WDGC 88.3 and Cable 99

Cable 99 turns 30!

2011-12-12T11:09:00.004-06:00

Cable 99 celebrated its 30th anniversary on December 9 with a live three-hour television show. The show aired from 7-10 PM and featured a cast of dozens. A live jazz band provided music throughout the night, the Science Club did amazing experiments, the Drama Club led us in several improv games, and the District 99 Foundation stopped by to share their recent activities. Much fun was had, and Cable 99 got charged up for another great 30 years!

Stay tuned for reruns of the show! Look to the schedule to the right to see when it will be on the air.

WDGC at 43!

2011-11-23T07:31:00.001-06:00

Today is the day WDGC received the telegram from the FCC stating that we could officially go on the air. Check out a picture of the telegram in our blog archives!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WDGC!

WDGC National Recognition...More to Come!

2011-11-19T13:45:00.004-06:00

WDGC received good news today at North Central College's 9th Annual John Drury High School Radio Awards.

WDGC Alumni Shane Gustafson placed 2nd in Best Newscast and 3rd in Best Public Affairs Program for programs he created during his senior year.

Eareen Yambao, currently a senior, took third place in the Best PSA category. Shane and Eareen were competing against students from around the country, as far away as California Connecticut. Congratulations!

In other news, work is gearing up for Cable 99's 30th Anniversary Celebration, to be broadcasted live on December 9, 2011. It is sure to be full of fun and surprises as we look back at 30 incredible years!

Finally, we are sorry this blog has not been updated recently. We hope you have found our new schedule of DJs to be as incredible as we have. We have almost 50 DJs at the North campus alone, and we feel fortunate to have their talent, energy, humor, and love of music!

Summer Shows, a Summer Fun Challenge, and Fun and Games on Cable 99

2011-06-18T14:49:00.003-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, WDGC has all new shows for the summer. While we have said a fond farewell to some of our senior DJs, we have a whole slew of new DJs that will rock your world and keep your summer cool.

We are also issuing a WDGC Summer Fun Challenge. As you can see from the picture above, WDGC is the perfect summer party companion. Yes, that's our very own Mr. Waite wearing his WDGC shirt with The B-52s. Now THAT is a party! Kate was so intrigued by the shirt that she actually asked about it.

Here's the challenge, can you get a picture of yourself that somehow involves summer fun and WDGC? Maybe a concert or a picnic, or a good, old-fashioned lemonade stand. Send us your picture, and we just might post it to our blog! In particular, we are looking for pictures that somehow include a WDGC shirt or the station's call letters...

All pictures must be absolutely school appropriate, and we reserve the right, of course, to refuse any pictures. Don't send us any pictures you wouldn't want your mom, the police, or Pat Boone to see, because they just might! Send pictures to jwaite@csd99.org.

Be on the lookout, also, for some new Cable 99 programming. In addition to airing the graduation ceremonies from both North and South High, we will be premiering a new game show called "I Can't Believe I'm Doing This on Television." Yes, it is as interesting as it sounds...

Shane's Success at State!

2011-05-12T06:55:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to our very own DJ Shane!

Talking to the Stars

2011-02-22T08:57:00.004-06:00

WDGC DJ Shane Gustafson has been interviewing famous sports stars, celebrities and political figures in the Downers Grove area. So far, Shane has interviewed the voice of the Chicago Cubs, Pat Hughes; Chicago Cubs television broadcaster Len Kasper; former Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas; the mayor of Lisle, Joe Broda; and the mayor of Woodridge, Bill Murphy.

In addition to this, Shane has professional meteorologist Rick DiMaio call in every Monday morning to update your weather forecast. Chief meteorologist of FOX Chicago News, Amy Freeze calls in some Thursday afternoons to update the weather.

Lastly, Shane is setting up interviews with former baseball superstar Danny Jackson, and there will be more to come. Check them out on WDGC.

You can listen to Shane's interview with Len Kasper to the Right. We'll upload more in the next few weeks.

