reporter from 1978-1979 and again as news director 1987-1988, replacing Ron Boone when he left (only to return later). Belinda also did news for WSAC and WAVE 970 in Louisville. Spent last 5 years in radio at WHAS, leaving in 1993 to begin teaching at Elizabethtown High School where she continues to teach video production, English and Arts and Humanities classes. Played Mrs. Cratchit in 1990 Hardin County Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Bill Stevens-70's nighttime personality. Hosted "14 Fever", the Friday night disco show. Real name Greg Daleure. Worked for Bob Craft from 1978-1980, then for Richard Upton, and finally Scott Goettel until 1987. Bill relates he even read the news once, when asked, for Ron Boone, due to Ron's hoarseness.
John Scott-Former jock.
Jayne Shagool-Mid-days in the mid-80's. Married to Dick Curtis until the time of his passing. Did voice over work in early days of WRZI (Ritzi). Currently retired from teaching and as director of Hardin County Educational Television.
Mark Stahr-Following Scott Goettel's shoes, he was morning man and PD March-October 1987. Cutting his teeth in radio at WSAC 1470 & WWKK K-105 in late 1982 until 1985, Mark was also Scott's replacement at WAKY, where he was on the air 1985-1987 before coming to 14WIEL. Upon leaving WIEL he did five years at WLRS-102 from 1987-1992 before fate again brought him back to Elizabethtown where he put in two years at WQXE from 1992-1994. Currently on the air at WAMZ 97.5 in Louisville and works as a creative production specialist for the Clear Channel cluster in Louisville, where he has been since '94. Perhaps one of the busiest guys in radio, Mark is also currently on the air at 94.3 the Wolf (WULF) in Elizabethtown and also does voice-over work for 14WIEL Online. Mark also served as
Mark Stahr today
(photo courtesy of Mark Stahr)
Belinda Stark-News reporter from 1978-1979 and again as news director 1987-1988, replacing Ron Boone when he left (only to return later). Belinda also did news for WSAC and WAVE 970 in Louisville. Spent last 5 years in radio at WHAS, leaving in 1993 to begin teaching at Elizabethtown High School where she continues to teach video production, English and Arts and Humanities classes. Played Mrs. Cratchit in 1990 Hardin County Radio Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol".
Bill Stevens-70's nighttime personality. Hosted "14 Fever", the Friday night disco show. Real name Greg Daleure. Worked for Bob Craft from 1978-1980, then for Richard Upton, and finally Scott Goettel until 1987. Bill relates he even read the news once, when asked, for Ron Boone, due to Ron's hoarseness.
Jeff Stewart-Newsman in the 90's.
Also worked for Clear Channel-Louisville.
Roth Stratton-General and sales manager from 2006-2009. Like many before him, moved into position from Senior Accounts Executive. Currently GM and Sales Manager at WBRT in Bardstown.
Mark Strauss-PD in 1980's...further information forthcoming. Currently at WAKY 103.5 in Elizabethtown, but also can be heard in voice-overs for 14WIEL Online.
Cale Tharp-Personality 1986-1991. Mid-days 1987-1988, later PD/OD in late 90's, in addition to PD at WKMO. Previous work included WLCB in Hodgenville. Also worked for WAMZ, WQXE, WASE, WGRK, and WOKK in Meridian, MS. Most recently, Cale did mornings at WLVK Big Cat 105.5. He served as both Engineer and Operations Manager for WASE (now the 'new WAKY') and WLVK before becoming morning personality and Engineer at WULF in Elizabethtown. Cale left WULF in 2018 to resurrect WLCB in Hodgenville under the moniker Abe 93.7 on both AM/FM...and back at 1430! Cale serves as co-owner, GM/PD/On-Air/News and pretty much everything at presstime! Cale is yet another former personality who lends his talents in voicework for 14WIEL Online, including "From Off the Beaten Path".
Cale Today
(photo courtesy of Cale)
Greg Thompson-Part time DJ in 80's. Also worked at WKMO. Served as assistant publisher of Hardin County Independent before working news and on-air at WQXE. Worked sales at Commonwealth Broadcasting.
Randy Thurman-DJ 8 PM to 1 AM airshift in 1974.
Roth Stratton-General and sales manager from 2006-2009. Like many before him, moved into position from Senior Accounts Executive. Currently GM and Sales Manager at WBRT in Bardstown.
Mark Strauss-PD in 1980's...further information forthcoming. Currently at WAKY 103.5 in Elizabethtown, but also can be heard in voice-overs for 14WIEL Online.
