About WCCI 100.3 FM
WCCI first signed on the air at noon on November 7, 1971 bringing a brand-new local radio voice to Northwestern Illinois. Co-owner and General Manager Dennis Voy was the first to speak on-air that fall afternoon, launching a station built on community connection, local news, and hometown sports. WCCI has conducted numerous radiothons for school foundations, fire departments, and other non-profit groups.
Over the decades, WCCI grew from a 3,000-watt FM station with a small staff and a passion for local broadcasting into one of the region's most trusted and enduring radio voices. For over fifty years, WCCI has remained committed to serving its listeners with local programming, reliable coverage, and a sound that rivals major-market stations.
Vickie-Beaver-Keli (A Family Thing)
Because We can Make a Difference
Brian Reusch and Mark Macomber
School & Community Radio-thons
Notable Moments in WCCI History
1970s
1971:
WCCI-100.1 FM signs on the air for the first time. The station's earliest team includes Dennis Voy, Station Manager Randy Smith, News Director Gerald Nielson, engineer Les Askelson, Sales Manager Joe Hibbard, and first staff member Dennis Bowman. The popular Trading Post, farm shows and high-school sports broadcasts begin immediately.
1976:
Carroll County Communications, Inc. purchases the station, beginning WCCI's long era of local ownership.
1978:
Ann Murphy is hired as Operations Manager.
1980s
1981:
Dee Zemke Miller begins her tenure at the station.
1982-83:
John "Beaver" Miller is hired as Sales Manager and soon becomes General Manager and a stockholder.
1984:
WCCI begins broadcasting in stereo for the first time. The first song aired in stereo is Ronnie Milsap's "Stranger in My House."
1984-86:
Beaver Miller and Edward Bock become the principal shareholders.
1987:
Brian Reusch, future station manager, joins the team.
1990s
1990:
A new tower is installed and WCCI increases power to 25,000 watts, expanding the station's reach fourfold. The frequency changes to 100.3 FM.
1991:
WCCI continues technical innovations with CAPS computer-assisted programming and begins broadcasting 24 hours a day.
1999:
The addition of Scotts Studio equipment enables the station to initiate all programming locally in a real-time manner.
2000s
2004:
Digital programming improvements enhance audio quality from studio to transmitter.
2008:
In partnership with JCWIFI, WCCI builds a high-quality digital network linking the studio and tower site.
2010s
2014:
WCCI becomes the flagship station of the Clinton LumberKings, the Midwest League's oldest franchise.
2015:
Installed a new Nautel NV5LT transmitter and Orban 5500 stereo processor improve reliability and sound quality.
2020s
2022:
WCCI completes a full studio renovation featuring state-of-the-art Arrakis audio equipment.
2024–25:
Continued investment in technology and staff development strengthens WCCI's reputation as one of the longest-running locally owned radio stations in the region.
In-Studio Client Recording & On-Location
Senior Class Day & Live Remotes
Our Team Today
WCCI remains proudly locally owned and operated by Carroll County Communications, carrying forward more than five decades of community-focused broadcasting. Our staff includes some of the longest-serving radio professionals in the area:
Beaver Miller
General Manager (43 years)
Ann Murphy
Comptroller (47 years)
Brian Reusch
Station Manager (38 years)
Dee Miller
Sales Manager (44 years)
Gentry Lessman
On-Air, Traffic (11 years)
Rodger Fye
Sales (6 years)
Keli Knuth
Sales, Accounting, On-Air (4 years)
These dedicated individuals continue the WCCI tradition of local service, strong community ties, and exceptional radio broadcasting.