WQON

WQON (100.3 FM, "Q 100.3") is a radio station broadcasting an album-oriented rock (AOR) format. Licensed to Grayling, Michigan, the seat of government in Crawford County, it first began broadcasting in 1978. It is co-owned with sports WGRY-FM 101.1 and sports WMQU (AM 1230).

History

WQON: The early years

WQON arose out of the staff of AM competitor WGRY, which first went on the air in 1970. Wayne Hindmarsh, one of that station's original employees, left WGRY to put his own station on the air.

With an intended target date of June 16, 1977, unexpected delays pushed WQON-FM's debut on the air to 12:06 p.m., November 6, 1978. Local owners were Ernie Dawson, William Scheer, Wayne Hindmarsh, and Chris Vansteenhouse. Located at 502 Norway street, a sign went up in the window stating "We're on the Air" 100.1 FM. WQON was on the air from 6 a.m. to Midnight, first operating at 3000 watts of power. Wayne Hindmarsh was at the helm as Station/Sales Manager. Bob Greenwood, who began his career at WGRY-AM years earlier was program director. WQON's very first on-air personality was Carol Trudeau. Everyone had an air shift and wrote commercials, as well as numerous other duties around the fledgling station. Betty Bennett was Office Manager.