March 18, 2024

Farmington is on the air

Little known fact: Van Buren County’s only radio station is tucked away in the scenic valley that holds Farmington. Searching your FM and AM dial, you probably won’t find KWQQ, unless you’re in Farmington.

It is a low wattage, non-licensed radio station operated as a community service by Lamoyne and Melissa Westerbeck, out of their home in Farmington.  KWQQ, at 106.3 FM and 950 AM, has scheduled broadcasts from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.  During the off hours it plays random music.

The non-profit organization www.hobbybroadcasters.net assisted him in setting up his first radio station in Burlington. When he and his wife moved to Farmington, they took the radio station with them.

The goal is to preserve old-time radio programs, and to offer a contemporary sound featuring programs the audience or their parents listened to when they were young. Lamoyne also reads local news and announcements on the air.

A goal is to to set up these low power, non-licensed radio stations in other communities in Van Buren County, so that each community can have its own public service radio station.

But of course, money is always a problem. For example, Lamoyne needs a tower, but can’t fit it into his budget. He needs help from the community.

If the radio station is to be a community service, it needs help.

Any ideas out there would be appreciated. There will be a community meeting on May 2 to discuss the situation. Listen to the radio, or visit the website, for details. And, while in the scenic Farmington valley, don’t forget to enjoy KWQQ at 106.3 FM or 950 AM.

It’s someplace special.