Let it snow...

2011-02-02T09:07:00.001-06:00

Despite the Blizzard of 2011, WDGC will remain on the air and online! Not even 2 feet of snow will stop the rock!

Be sure to take part in our new poll to the right...

Worth a Thousand Words and Sports!

2011-01-31T09:47:00.005-06:00

Below are some pictures from last Fall's activities. Check back for more from earlier in our history.

Also, this Saturday we will be broadcasting the North-South Varsity Boys Basketball game live on the radio. We are also videotaping it for a future run on Cable 99! The game starts at 7:30.

A New Year, A New Schedule!

2011-01-26T10:17:00.002-06:00

WDGC has finally recovered from its two-month-long birthday celebration and is back with a brand new schedule of DJs.

The schedule is full of your old favorites and some new DJs too.

Also, rumor has it WDGC has been busy uploading more pictures from the station's history. So check back to learn more about WDGC's 42-year history!

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-23T06:45:00.003-06:00

On November 25th, 1968 WDGC was granted permission to begin broadcasting on 88.3 FM.

We are celebrating a bit early, and for its forty-second birthday, WDGC got a brand new Ipod doc, as seen in the picture above.

Check out our first posts from 2008 to see photos of the original telegram from the FCC.

Tomorrow, on the 24th, WDGC will be handing out cotton candy in the cafeteria during all lunch periods. People who rock can jump to the head of the line! On the 25th, WDGC will celebrate both its birthday and Thanksgiving by bringing you the biggest variety of music--that's a promise!

Tune in and Rock out!

http:\\wdgc.csd99.org

WDGC: Award Winning Radio!

2010-11-13T16:48:00.003-06:00

WDGC DJs Eareen Yambao and Shane Gustafson were honored today at the John Drury High School Radio Awards hosted by North Central College.

Shane was recognized as one of the top five high school sportscasters in the nation, facing competition from as far away as Michigan and Connecticut. Shane had submitted a segment of his broadcast of last year's football game against Glenbard West.

Eareen received the third place award for his public service announcement. The 1:00 psa centered on the problem of distracted driving among teenagers and featured two girls having a contest about who could do the most things while driving. You can listen to the PSA by clicking on it to the right of this post. We will work on uploading Shane's sportscast as well.

Congratulations to Shane and Eareen!

Plans are already underway for next year's entries...

Back in Business! And a Live Show...

2010-11-07T17:57:00.002-06:00

We are glad to report that the transmitter has been returned and is fully operational!

Also, Cable 99 will be presenting a new live TV show this Wednesday, November 10, at 5:00pm. Tune in for live music and fun and games!

New Shirt Design Revealed--Place your order SOON

2010-10-25T15:29:00.004-05:00

It seems the mysterious man who recently visited the studio was actually the inspiration for our new T-shirt design. For the first time, we are offering the shirt to anyone who is interested.

T-shirts cost $10.00 (plus shipping if necessary)

Hoodies cost $24.00 (plus shipping if necessary)

They come in just about any size and any color.

The front is the picture of Uncle Sam, and the back is the lettering.

Email jwaite@csd99.org for more information or to place an order!

Rescue and a Visitor

2010-10-12T15:46:00.002-05:00

The balloons have been removed from the antenna, and the transmitter has been sent off for repair. Keep listening online!

We also had a visit from a strange character. We told him it was not polite to point, but he just wouldn't stop. We were able to snap this picture before he fled. Jigga Wha?

Transmitter down--Internet STILL ON! New Shirts on the horizon

2010-10-07T18:37:00.004-05:00

It seems we've been attacked by mylar baloons--or at least that's one theory. Our transmitter has suffered a meltdown, and it looks like we will need to send it in for repair. The culprit might just be a pair of mylar balloons that somehow wrapped around the antenna and caused a short. Hard to believe, but just possibly true. We'll post pictures soon.

The good news, we will still be broadcasting online at http://wdgc.csd99.org/

We hope you will continue to tune in!

