WKVI to Celebrate 50th Birthday

Posted on July 20, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

It was on July 21, 1969 when the WKVI-FM transmitter was turned on at 6 a.m. CT in Knox, Indiana.  Fifty years later, K99.3 WKVI-FM continues to provide thousands of listeners daily programming with music, news, sports and community information.

Morning show host Charlie Adams has featured several guests in the last few months who worked at WKVI at one time over the years.  They have delivered many anecdotes reflecting on their time at the station that lives on in the station’s legacy.

Kankakee Valley Broadcasting, Inc. expanded in 2015 to include WYMR MAX 98.3 FM.  Country programming is available on Kountry KVI AM 1520.

Information on an open house to celebrate the station’s 50th birthday will be announced at a later date.

WKVI Food Drive Sites In Pulaski and Starke Counties This Friday

Posted on December 7, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Tomorrow morning, get into the giving spirit with some of Kankakee Valley Broadcasting’s best and brightest. This Friday, from 9 a.m. until noon (CT), members of the KVB staff will be stationed in Starke and Pulaski County, collecting food items and monetary donations.

WKVI’s Morning Show Host Charlie Adams is teaming up with MAX’s Morning Show host and sportscaster Tony Ross for a remote broadcast at Five-Star in Knox. They will be there collecting donations for Community Services of Starke County.

Meanwhile, WKVI’s father-son sports broadcast duo, Nathan and Harold Welter will be at Sanders Foods in Winamac collecting donations for Human Services of Pulaski County.

Five Star is located at 1209 S Heaton Street in Knox while Sanders Foods is located 858 N Plymouth Road in Winamac. If you have any questions about what kind of items are needed, contact the Human Services of Pulaski County at (574) 946-6500 or Community Services of Starke County at (574) 772-7070 for some helpful supply suggestions.

12/8/2017 WKVI Annual Food Drive

12/16/2016 WKVI Food Drive Scheduled Tomorrow at Five Star

Posted on December 15, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

WKVI Morning Show Host Ray Grossman is once again taking his show on the road, but he doesn’t have very far to go this week. He’ll be broadcasting live from Five Star in the Knox Mall tomorrow morning from 5 until 10 a.m.

The live broadcast is part of WKVI’s annual food drive for Starke County Community Services. All non-perishable food and monetary donations will go to the food pantry in order to help Starke County residents who need a bit of assistance.

Items like canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, cereal, pasta and the fixings for a traditional Christmas dinner make a big difference for the food pantry.

WKVI’s Grossman in the Morning Hosts Food Drive in Winamac

Posted on December 8, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

WKVI morning man Ray Grossman is taking his show on the road tomorrow for a good cause. He will be broadcasting live from Sanders grocery store in the Winamac Plaza from 6 until 11 a.m. EST as part of a food drive for the Pulaski County Human Services food pantry.

In past years WKVI has done a bi-county food drive in Pulaski and Starke Counties the Saturday before Thanksgiving to help prepare for the holiday season. This year we decided to split the events up and hold them between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Non-perishable items like canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, cereal and past, as well as fixings for a traditional Christmas dinner, a go a long way toward helping families stretch their food budgets. Monetary donations are also welcome, as they allow Pulaski County Human Services to purchase items of particular need.

A similar food drive is planned Friday, Dec. 16 at Five Star in the Knox Mall during the Grossman in the Morning Show. Stop by to say hello, and please give generously.

Starke County Youth Club Plans for Annual Radiothon

March 29, 2016AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

 

WKVI will once again be hosting a Radiothon to help the Starke County Youth Club raise money for its enrichment programs for local children.

SCYC Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says SCYC representatives will be on the air on K99.3 WKVI on Friday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., “We have special guests coming in, a lot of our kids and their families, some club alumni, sharing what the program is about and the impact it’s had on their lives, all for the purpose of raising funds to keep it strong and healthy in our community.”

She says the money raised each year from the Radiothon goes a long way in providing activities and educational opportunities for Starke County youth. “The Radiothon provides absolutely critical funds for us to provide after-school, summer, and recreational programs all throughout the year for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade,” says Szakonyi. “Without the Radiothon, we would not be able to provide the scope of service that we provide and we wouldn’t be able to serve as many children and families as we serve in the course of the year.”

