A large single page with blank back. Measures about 8 1/2" x 11". Howie Sturtz for State Senator Flyer Neillisville Wisconsin 1978


In 1957, Howie was awarded a permit to build his own radio station (WCCN) in Neillsville, WI. Over time, WCCN AM expanded to include FM radio, and in 1965, at the conclusion of the 1964 World's fair, Howie, along with Sales Manager Wayne Grap, purchased the Wisconsin Pavilion of the New York World's Fair. The reconstructed pavilion housed the new studios for WCCN AM-FM and has, under the ownership of Kevin and Peggy Grap, endured to the present as a highly successful radio station and widely acclaimed tourist attraction. And while Howie had a passion for radio and music; he also loved and flew airplanes; acquired and drove many classic cars; and always dressed "smartly." He forever had a pen in hand, and no place his family or orchestra ever dined was left without a napkin adorned with a drawing of a classic car, Betty Boop or Mickey Mouse; Howie could draw a "better Mickey than Disney!" Howie accomplished many "things," but enlivening the spirits of others is what kept the glimmer alive in his own eye. He measured accomplishments by the happiness they brought to others and by the resources he could enlist on behalf of many charitable causes. The trumpet was his instrument of choice, but it was his creative vision, his wit, his compassion, and his tireless search for a laugh or smile that helped so many. He was a good judge of talent, and he had the wisdom to surround himself in business and in his orchestra with people of varied talents equal to his own. Howie's wife Dorothy was a partner in all of "his" achievements; they were a Team. As a broadcaster and bandleader, Howie used his celebrity on behalf of the American Cancer Society, helping the Clark County Chapter to be first "over goal" during every year of his chairmanship; he worked on behalf of the March of Dimes, the Shriners, and the Children's Miracle Network (to name a few) . . . to fundraise and educate a public about the importance of reaching out to those in need. Howie was without equal as a supporter and promoter of his community, championing the dairy industry, especially his valued sponsor, Grassland Butter, throughout the long history of his radio and orchestra careers. Howie could always be "counted upon" to be his "own worst critic," but he was also boundless in his willingness to promote the needs of others. At the age of 87, just a few months ago, Howie and his orchestra "mates" delighted a large audience with a concert to raise funds for the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.