We will still be bringing you the football game tomorrow night at 7:30, and you can listen online or on cable channel 16 in Downers Grove.

And, rumor has it your UNCLE might be the subject of our latest WDGC T-shirt. Check back for the big reveal and for ordering information!

Football Game Added--South Homecoming.

2010-09-23T06:45:00.003-05:00

This Friday night, North High's sports team will be helping to broadcast South High's homecoming football game vs. Willowbrook. The game starts at 7:30. As usual, you can listen on 88.3 FM, on cable channel 16 in Downers Grove, and on the internet at wdgc.csd99.org.

More Football Than Ever Before!

2010-09-08T07:32:00.009-05:00

North High Sportscaster extraordinaire Shane Gustafson has already broadcast two games this year, and he has a full slate lined up, including two more South games. Tune in to 88.3 or log on at wdgc.csd99.org to catch all of the action!

9/10/10- Vs. Leyden 7:30 pm (South)
9/17/10- Vs. Downers Grove South 7:30 pm (North)
10/1/10- Vs. Proviso West 7:30 pm (North)
10/8/10- Vs. Hinsdale Central 7:30 pm (North)
10/15/10- Vs. Addison Trail 7:30 pm (South)
10/22/10- Vs. OPRF 7:30 pm (North)

WDGC Front and Center and New Fall Schedule

2010-09-07T09:26:00.005-05:00

For the first time that we know of, WDGC is featured on the school's front sign!

This is great timing because our new Fall schedule is starting tonight! Tune in for great music and interesting chatter from our DJs! The roster is full, and the DJs are eager to play the music you love to hear. Make a request at 630.795.8490.

Also, stay tuned for updates about our amazing schedule of sports broadcasts--we are looking to bring you every North AND South game this year.

Up and Running--100%

2010-08-04T17:56:00.003-05:00

WDGC 88.3 FM is back on the air! While the repairs to the White Gym roof took longer than expected, we are happy to say that WDGC's anetenna has been returned and is better than ever. We are proud to have one of the few high school radio stations in the country that not only broadcasts 24-hours-per-day but also live-streams 24-hours-per-day.

Stay tuned for our Fall schedule!

Is this the real life? Or is this just fantasy?

2010-06-26T14:18:00.002-05:00

At long last, our dream of bringing WDGC into your homes over the internet has become a reality. You can listen in at wdgc.csd99.org (no www)! There is also a handy link right on the North High home page. Buttons for the district page and South High page are coming soon.

Our antenna is still down due to repairs on the roof, so our DJ schedule is spotty, but you can still tune in to listen to student-made projects and a great mix of commercial-free music!

We will be updating soon with the long list of names of people we need to thank!

The Sound of Silence...And a New Hope...

2010-06-06T14:46:00.003-05:00

WDGC will temporarily be off the air as the antenna will be taken down so that the White Gym roofm can be rebuilt. We are anticipating being back on the air in two weeks.

However, there is also good (great) news. Serious work is being done to get WDGC onto the internet. We hope to have this up and running in the next week or so!

More Podcasting!

2010-04-28T15:07:00.001-05:00

WDGC is proud to bring you even more podcasts. This time they are PSAs made by Radio II students. Students wrote, directed, produced, and edited the PSAs about distracted driving, focusing in on a very specific audience. We have embedded one of the PSAs to the right, but you can check out more at wdgc.podbean.com. You can also hear them by tuning in to WDGC--88.3 FM.

WDGC Now Podcasting -- wdgc.podbean.com

2010-04-18T21:30:00.003-05:00

WDGC is kicking off its podcasting with a bow to poetry month. You can go to wdgc.podbean.com to listen to Radio I, Radio II, and English III: AP students reading classic poems. There are currently 42 up, and more are on the way. Stay tuned for more interesting podcasting experiments! For a sneak peak, we have embedded one of the poems to the right.