Cale Tharp-Personality 1986-1991. Mid-days 1987-1988, later PD/OD in late 90's, in addition to PD at WKMO. Previous work included WLCB in Hodgenville. Also worked for WAMZ, WQXE, WASE, WGRK, and WOKK in Meridian, MS. Most recently, Cale did mornings at WLVK Big Cat 105.5. He served as both Engineer and Operations Manager for WASE (now the 'new WAKY') and WLVK before becoming morning personality and Engineer at WULF in Elizabethtown. Cale left WULF in 2018 to resurrect WLCB in Hodgenville under the moniker Abe 93.7 on both AM/FM...and back at 1430! Cale serves as co-owner, GM/PD/On-Air/News and pretty much everything at presstime! Cale is yet another former personality who lends his talents in voicework for 14WIEL Online, including "From Off the Beaten Path".
Cale Today
(photo courtesy of Cale)
Greg Thompson-Part time DJ in 80's. Also worked at WKMO. Served as assistant publisher of Hardin County Independent before working news and on-air at WQXE. Worked sales at Commonwealth Broadcasting.
Randy Thurman-DJ 8 PM to 1 AM airshift in 1974.
Mark Travis-Midday guy from 11 to 5 in 1983 & 1984, also hosting "Rock and Roll Nighttime". Prior to this he worked at WAXU in Georgetown. He is best known for his role as long time traffic reporter for WHAS Radio 84, for which he was 'cut' due to budget 'realignment'. Afterwards he started his own production company and is now assisting in operations at Shelbyville's WXLN. Mark stays pretty busy, finding time to put in massive quantities of voice-over work for 14WIEL Online, where his biggest show is his rebranding of his hit show from the early 80's into a weekly Saturday night show NOW called "Rock and Roll LIVEtime".
Mark Travis today
(courtesy of wxlnradio.com)
Ken Trimble (aka J Paul Roberts)-Newsman in 1960's, DJ in 1965 while in Army, and later GM who purchased station in 1985. Worked at WVLK in Lexington and WKLO in Louisville. Also did news at WIBG in Philadelphia before returning to E'town to be PD at WQXE. Started up WWTC in Minneapolis, served as program director for WDRC in Hartford and was operations director at WIKI in Madison. Was GM & morning drive personality of WKID in Vevay, Indiana at the time of his passing April 10, 2012.
Richard Upton-Disc jockey with one of the smoothest deliveries, Richard worked for WIEL in the 70's before leaving to become program director and morning personality for WQXE. Enjoyed successful run as B.J. Koltee at WAKY in Louisville, after which time he returned to WIEL for a time in the 80's as morning guy and PD before moving on to WMMG in Brandenburg. Rich was working as radio personality at Lebanon's WFKN at the time of his death in 2005. Below appears an article on Rich's passing written by Editor Gerald Lush of the Hardin County Independent.
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Gerald Lush writes:
There was a long stretch of time in my life when the first section of the newspaper I picked up was sports. And, then, I started checking out the business section first thing each morning to see how much money I had lost on my few stocks. Now, the first thing I look at is the obituaries. It’s not, as someone said, to make sure I’m not in there before I bother to start my day. It’s because I have reached the age when too many of my old friends and former acquaintances are dying. Just last week I was shocked to learn about the death of one on my best friends when Bonnie and I first moved to Elizabethtown. Richard Upton of Franklin, Ky., died at age 59, which for another couple of months happens to be my age, too. Richard’s death didn’t make any headlines locally or in Louisville, two of the [markets where] he made a major impact during his radio career. When I came to town in the early 1970’s Richard was the morning man on WIEL, which was THE station here. His golden voice and sharp wit made getting up in the morning a joy for those of us who were listening. Co-workers, however, had to put up with his practical jokes. He regularly hid an alarm clock inside newsman Bill Earle’s desk, timed to go off mid-way through his morning report. You could hear Mr. Earle frantically opening drawers, looking for the ringing clock while never missing a word of his very serious news report. One morning I flipped on the radio only to hear static coming from the speaker. Richard and I had been out very late the night before and I wondered if he would make it to work to sign on the station. As I listened to the static, the station came on the air-right in the middle of a song. When the song finished, Richard, in an unusually raspy voice, said “I understand we have had some technical difficulties”. I smiled as I looked at my [own] rough image in the bathroom mirror. Richard’s talents took him to Louisville’s (WAKY) where he was one of its main personalities for a time, using the pseudonym B.J. Koltee [after which] we lost touch, but I have thought of him often through the years and wondered how he was doing. As my wife will tell you, I don’t put much effort into cultivating friendships and maintaining them. That’s why most of the people I see listed in the obits are ‘old friends’ and ‘former acquaintances’. But just because I haven’t kept track of them over the years doesn’t mean I won’t miss them. Goodbye, Richard.