Szakonyi says regular people can make a big difference in the lives of local students, “The theme for this year’s event is ‘Be a club hero,’ and we know that in this community, there are plenty of people with superpowers, and that superpower is helping kids.”

The Starke County Youth Club serves hundreds of students at five locations around the county. For more information about the club or some of the ways you can help, visit www.TheSCYC.org or theStarke County Youth Club Facebook page.

WKVI Has Your Hotline to Santa

December 10, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger

WKVI is once again making it a little easier for kids to tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas. Parents are invited to help their children call 574-772-6241 ext. 135 and leave a message in Santa’s voicemail box.

Messages will be sent along to the North Pole and will also be played on the WKVI Morning Show.

WKVI Wins Indiana Broadcasters Association Award

November 16, 2015AuthorMichael Gallenberger

WKVI’s Bridget Markin, Lenny Dessauer, Mary Perren, Michael Gallenberger, Tom Berg and Tony Ross at Saturday’s Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Awards banquet

WKVI fared well at Saturday’s Indiana Broadcasters Association Awards in Indianapolis. News director Mary Perren’s April 16th report from LaCrosse after the Co-Alliance Elevator there exploded, injuring four employees, won in the Market 3 Breaking News Story category.

Other finalists in the category were WLJE-FM in Valparaiso and WHON-FM in Richmond.

The award marks the second straight year WKVI has been recognized by the Indiana Broadcasters Association. In 2014 WKVI-FM was named Market 3 Station of the Year.

“I’m proud of Mary and the entire WKVI news team,” WKVI General Manager Lenny Dessauer said. “Our news department works hard to cover all types of news throughout the Kankakee Valley and provide a valuable service to our listeners. It’s nice to see them get some well-deserved recognition.”

10/24/2015 Fundraiser for Tom Berg

8/3/2015 WKVI Blood Drive Scheduled for Next Week- Roll Up Your Sleeve for Those In Need

WKVI Blood Drive Scheduled for Next Week- Roll Up Your Sleeve for Those In Need

Published: July 29, 2015 By: Jacque Ryan

Here at the WKVI, we’re doing our part to prevent a summer blood donation shortage by hosting a blood drive on Monday, August 3. You can potentially save three lives with just one blood donation if you come down to 400 W. Culver Rd to participate. Not only will you walk away with a feeling of accomplishment after providing assistance but you will also receive a free American Red Cross baseball cap.

On Monday from 2 until 6 pm the Red Cross will have their blood drive bus in the WKVI parking lot. In order to be eligible to donate you must be feeling well and in good health, weigh at least 110 lbs and you must be at least 17-years-old or 16-years-old with guardian consent. For more information about restrictions, check out the alphabetical list of eligibility requirements provided by ARC.

The goal of this drive is to obtain 19 units of blood. In order to do so, we need to have at least 30 people schedule donations. Walk-ins will be welcome but you can also schedule an appointment for a specific time that works best for you. Follow the provided link to choose your own donation time. You can also call 1-800-733-2767 to make your appointment. Every 2 seconds, someone out there is in need of blood transfusion, you can do your part to assist three of those people with just one donation.

Check for Closings and Delays Before You Go Out

Happy St. Valentine's Day! The North Judson-Wayne Township Library will be open our usual hours today (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) but other places may not. If you're not sure then call before you go or check out the closings and delays at http://www.wkvi.com/closings-and-delays.

IBA Names WKVI-FM Market 3 Station of the Year

Published: November 10, 2014
By: Mary Perren

WKVI-FM is the Indiana Broadcasters Association Market 3 Station of the Year. General Manager Jerry Curtis says the judges look closely at the service stations provide to the community.

“We have a full-time, full-service news department. They look at that. They look at other community events that we’re involved in, like the Pizza Hut World Hunger night that we did. Also the radiothon for the Starke County Youth Club. Those are all factors that they consider heavily,” Curtis said.

He and the rest of the radio station’s management team accepted the award Saturday night at the 27th Annual Indiana Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and Spectrum Awards Show in Indianapolis. Curtis said the entire WKVI team deserves credit for the win.

