Radio station WBCH, established in August of 1958, was purchased by Ken and Marjorie Radant in 1969.

Since its founding, the station has provided daily, local, state and national news, reported council meetings, church services, parades, high school sports and concerts and public service announcements for non-profits and community organizations, the Hastings City Council noted in an official proclamation Monday.

Reading from the proclamation, Mayor David Tossava said: “Dave McIntyre, who has informed and entertained audiences on WBCH AM&FM since 1959, reports the news, weather and sports on the radio each morning. News specialist Jean Gallup accurately reports news for listeners and on-line viewers. Several radio personalities, including Chad Henry, entertain WBCH listeners, while the station advertising sales and marketing staff connects advertisers to consumers.”

WBCH has become a vital element in helping Hastings and Barry County grow and adapt in commerce and all aspects of life, he added. The station has maintained competiveness in a time when many radio stations face challenges by its commitment to the local economy, embracing the changing technology with listener texting, internet streaming, mobile and  telephone apps, smart speaker delivery and social media, Tossava said.

The council congratulated the station on its 60 anniversary for, “its unwavering and dedicated commitment to bringing news and music to the citizen of Hastings and surrounding areas.” Today, Barry Broadcasting Company is run by Steve Radant, president and general manager, and wife Sue, executive administrator and traffic director.

Radant said the station and staff are proud of being part of the city and county. “Thank you for recognizing and celebrating with us on this milestone,” he said.

In other business, the council approved:

* the Founders Fall Fondo Ride on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with about 350 bicyclists. The event is a fundraiser for the Barry County Animal Shelter for the fourth year, and will receive a police escort from Green Street to Cook Road.

* Carla Rizor’s resignation with regret from the Downtown Development Authority.

* the revised final assessment roll for the West State Street Sidewalk District. An extension of the culvert instead of building a bridge over a creek lowered the cost of the project, which is reflected in the final roll.

* adoption of Ordinance 560, applying regulations on outdoor vending operations and material collection bins. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said the operations were regulated at site plan review; the change will give the city more regulatory tools on the operations and facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

Accepting the proclamation from Mayor David Tossava (left) are Dave McIntyre, Marge Radant, Sue Radant and Steve Radant. Chad Henry and Jean Gallup were not available for the photo.