God bless you.
*** From the Bowling
Green Daily News, Monday, July
11, 2005
FRANKLIN — Richard Upton, 59, of Franklin died July 9, 2005, at The Medical Center at Bowling Green. The Lebanon native was a WFKN radio personality and announcer. He also worked in Russellville in 1966 in the same field. He was a son of the late J.T. Upton and Wilnah Pinkston Upton. He was preceded in death by a sister, Gretchen McMillien. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Crafton Funeral Home, with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. today at the funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Cindy Chaney Upton; a son, Taylor Upton of Elizabethtown; a daughter, Ellen Upton of Elizabethtown; a stepdaughter, April Chaney of Franklin; a brother, John Upton of Russellville; a sister, Judy Upton of Memphis, Tenn.; and three stepgrandsons. |
Paul Urbahns-Started in radio at WKEE
AM/FM, and WSAZ
Radio/TV in Huntington, WV. A local historian, he worked as a
part time disc jockey in early 70's. Also at WQXE during its
beautiful music format, WMMG, Brandenburg, and at WABD in
Clarksville, TN-Oak Grove, Ky. Has appeared on several
national television documentaries. Currently retired from Fort Knox and continues to do
local history research in addition to supplying audio and
visual resources for the WIEL Information Radio site. More to
come!
Paul at WSAZ in Huntington, WV
(courtesy of Paul Urbahns)
Paul at WSAZ in Huntington, WV
(courtesy of Paul Urbahns)
Brian Walker-Operations and programming during a
portion of the Basix years. In addition, Brian filled in
for Ron Boone when necessary in addition to news
gathering. Best known, however, as star of the 'Walker
Wake-up Show' on sister station WRZI, in which Ron also
had an active part, many times being coaxed into Brian's
bantering and nonsense. Upon leaving radio, Brian
continued his news path reporting for the News-Enterprise
and the Kentucky Standard in Bardstown. After a stint in
music retail, Brian returned to the airwaves and is
currently on-air at WQXE in Elizabethtown.
Bill Walters-Started WIEL
career in sales with Mike Baldwin. Became successful GM from
1972-1980. Currently president and majority owner of WASE (now
the 'new WAKY') and WLVK. Served as 1980 Chairman of the Kentucky Broadcaster's
Association.
Lou Warren-Satellite jock from the the Pure Gold 1400 format. One of two longtime jocks at 97 Gold KMCM in Midland, TX.
Lou Warren-Satellite jock from the the Pure Gold 1400 format. One of two longtime jocks at 97 Gold KMCM in Midland, TX.
Dennis Wilson-Part time jock in the
50's.
Ken Wortham-aka Night Train Lane, Ken worked the controls and entertained his listeners in the late 1980's. Like many WIEL personalities, Ken moved on to bigger things in Louisville and larger markets. And like many of his predecessors and successors at WIEL, Ken lends his voice talents to the V/O efforts at 14WIEL Online.
Ken Wortham-aka Night Train Lane, Ken worked the controls and entertained his listeners in the late 1980's. Like many WIEL personalities, Ken moved on to bigger things in Louisville and larger markets. And like many of his predecessors and successors at WIEL, Ken lends his voice talents to the V/O efforts at 14WIEL Online.
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Night Train
writes:
"Just found this site...this brings back so many good time for me..I worked there in the mid late 80's. That was so much fun! I was just a kid- me, Cale Tharp, ScottGoettel, Mark Stahr, Darryl (Doc) Hodges, Harry Harrison (Mike Marvin)..and Rodney Pricket. Every Saturday we would get a Royal Pizza and share it while we aired the UK games on IEL and KMO. I worked with Boone (he was awesome) and Dick Curtis, who I use to travel with to ball games to stare at a scanner for 3 hours to make sure we did not lose the signal for the games! Also Mike Mills, who was so funny I'd laugh at him forever! I might find some pictures- if I can I'll shoot them your way! When i left there, I did nights and then mid-days at WAMZ in Louisville for years and NOW I'm in South Carolina as PD and doing afternoons at The Wolf in Charleston. Thanks for the flash back!!" "(I) worked at WIEL in the late 80's early 90's...had some great times there and worked with many great people". |
John Wright-Became GM after switch
to ESPN. Served in various sports & production roles.
Currently out of radio and head of Public Relations for
the Hardin County School System.
Mark York-Worked with Ron Boone,
forming "that powerful radio news team that was second to
none"-Marty. Left WIEL for
WLEX-TV in Lexington before moving on to the LRC in Frankfort.