“It’s very exciting, and I’m proud to be a part of this very extraordinary team of radio pros, people that really love the radio business and spend lots of their time every day working hard to make the station sound good, to put out a good product.”

Curtis added the same team is also working to launch WKVI-FM’s sister station, WMYR-FM, MAX 98.3 in Marshall County. It should be on the air by the end of the year.

WKVI Sales Manager Tony Ross, Morning Show Host Tom Berg, News Director Mary Perren, General Manager Jerry Curtis, Operations Manager/Program Director Lenny Dessauer and Sports Director Nathan Welter are all smiles after accepting the Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Award for Market 3 Station of the Year.

Ted Hayes, Take A Bow

By: Jerry Curtis, WKVI
Published: June 30th, 2014

Today, we say a fond farewell to our mentor, colleague and friend, Ted Hayes. Over the years, Ted has served in many capacities at WKVI: general manager, news director, commercial producer and longtime on-air personality, forging many friendships throughout the Kankakee Valley and our listening area.

Mr. Hayes can rightly take credit for many accomplishments over time, including, receipt of the Crystal Award for Public Service from the National Association of Broadcasters and establishment of the annual Starke County Youth Club Radiothon, which raises thousands for the local organization, each year. While Ted will conclude his association with WKVI today, he will continue his work as media representative at IU Health Starke Hospital, for which we wish him the very best of success. Ted, for a final time, allow us to recognize and appreciate your hard work and dedication to broadcasting in general and to WKVI right here at home. Thanks!

Starke County Youth Club, WKVI Partner for 7th Annual Radiothon

By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Published: April 3rd, 2014

 

The 7th annual Starke County Youth Club Radiothon will take place right here at WKVI on Friday, May 2.

Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says the club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of local children.

“We provide everything from academic support, helping kids with their homework or providing individual tutoring, to giving kids enrichment experiences like culture, drama and music. Also connecting kids with their families and the larger community through guest speakers service projects and community service endeavors,” Szakonyi says.

These services are provided Monday through Friday throughout the school year at Knox Elementary School, North Judson Elementary School, Oregon- Davis Elementary School and Oregon-Davis Junior-Senior High School. Summer programs are also offered. Szakonyi says the Starke County Youth Club will be taking over the WKVI airwaves on Friday, May 2.

“Students come in or call in, and they share what they do at club on a normal club day. We have parents and community members talk about the impact it’s had in their lives. We have some fun challenges, we have some cool incentives, we have a little bit of competition that goes on. It’s a day, we hope, full of inspiration, full of education and really a chance for the community to reach out, to call in and to make their pledge to support the kids in the community.”

This year’s Starke County Youth Club Radiothon fundraising goal is $43,000. Szakonyi says she’s confident the community will rise to that challenge. Learn more about the Starke County Youth Club on their website www.thescyc.org/index.html.

Flood Warning Issued for Area Rivers

By: Ben Haut, WKVI
Published: February 22nd, 2014

With the recent rain and melting snow, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Kankakee River and Tippecanoe River in certain areas. Anyone in the Tippecanoe River area near Ora is advised to be cautious when driving, avoid driving through standing water, and avoid flooded areas.

The NWS has also issued a flood warning for the Kankakee River at Davis Route 30 through Tuesday afternoon, stating that as of 10 a.m. Friday, the stage was 9.6 feet and rising. Minor flooding is forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage and crest near 10.5 feet around 6 p.m. today before it falls below flood stage around 12 p.m. on Monday.

At 10 feet, flooding of low-lying agricultural areas begins. Never drive vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned for further statements and updated forecasts.

12/24 & 25/2013 WKVI Christmas Radio Special

Don't forget WKVI listeners, tune in this Christmas Eve at 6 pm for a CHRISTMAS RADIO SPECIAL! The way real Christmas programming was meant to be. Starting this Christmas Eve at 6 pm with the 1946 radio version of "It's a Wonderful Life" with the real stars of the program. At 9 pm the original 1940's radio program of the "Christmas Carol" will be aired.

On Christmas Day starting at 6 pm the original "Miracle on 34th Street" will be broadcast, followed by "Holiday Inn" with Bing Crosby.