April Is National Poetry Month

2010-04-01T12:59:00.002-05:00

WDGC is celebrating National Poetry Month by bringing you a series of poems recorded by Radio I, Radio II, and Junior English students. The poems are on the program log, so tune in to celebrate. More poems will be added as the month goes on.

To paraphrase a famous poem:

I think that I shall never see
A poem as beautiful as a tree?
I mean, no such beauty can there be,
Unless that poem is on WDGC . . . So stay tuned!

Cable 99: Spring-tacular and a Bonus Photo

2010-03-23T10:48:00.003-05:00

Last night, Cable 99 hosted its March edition of 99-Now, the Spring-tacular. Guests included Mr. Redig and the Weird Scientists, The Olive Tap, The Athenas, The Imani Steppers, The Latin Dance Club, Indenpendent Recording Artist Patrick Long, Pi-Day Champion Andrew Zahn, Architecture Club, Peer Jury, Elizabeth McKay, and a live band! Below are pictures of the event plus a bonus picture from WDGC's 41st birthday party in the cafeteria. We handed out free cotton candy to all of the lunch periods.

99 Now Brings You St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-03T07:00:00.003-06:00

Cable 99 once again pulled off a terrific live show, this time celebrating St. Patrick's day. The show, which took place on February 24th, featured live music and a cost-comparing-taste-testing food segment. Guests included students from the Intro. to Teaching Course, the Child Development Course, and Orchesis. Tim Bourne was also present to tell us about his recent success in the State Speech Tournament. Maybe the most exciting part of the show, however, was the blistering Bull's Eye Ball match that took place. Not surprisingly, after the students all used a single-hand technique, Mr. Waite stepped it up with his patented two-hand technique--which he pioneered 8 years ago--and dominated the game. Congratulations to the cast and crew on another success!

December Show a Success

2010-01-05T15:04:00.005-06:00

The December edition of 99 Now went off without a hitch. The show featured interviews with Northwind Literary Magazine, Snowball, Alumni Sean McKendrick talking about boot camp, and Alumni Danny Glover talking about his business--Skuddlebutts. We made delicious peanut butter cookies, built snowmen, and learned about science. Nick Goergen and Company played live music, just like they did for last year's December show. You can catch reruns on Cable 99--channel 16 in Downers Grove.

The Big 41!

2009-11-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

You Say It's Your Birthday...

2009-11-19T21:17:00.004-06:00

WDGC's 41st birthday is quickly approaching--November 25th marks the date WDGC received word from the FCC that we could go on the air at 10 Watts. You can see the original telegram in our very first blog entry.

There are a few fun events planned to mark the date. First, Cable 99 is throwing a party on its live TV show (99 Now) on Tuesday, November 24th from 5-7 PM. Be sure to tune in to channel 16. Many fun events are planned.

Also, WDGC will be throwing a party in the cafeteria during all lunches on the 25th, offering free cotton candy to students who can prove that they rock.

Also, stay tuned for information about WDGC's new website, where you will be able to tour the station and learn about its history.

By the way, the show and the cotton candy are a surprise, so please do not tell WDGC if you see him around . . .

Executive Staff Finally Revealed

2009-11-17T06:41:00.007-06:00

Although they've been working hard all year, we are only now able to finally release an official portrait of this year's WDGC Executive Staff. In the picture above, we have, from generally left to right:

Brad: Co-News Director

Tyler: Social Director

Siga: Co-Promotions Director

Matt: Traffic Director

Stephanie: Co-Promotions Director

Zach: Co-Personnel Director

Maddie: Co-Personnel Director

Trevor: Co-News Director

Austin: Programming Director

Archie: Music Director

Not Shown: Scott: Sports Director

The crew has a lot of great ideas in the works, and we are proud of what they have already accomplished so far. Keep up the great work!

Tune in . . . Rock Out!

