[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 122 (Tuesday, August 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A TRIBUTE TO KDLS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 9, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50-year 
anniversary of local radio station KDLS 1310 AM in Perry, Iowa.
  The result of a joint venture between local newspaper publishers G.E. 
Whitehead and Willard Archie, KDLS was first launched on May 10, 1961. 
Since then, the radio station has become the voice of Perry while 
covering birthdays, anniversaries, local news and sports, weather, 
obituaries, interviews with the local community members and many other 
topics.
  To many, the local radio station provides a sense of pride and 
identity that many rural communities around Iowa and the United States 
seem to be losing at an increasing rate. If you talk to any of the 
staff at KDLS, they will attribute their success to keeping everything 
as local as they can. In an era of media conglomerates and 
corporations, it is important to remember that local content is 
responsible for the 50-year success of KDLS.
  KDLS has demonstrated that locally owned radio stations can really 
bring out the personality of the community and can be the driving force 
behind helping businesses and other organizations reconnect with their 
local citizens. KDLS is characteristic of what Iowa is all about--local 
citizens motivated and dedicated to improving their communities and 
maintaining what they see as an important part of their daily lives.
  I consider it an honor to represent this radio station and all 
members of the Perry community in the United States Congress. I know my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in 
congratulating KDLS for its 50 years of success and wish them continued 
success.

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