A hectic election day has come and gone, and we recall one election 51 years ago that brought a new citizen to Hancock County. The year was 1972. Behind the scenes, Bayard “Bud” Walters and a small staff was preparing a new radio station, a first for the county. A house had been found on Highway 60 just inside of Hawesville, and a new tower erected. It was time to throw the switch after months and years of paperwork, signal studies by engineers, licensing, and planning. 1140AM WKCM was a reality. It took another 10 years for WKCM to become a 24-hour operation, moving up the dial to 1160 and increasing power, and in the process, adding a second tower. WKCM has been there through every bit of progress in Hancock County. New industry and schools, the sadness of losing our friends to death, and the proud victories of new births. We don’t let this 51st birthday go by without WKCM saying “Thank You,” Hancock County. Still owned by Mr. Walters and his company, Cromwell Media. Still here for this community.