2009-10-05T07:48:00.002-05:00

At the executive staff meeting on Friday, October 2, the group voted to adopt a new slogan for the station. Actually, the group voted to adopt TWO new slogans for the station: "Tune in, Rock Out!" and "88-3, Rockin' DG." Emphasizing just how incredibly hard we rock, the new slogans should start popping up in Legal IDs, Liners, and print material soon! Thanks to Siga and Stephanie for their work.

Programming Updates

2009-09-24T06:37:00.005-05:00

With the school year off to a smooth start, the programming is starting to roll in. Coming up very soon on Cable 99, we will have the only full tape of the marching band's invitation to perform in London in 2011. See the schedule to the right for airing times. We are proud to be your source for exclusive school-related programming!

Cable 99 will also soon be bringing you North High's Homecoming Variety Show, which took place on Wednesday, September 23.

WDGC, your Trojan Sports Network, will be brining you TWO live football games on September 25, starting at 5:00pm and 7:30pm. Scott Boulter and Shane Gustafson will be providing play-by-play and color commentary for the two homecoming games against York High School.

Also, the new "Executive Staff Radio Hour" will premier on WDGC 88.3 FM on Friday, September 25 at 3:30pm. WDGC's Executive Staff (pictures coming soon) will host a radio show featuring games and music in what is sure to be an entertaining hour of radio. Each week the theme of the show will change. This week's theme is "Guitar Solos." Tune in and Rock out.

Finally, Cable 99 will be bringing you its first episode of 99 Now this year. The Septacular will take place on Tuesday, September 29 from 5:00-7:00 pm, live on channel 16 in Downers Grove. Guests include students from: Northwind Literary Magazine; Singing in the Rain; One-Acts; Marching Band. There will also be a live band, weird science with Mr. Redig, and a special guest to talk about the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that is coming to Downers Grove. Other elements will include a cooking segment and game.

WDGC to Broadcast North-South Football 9-18

2009-09-15T15:23:00.003-05:00

WDGC will be broadcasting the North-South football game Friday, September 18 at 7:30 PM live from South High. Tune in to hear the play-by-play!

The sophomore game at 5:00 might also be added to the schedule.

Plans are also being made to broadcast the game at hypercast.net, but that is tentative.

New Year, New Plans...

2009-09-10T15:27:00.002-05:00

The latest DJ Schedule for WDGC will be posted soon! We have a great year planned.

Cable 99 is working on a new episode of 99Now, which will air on Channel 16 on September 29. Among other things, the show will feature Weird Science with Mr. Redig.

Shane and Scott and a new crew of announcers will be bringing you live coverage of the North High vs. Lyons Township games on Friday, September 11. That's right, they are broadcasting BOTH games that night, at 5:00 and 7:30. Tune in! We plan to have the game on Cable 99 (channel 16--audio only), 88.3FM, and Hypercast.net.

Tune in for more details!

Talk 99 Debuts on Cable 99

2009-06-29T06:52:00.005-05:00

Talk 99, a talk/game show produced by the TV 1 and TV2 classes during the 2008-2009 school year is currently running on Cable 99 at 6:00am, 1:00pm, and 8:00pm. Made up of 5 episodes, the programming block features interviews with Mr. Haack, Ms. Graham, Ms. Burritt, Ms. Wlodek-Holland, and Mr. Piekarz. Each episode also features a cooking segment, a student guest talking about school events and clubs, and an exciting game show: Take It or Leave It. Pictured above are DJ Christian, our Negotiator (T.), and the skull of Sir Isaac Newton (who teaches lessons about history during the show).

WDGC at Relay for Life

2009-06-18T07:10:00.003-05:00

For the 8th or 9th time in as many years, WDGC has provided sound support and acted as DJs at the Relay for Life held by the American Cancer Society at Carstens Field. The event, from May 12 to May 13 raised over $130,000 to help fight cancer. Pictured above are some members of the 2009-2010 Executive Staff (and Mr. Gullotto) who worked the event. The picture was taken near the tail-end of the event, so if they look groggy...

