[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 187 (Monday, October 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WKDK RADIO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 25, 2021

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th 
anniversary of WKDK Radio and celebrate the success of James Coggins 
and his son Jimmie Coggins.
  WKDK opened its doors on October 26, 1946. Three years later, James 
received an offer to manage the station. James bought WKDK in 1951, and 
the radio station has been a Coggins family-owned business ever since.
  James, also known as ``Mr. C,'' believed radio was supposed to serve 
the community, and that's exactly what WKDK has been doing for the last 
75 years. WKDK covers local, state, and national events each day and 
has kept the public informed on major events, such as the assassination 
of President John F. Kennedy, the tornado of 1984, the 9/11 attacks, 
and the eclipse of 2017. The station also serves as a source of 
connection and entertainment and reports on important community 
initiatives, such as local election news, Coffee Hour, weather updates, 
and the announcement of anniversaries and birthdays.
  After the passing of Mr. C, his son Jimmie took over management and 
ownership of the radio station. In addition to continuing his father's 
success at WKDK, Jimmie has also kept his civic-minded and community-
centered spirit alive. Each year, Jimmie takes time out of his schedule 
to train and mentor students interested in journalism and radio 
broadcasting.
  As testament to the station's accomplishments, WKDK has received 
numerous honors and recognitions, including the March of Dimes Award, 
the South Carolina National Guard Certificate of Appreciation, the 
Rotarian Radio Appreciation Award, the Red Cross Appreciation Award, 
and an award from the Newberry County Board of Education for 
Outstanding Contributions to Newbery County Public Schools. The success 
of WKDK would not be possible without the outstanding leadership of 
James and Jimmie, who are also recipients of numerous individual 
accolades. Both James and Jimmie have been honored by the Newberry 
Touchdown Club and have been recognized as the Rotarian of the Year for 
multiple years. In 2010, James was also awarded the Order of the 
Palmetto, the state of South Carolina's highest civilian honor 
presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, 
service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale.
  On behalf of the 5th district of South Carolina, I thank WKDK for 
serving as the voice of Newberry County for the last 75 years. I 
congratulate them on their outstanding success, and I look forward to 
hearing about their future accomplishments.

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