[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES 
                               McCLELLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 15, 2026

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two remarkable voices 
of Northern Michigan, Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland, whose 
decades of service in the broadcasting industry informed, entertained, 
and connected communities across the state of Michigan. As they signed-
off for the final time on April 10, 2026, we honor their lasting 
contributions to local journalism and public discourse.
  For more than 30 years, Ron Jolly was a trusted voice for communities 
in Northern Michigan. Joining WTCM (AM) in Traverse City in 1994, he 
became a constant presence in the lives of countless listeners. 
Alongside him, Colleen Wares McClelland built an equally impressive 
career, spanning over 45 years with Midwestern Broadcasting. Her steady 
presence and thoughtful engagement helped shape the Ron Jolly Show into 
one of the region's most beloved morning broadcasts.
  Together the pair created more than just a morning radio program: 
they built a community of listeners who tuned in every weekday morning 
from 7 to 10 a.m., bringing high-level discussion of local, state, 
national, and global issues into cars, homes, and businesses across 
Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their conversations invited 
diverse perspectives and reminded listeners that even without seeing 
each other, as Michiganders, we are all connected. Their open phone 
lines fostered meaningful dialogue and thoughtful conversations, 
strengthening civil engagement throughout the region. When announcing 
their retirement, they spoke candidly about how difficult it will be to 
step away, yet, easy or hard, they would ``hold hands and jump at the 
same time,'' a final testament to their partnership that was built on 
trust, respect, and a commitment to serving others.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Ron Jolly and Colleen 
Wares McClelland for their dedicated service to informing the public, 
preserving local history, and entertaining communities throughout our 
great state. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I 
extend my deepest gratitude to Ron and Colleen and wish them all the 
best in a well-earned retirement.

                          ____________________