Graduation 2009: Tri-Cast

2009-05-28T12:14:00.000-05:00

Once again, WDGC and Cable 99 (Channel 16 in Downers Grove) are planning on providing live coverage of North High's graduation ceremony, which begins at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 29. Hopefully, we can once again provide live coverage on the internet as well, at www. hypercast.net.

A crew of students will direct and run cameras for the show.

South High's ceremony is being taped and will run on Cable 99 this summer. Copies of both ceremonies will be sent to surrounding communities for possible airing on their cable channels.

UPATE:

We are happy to announce the event went off without a hitch. And we even got a new type of shot for the video. For the first time, Mr. Waite was stationed behind Mrs. Ward as she shook the hands of each graduate after they received their diplomas. It allows for each graduate to be highlighted in a beautiful medium/full shot for the first time. This shot will be edited into the video that is for sale and that will air on Cable 99.

If you are interested in buying a copy, contact jwaite@csd99.org.

6th Annual Media Showcase

2009-05-22T17:07:00.000-05:00

On May 22 Cable 99 holds its 6th Annual Media Showcase. The event, at 6:00 PM, in the Auditorium features thirteen short videos created by the TV 1 and TV 2 classes and the Cable 99 club. Films include a parody of Jurassic Park called Jurassic Teacher, a horror movie called Abbasolute Terror with a soundtrack consisting solely of ABBA music, and a video about a young man who loves Hot Fries so much he marries a bag of them. The videos are the product of many hours of work by many people, and we are proud to showcase them.

Voice of The Trojans: A Saga Ends

2009-04-27T13:01:00.000-05:00

For the past four years there has been an entity whose loyalty to Trojan sports rivals that of the band, the cheerleaders, and even the most devout Superfans. Rain or shine, WDGC sports radio under the direction of Philip Vainikos has made it to every home and playoff football game, a plethora of home and away basketball games, and even a few baseball games.

The announcing team of Philip Vainikos and Dan Morrill has developed a professional sound perfected over three years of yelling “Trojans win!” together. In an attempt to improve the quality of their broadcasts Phil and Dan conduct extensive pre-game research, informative pre-game, in-game and post-game interviews, and produced segments. One such produced segment, “Full Court Press,” allowed listeners to familiarize themselves with the senior basketball players through entertaining personal interviews. Folks were able to learn that Kam Norton’s favorite’s video game is Super Smash Brothers, and Tommy Benton would like to have lightning shoot from his fingertips if he had a super power.

Not surprisingly, this commitment to radio excellence requires a huge time commitment. Not only do the games themselves take up a lot of time, but Phil and Dan allow up to two hours for pre game research, and two more hours to set up the broadcast equipment. They were a self-sufficient radio behemoth; Phil and Dan learned all the technical aspects of broadcasting on top of announcing skills. Now, after three years of perfecting the technical logistics to optimum efficiency, Phil is in the process of re-writing the manual for all the sports radio equipment. All TV/Radio technical crews now follow a system that Phil and Dan grounded as a standard.

As these two legendary announcers move on in their lives, they leave the WDGC sports radio program with trained successors. Phil and Dan have trained two new rookies, Scott Boulter and Shane Gustafson, to continue broadcasting at the same professional level with an expectation that Scott and Shane will strive to improve the program. However bright the future looks for WDGC sports radio, it was without a doubt a tearful event during the remote “White Out” broadcast from York HS when Phil and Dan (pictured above) signed off for the last time saying “from WDGC, this is Philip Vainikos and Dan Morrill saying thank you and goodnight.”

Another Alum Checks In

2009-03-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

We have received another post from a WDGC Alum. This time, it is Larry Massingill, from the class of 1968. Below is his post. He was also kind enough to send along a picture from his archives.

More posts are on the way! We've still got 6 shirts to give away to alums who share a memory with us. Email Jwaite@csd99.org to join in.

Larry writes:

"I ran across your blog today and was pleased to see your picture of Fred (as we used to call him behind his back) looking puzzled at all the wires and cables under the Gates Yard console. Fortunately, he had knowledgeable students to keep him from electrocuting himself, or getting his ever present tie caught in a turntable or tape reel."

