[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING JUKE VAN OSS ON 55 YEARS OF BROADCASTING ON WHTC 1450

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                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Juke Van Oss for 
55 years of broadcasting on WHTC 1450 in Holland, Mich. On Aug. 12, 
Juke celebrated 55 years of service to the station and his community.
  Juke began his career in radio during World War II on the Pacific, 
Front, transporting a radio for his infantry troop and transmitting 
codes. When the war ended, he returned home and continued to foster his 
interest in radio, obtaining his amateur license and later securing a 
job as a radio engineer for WHTC at 27 years old.
  It was not until one morning that the announcer failed to arrive on 
time that Juke was able to sit at the microphone. An instant favorite 
of listeners, Van Oss began hosting his own morning show, and for the 
past 45 years he has hosted ``Talk of the Town.'' Juke has become a 
household name and a local celebrity in the Holland area through his 
years behind the mic at WHTC.
  When Juke started broadcasting in 1951, the United Nations 
headquarters officially opened in New York, ``I Love Lucy'' debuted on 
CBS and Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants hit the ``Shot Heard 
'Round the World'' game-winning home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers 
to win the National League pennant.
  Mr. Van Oss is not only a radio personality, but a community servant. 
He has served as a member of the Saugatuck Schools Board of Education 
and Village Council, including three years as Mayor, as well as 
President of the Chamber of Commerce and a seat on the Region 8 
Criminal Justice Planning Council.
  Mr. Speaker, please let it be known that on this Sept. 7, 2006, that 
the U.S. House of Representatives acknowledges the achievements of Mr. 
Van Oss and wishes him the best in his upcoming years of broadcast.

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