RECOGNIZING LOCAL BROADCASTING LEGEND KEN THOMAS

RECOGNIZING LOCAL BROADCASTING LEGEND KEN THOMAS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025)] [House] [Page H190] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LOCAL BROADCASTING LEGEND KEN THOMAS (Mr. STAUBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and contributions of Brainerd, Minnesota, broadcasting legend, Ken Thomas. Ken's broadcasting journey began in 1978 at the WMIN radio station in Maplewood, Minnesota. Ken then moved to the Brainerd Lakes area where he spent the next four decades hosting the morning show on WJJY-FM. Ken has had a number of different morning show partners, but for the past 20 years, he has shared the microphone with his current cohost, Tess Taylor. Together, Ken and Tess have been the trusted voices that many in the Brainerd area listen to as they enjoy their morning cup of coffee and drive to work. Ken's joyful and quick-witted commentary even made him a recipient of the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Award for Small Market Personality of the Year in 2017. Ken's legacy goes beyond the microphone. He is a longtime supporter of the Brainerd Lakes Area Walk to End Alzheimer's and works as a member of the Sertoma service organization. Additionally, every Thanksgiving, he volunteers to serve meals at the local legion. As Ken enters retirement, I hope he finds time to enjoy everything he loves about Brainerd, which includes his loving family, his fellow members of The District cover band, Norman's Bait & Tackle Choir, and the tight-knit community he helped shape. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ken. He will be missed from the airwaves, but he has earned this next chapter. ____________________