The Times Herald from Port Huron, Michigan • Page 137

if I A i s55fy I fear r. ferj I I 1 I -rldx i--J wi IHttS AM OMtr fVUMRVKt RADIO STATIONS On the air since October 7, 1938! This year marks the 50th Anniversary of two momentous accomplishments; the opening of the Blue Water Bridge and the signing on of Port Huron radio station WHLSAM 1 450. On October 7, 1938 the F.C.C. allowed WHLS to go on the air to cover the dedication of The Blue Water Bridge. The radio station was started by Herman Leroy Stevens, a prominent attorney and son Harmon Leroy Stevens and was known as Stevens Broadcasting Company.

The call letters WHLS stand for Herman Leroy Stevens. The station was originally on the air from 6 a.m. -12 midnight. The first manager was Angus Pfaff and the first program director was Fred Knorr, who later was also part owner of The Detroit Tigers. John F.

Wismer, current station owner, started working for WHLS 41 years ago in the Fall of 1947 doing play by play sports announcing and advertising sales. Wismer was promoted to station manager in 1 950 and became part owner in 1952. The company then became known as Stevens Wismer Broadcasting Co. Numerous acquisitions were made by the company over the years starting, in 1953 with the purchase of radio station WLEW AMFM in Bad Axe. WCSR radio in Hillsdale was purchased in 1955 and then was sold in 1957 when Grand Rapids station WLAV AMFM was purchased.

In 1962 the franchise for the Flag Hockey Club was started, bringing professional hockey to Port Huron. The team played in the International Hockey League, in the new McMorran Arena, which had been built that year. In 1970 the team was given to the McMorran authority until 1978 when McMorran dissolved it. In 1983 Wismer Broadcasting started the cable television system in Port Huron which was known as Port Huron T.V. Cable Company.

1 968 also marked the beginning of WSAQFM radio. John Wismer has since sold all but WHLSWSAQ. The station has a present staff of 30 employees and is the only full service station in the area operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. AM 14s Bringing you the latest in area news, play-by-play sports, and local weather information. PAGE SIXTYSIX Sunday Februory 28, 1988.