The process for transforming the carrier current AM station WDGN to a licensed FM station was not without difficulties. First we built the studio which I drew up and Fred built, with a (mostly) sound proof announcer booth behind the glass. I installed and wired the equipment which included the console, two manual turntables and an Ampex 400 console tape deck, which is either hidden behind the turntable on the left, or no longer present when this picture was taken.
I apologize for the rat’s nest of wires Fred seems to be caught in, but tie-wraps weren’t invented yet in 1968, and I was just a wanabee engineer at the time.

I studied for and obtained my First Class Radiotelephone license, required to run an FM station, and helped others gain their first or second class licenses needed to operate a broadcast station. I then helped with the FCC application, which was turned down for both the initially requested frequency and call sign. With the help of a "real" engineering firm we found an acceptable frequency, and since WDGN "Downers Grove North" was already assigned to another station, we choose "Downers Grove Community" WDGC as our call sign. There was no consideration given to including the new uppity South High in the program, but I guess loss of the "N" in the call sign worked out for the best.

We installed the FM transmitter, but I graduated in the spring of 1968 before the license was granted, so I missed the first sign on. I had to be content using my license at the newly established station WPGU at the UofI Champaign/Urbana campus. I maintained the transmitter for two years while I was busy attaining the right to call myself a real Engineer.

Today my only connection to radio is through designing the internals of cell phones, but I have many fond memories of "radio days", both on and off the air.

Regards,
Larry Massingill ‘68"

Cable 99 Presents 99 Now

2009-02-25T15:17:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, February 24, Cable 99 presented its February edition of 99 Now, a live television show featuring interviews with school and community members. Guests included South High Physical Education teacher and author Kirk Mango, South High's Caribbean Soul Latin Dance group, Mr. Klamm's Weird Science, an intergalactic musical guest, a cooking segment, and a visit from Master Randy Stigall of the American Academy of Martial Arts in Downers Grove. Thanks to all who made the show a success! Look for reruns on Channel 16.

Another Alum: John Ogren

2009-02-20T20:44:00.000-06:00

John Ogren writes:

"I was part of 'DGC all four years (and Cable 99 for three) that I was at DGN. Dave Zarembka and I were heavily involved in the football and basketball radio and TV simulcasts. We would run that cable from the studio to either the football field, or the gym right after school, then spend a couple hours figuring out why it didn't all work right.

Once, we decided to do the DGN/DGS football game, when it was at South (up 'til that time, we had only broadcast football games from North HS). The forecast was for rain, so Mr. Moore decided to get garbage bags to cover the cameras so they could stay dry. We got over there as early as possible, since there were so many extra steps.

Anyway, sure enough, we get everything set up, and it starts to pour. The cameras seemed fine, but we huddled in the press box to stay dry. Finally, the wind picked up enough to knock over one of the cameras. Mr. Moore was mortified! The lens housing was broken, and had to be fixed.

Turns out, the game ended up postponed, and all our time was wasted. We still had a good time, sitting in the press box at South, getting everything set-up and ready to go (and then taking it down in the rain). I remember Dave Zarembka, Cynthia Janetka and Mr. Moore from North being there, as well as a couple people from South I didn't know.

I moved on to Northern Michigan Univ., and eventually Brown College in Minneapolis, where I majored in Radio and TV. I've had jobs around Minnesota, but have been in Bemidji (about four hours north of the Twin Cities) for almost ten years now, doing high school sports."

Thanks to John for writing in! John will be receiving a WDGC 40th Anniversary T-shirt. We have more stories coming, and we still have shirts to give away. If you would like to share your story, email John Waite @ jwaite@csd99.org.

A Voice from the Past

2009-02-02T06:48:00.001-06:00

We've had our first alum write in to share their memories of being at the station. John Spotts, of Downers Grove, writes:

"In the fall of 1977 I was tapped to broadcast most of the DGN home football games even though I wasn't really good at play by play. In fact, I was terrible. As the season commenced the weather got worse and worse for every home game (it rained for almost every one of them).