It's family entertainment the way you remember and can have again this Christmas Holiday ONLY on WKVI 99.3FM. Bring the family around the radio to enjoy!

11/23/2013 WKVI Food Drive Coming Up; Live Broadcasts from Five Star, Sander’s

By: Ben Haut
Published: November 11th, 2013
 
After raising more than 375 pounds of food for the food pantry last year, it’s time again for the WKVI Five Star Food Drive and this year features a new addition to the event as WKVI General Manager Jerry Curtis will be broadcasting live and accepting donations at Sander’s Foods in Winamac. This is fourth consecutive year for the food drive event, and Curtis said he has been involved in three of them, doing live remote broadcasts from the store.

Curtis said the food drive event is something WKVI is proud to do to help their community.

“Number one, there’s a need in the community; it’s a need that we can fill,” Curtis said. “By being able to do the live remote broadcasts, that’s just something unique that local radio can do that maybe other organizations are not able to with the same kind of flare and excitement and motivation for people to come in and make donations.”

Curtis said this year’s addition of Sander’s Foods in Winamac to the effort will go a long way in helping the local food pantry meet their needs. This is the first year Sander’s Foods has been a part of the WKVI Food Drive event, and as the local radio station for Pulaski County as well, WKVI will also be broadcasting from their location.

“WKVI, of course, is based in Starke County but we are also the local radio station for Pulaski County, and we’ve had calls from Pulaski County saying, ‘Can’t you come and do some similar event for us with our organization?’ So this year we’re going to do a team, we’re going to have broadcasting live from Five Star in Knox and at the same time, we’ll have live broadcasting the same day at the same time from Sander’s Foods in Winamac,” Curtis said.

Curtis said WKVI has always been involved in community events to help local organizations. Hosting events such as the Starke County Youth Club Radiothon and other fundraisers or radiothons for different organizations has long been a part of WKVI’s history.

“This is the kind of thing that is in our history, part of our corporate DNA, if you will. This is just the kind of thing that WKVI has done throughout its history,” Curtis explained.

Once the event is underway, Curtis said he anticipates making Sander’s Foods a part of the annual food drive.

WKVI’s Tom Berg and Lenny Dessauer will be in Starke County at Five Star, while Curtis will be at Sander’s Foods in Winamac. The broadcast starts at 9 a.m. CT on Nov. 23 and ends at noon.

Santa Arrives at Hensler Nursery November 24th

Christmas Fest officially begins at Hensler Nursery with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus!  The parade will  begin at 9 a.m. CST.

You’ll also be treated to performances by the Knox High School Jazz band and WKVI will be there to capture it all as they broadcast live!

3rd Annual Hensler's/WKVI Pumpkin Drop

They’re planning to lift a multi-hundred pound giant pumpkin into the air by crane and drop it on a car.

But they're not just dropping giant pumpkins, they’re also shooting them into the air thanks to the Fahrfunflingers. The Farhrunflingers are rolling out their giant sling shot which can shoot pumpkins approximately 130 mph and over 600 feet!

You can also join Hensler's and WKVI to

• help the local food pantry by donating canned goods and non-perishable items.
• raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.

October 27, 2012
Time: 11am – 3pm CST
Fahrfunflinger Pumpkin Shot Demonstration
Food Pantry Collection
Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit
Free entry and parking
WKVI Radio 12-2PM, Co-Sponsor

Directions to Hensler's

No Smoking On North Judson Town Property

(The following article was "lifted" from WKVI (http://www.wkvi.com/).  Thank you Ben (and sorry I don't know your last name.)

By: Ben
Published: September 7th, 2012

The town of North Judson’s no-tobacco ordinance is now in effect, prohibiting smoking or any other form of tobacco use in municipal buildings or properties, including parks. Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says the ordinance prohibits smoking and tobacco use on the premises of municipal properties or within eight feet of their entrances.

The ordinance also prohibits smoking in town parks and their park shelters or within 15 feet of the shelters.

The North Judson Town Council held the first and second readings of the no-tobacco ordinance at their meeting on Aug. 20, and Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry says the council held the final reading on the ordinance at their meeting on Sept. 4.

The ordinance is more restrictive than the state’s Smoke Free Air Law, but only applies to municipal properties.