Jim "the Zip Dude" Zippo-Like Ted 'the Bear', Jim was one of the satellite jocks, in this case, from the the Pure Gold 1400 format. Was morning air personality for ABC's Pure Gold 24 hour radio format. Currently on the air for CBS Dallas - 98.7 KLUV and like so many others on this page, lends his time and talents to 14WIEL Online.
Station Christmas card from the 1950's
(1400 thanks you's to John Lay!)
Sales/Support StaffJim "the Zip Dude" Zippo-Like Ted 'the Bear', Jim was one of the satellite jocks, in this case, from the the Pure Gold 1400 format. Was morning air personality for ABC's Pure Gold 24 hour radio format. Currently on the air for CBS Dallas - 98.7 KLUV and like so many others on this page, lends his time and talents to 14WIEL Online.
Jim w/2018 14WIEL Online Staff award
(photo courtesy of Jim Zippo)
(photo courtesy of Jim Zippo)
 Check out the Zip Dude's website! |
Station Christmas card from the 1950's
(1400 thanks you's to John Lay!)
We need to recognize members of our Sales Department, for without them, we couldn't pay the bills! These are but a few to get us started! Feel free to e-mail us and fill in the gaps! With the anticipation of incoming info, this section will mirror the on-air portion.
Ann Armour-Salesperson mid to late 80's
Cindy Baer-Salesperson (years?)
Mike Baldwin-Son of Tom Baldwin above, Mike was in sales during the 70's. Moved on to WASE with Bill Walters.
Mike Buchanan-Salesman from the 1970's, later got out of radio altogether to work for the post office. Now retired.
Bill Browning-Salesman in the 90's during the 'Jones years'.
Jim Cantrell-Salesman (years?)
Suzanne Dodson-Salesperson in mid-80's.
Debbie Dowdell-Salesperson in mid-80's.
Marty Fulkerson-Salesman from the 80's. See bio above.
Doris Spears-Goodin-Salesperson 1992-93. Currently at Acute Care in Elizabethtown.
Russ Hamnett-Salesman in the 90's, see above bio.
Dorothy (Dottie) Inman-Sales in 1978. Went on to sell real estate.
Johnny Meloan-Salesman from the 70's. Also was in charge of the Hardin County Fair Youth Talent Show for several years. Currently in real estate.
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Johnny
writes:
"It's always
good to hear from, and about, old
friends. I didn't know Daryl was in Madisonville...there
are still a couple a people at the station who
were there in 75-77 during my stay in
western Kentucky. Joni and I have fond memories
and continuing friendships with people from those
days."
|
Blossom (Bobbi) Newsome-Receptionist under Bill Walters and Ken Trimble. Passed away from her battle with cancer.
|
Johnny Melloan
writes:
She was a
dear lady who put up a real battle against the
disease.
Cale Tharp writes: She was there when I started in April of 86 and was the sweetest person. Loved her... Judy Boone writes: Bobbie was a very dear friend of Ron's. I last saw her in the hospital a year after Ron died and she died shortly thereafter...she was a wonderful lady. Bob Craft writes: She was receptionist for a couple of years in the late 70s and early 80's (and) was a very sweet pretty (model look) lady. She worked first for Bill Walters...before the Ken Trimble era where she rejoined as a receptionist. Scott Goettel writes: I worked with Blossom for the year and a half that I was at WIEL. She was always so nice to talk to and good at her job. E.J. Clark writes: Just wanted to add my thoughts about Bobbie (Blossom) Newsome. As I recall her husband gave her that name. She quickly became a "real radio person" as we used to say. She was very friendly, fun loving and a tall, pretty lady who had a great attitude and was kind and giving to everyone. Her desk was once upon a time in the foyer outside the KMO studio. Blossom had a great sense of humor and was a joy to work with. She brings back very fond memories of time, a long while ago--back in the day-- on the Radio in the "Hub City". Daryl Hodges writes: I worked with Bobbie for several years, and she was like a carbon copy of Deanna. She and I used to share recipes, especially around the holidays. For a time we picked one day out of the week and someone cooked for everyone for lunch and it was a blast. She was, like Deanna, the sweetest, kindest person in the building and she will be missed. I had no idea how she died, I have been so out of touch with everybody. I do remember that I cried on her shoulder more (times) than I can count. Everybody liked her and repected her. |
Frankie Nunn-Sales rep '86-'90 and again in 1998, after on-air stint on WKMO. Also was fill-in DJ during his tenure. Successful local musician.
Paul "Casper" Steiner-Sales manager in the 80's through the mid 90's. Came to WIEL from WSAC. Famous for asking for copies of spots to be put on 'cazzettes'.
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