My color man Roger Paulsen always remarked how fortunate we were to be in the nice enclosed fairly warm press box....and we never would let Mr. Moore into the press box!

And to all my comrades during those times in the portable classroom/studio.....Don D'Agostino, Brian Reid, Dave Price, Mel Loving, Timmo Cauley, et al. we had a blast! Who jams galore.

I went on to get a degree from SIU with an RT major and graduated from WDGC to WIDB at SIU, joining Timmo and Don there. I've been in the insurance biz since then.

Happy 40th WDGC!"

For writing in, John will receive a WDGC 40th Anniversary t-shirt. We've still got 9 shirts to give away, so email your memories to jwaite@csd99.org. See the previous blog post for more details.

Help Us Write This Blog!

2009-01-21T06:56:00.001-06:00

We are looking to WDGC and Cable 99 alums to help us write this blog. Send us an email with a brief entry about when you were a part of WDGC or Cable 99. Please include a favorite memory of being here as well as what you are doing now, whether it is related to radio or tv or neither. You can also send a recent or old picture of yourself for us to post as well as contact information to post. Messages are limited to 300 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit all entries and post only those we deem appropriate. As an added incentive, the authors of the first ten posts will each receive a free WDGC 40th Anniversary t-shirt. Please mail your posts to wdgc@csd99.org.

A Great Holiday Gift!

2008-12-05T15:20:00.001-06:00

If you are a WDGC alum, or if you know and love one, you will want to purchase a WDGC 40th anniversary t-shirt! The shirts are Hanes Beefy T's, 100% pre-shrunk cotton, and they feature District Green, Trojan Purple, and Mustang Blue in a curious pattern to mark the station's 40 years on the air. While some say the design is a bit confusing, we like to think of it as a challenge and a great conversation starter! The picture above is sort of washed out, but rest assured, the colors are dark and vivid.

You can purchase a shirt for only $14 (which includes shipping and handling). If you are interested, please email John Waite @ jwaite@csd99.org. We have all sizes, Small--X-Large.

The King Pays a Visit

2008-11-26T10:56:00.000-06:00

Last night at the 40th Birthday celebration for WDGC, The King appeared, live in person. Well, actually, it was Bob West as Elvis, but his performance was so electrifying it was just as good as the real thing! Thanks to Mr. West for appearing. You can learn more about him at http://www.bobwestelvis.com/. You can also watch for reruns of the show on Cable 99, channel 16 in Downers Grove.

Happy Birthday WDGC!

2008-11-25T11:24:00.000-06:00

Today, November 25, marks the day in 1968 when WDGC got word that we were allowed to broadcast over the air, at 10 Watts. To celebrate, Cable 99 is hosting a live TV show featuring all sorts of live entertainment! In honor of the day here is a picture of Fred Moore, who started the station in 1965 (not on the air), working in one of the early WDGC studios. We are also celebrating by broadcasting a live basketball game tonight. Happy Birthday!

More from the Archives

2008-11-18T09:29:00.000-06:00

On November 21, 1973, WDGC was granted permission to begin broadcasting at 250 watts.

Fresh from the Archives!

2008-11-14T17:41:00.000-06:00

WDGC is beginning to digitize its archives, and what better place to start than with an image of the telegram from the FCC that allowed us to go on the air? The date: November 25, 1968.

WDGC 40th Birthday Celebration in the Works!

2008-11-11T18:44:00.000-06:00

November 25th marks the date WDGC received the go-ahead from the FCC to broadcast over the air in 1968. This year, Cable 99 is celebrating WDGC's 40th birthday with a live television show that will feature an interview with Mr. Fred Moore, the founder of the station, live music, and a visit by the King Rock of Rock and Roll Himself! The fun starts at 5:000 PM on channel 16 in Downers Grove, or you can watch live on Hypercast.net.