Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talks with long time television news reporter, Tom Rooney, about his career from Mitchell to Sioux Falls and now the KELO News Talk group.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talks with long time television news reporter, Tom Rooney, about his career from Mitchell to Sioux Falls and now the KELO News Talk group.

A community issues and answering program that focuses on the city and people of the Sioux Empire.

Jon Michaels' Forum

Long Time TV News Anchor Tom Rooney Joins News Talk KELO Radio

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Eric "Pineapple" Weber (originally from Hawaii), Union Gospel Mission manager for 6 years, and John Fokken, a former college graduated accountant, then homeless and now kitchen director for 2 years at Union Gospel Mission.

from the internet:

The Union Gospel Mission of Sioux Falls is a service organization dedicated to supporting individuals in need. It offers essential services such as meals, shelter, and recovery programs aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness or facing personal crises.  The organization focuses on community outreach and spiritual support, providing a foundation for personal transformation and long-term stability.

How It All Began

The City Mission Movement goes back to the year 1826, when David Nasmith, a former manufacturer’s apprentice, founded the Glasgow City Mission (Scotland) for the purpose of practical ministry for the underprivileged, proclaiming the Gospel in everyday language. He also founded the Dublin Christian Mission, London City Mission, as well as 31 other Missions in the United States and Canada.

In 1872, Gospel Rescue Mission (New York City) was the first to open in the US when former alcoholic and ex-con Jeremiah McAuley founded “Helping Hand for Man” on the site of a licentious dance hall, backed by stock trader Alfrederich Hatch, who believed in uplifting those he called the “undeserving/unworthy poor.”

Thomas F. Morse was convicted in Roberts County, SD for the shooting death of a Sisseton man in September of 1893. While in prison, Morse gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Mother Wheaton, a woman who visited the prison and proclaimed the Gospel. He was granted a full pardon by Governor Andrew Lee in 1898. On March 17, 1900 he became the founder of the Sioux Falls City Rescue Mission, making it the second oldest Mission in the country today.

It is humbling to reflect on what one woman’s prison ministry and one man’s redemption in Christ has established – a legacy bearing abundant fruit, one that has changed countless lives for well over a century and is still going strong today. It’s amazing what the Lord can do!

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Eric "Pineapple" Weber (originally from Hawaii), Union Gospel Mission manager for 6 years, and John Fokken, a former college graduated accountant, then homeless and now kitchen director for 2 years at Union Gospel Mission.
from the internet:
The Union Gospel Mission of Sioux Falls is a service organization dedicated to supporting individuals in need. It offers essential services such as meals, shelter, and recovery programs aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness or facing personal crises.&nbsp; The organization focuses on community outreach and spiritual support, providing a foundation for personal transformation and long-term stability.
How It All Began
The City Mission Movement goes back to the year 1826, when David Nasmith, a former manufacturer&rsquo;s apprentice, founded the Glasgow City Mission (Scotland) for the purpose of practical ministry for the underprivileged, proclaiming the Gospel in everyday language. He also founded the Dublin Christian Mission, London City Mission, as well as 31 other Missions in the United States and Canada.
In 1872, Gospel Rescue Mission (New York City) was the first to open in the US when former alcoholic and ex-con Jeremiah McAuley founded &ldquo;Helping Hand for Man&rdquo; on the site of a licentious dance hall, backed by stock trader Alfrederich Hatch, who believed in uplifting those he called the &ldquo;undeserving/unworthy poor.&rdquo;
Thomas F. Morse&nbsp;was convicted in Roberts County, SD for the shooting death of a Sisseton man in September of 1893. While in prison, Morse gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Mother Wheaton, a woman who visited the prison and proclaimed the Gospel. He was granted a full pardon by Governor Andrew Lee in 1898. On&nbsp;March 17, 1900&nbsp;he became the founder of the Sioux Falls City Rescue Mission, making it the second oldest Mission in the country today.
It is humbling to reflect on what one woman&rsquo;s prison ministry and one man&rsquo;s redemption in Christ has established &ndash; a legacy bearing abundant fruit, one that has changed countless lives for well over a century and is still going strong today. It&rsquo;s amazing what the Lord can do!

125 Years of Union Gospel Mission: "I Was Homeless"

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks about a Christian revival in Sioux Falls with the younger generation "Z" with Z8 Coordinator Maddy Schneider, Z8 Educator/Director Mady Theisen and Lifelight CEO Josh Brewer. Erica Kirk clips from Fox News.

From the Lifelight website:

What is z8?

At LifeLight, we believe Generation Z doesn’t just have an 8-second attention span; they have an 8-second filter—searching for truth, purpose, and love. In that short window, we have the opportunity to introduce them to the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ.

Why Generation Z?

Generation Z is on track to become the largest living generation in American history. Although many consider them a post-Christian generation, we see them differently. Z8 is on a mission to awaken these young people as world changers—to win, send, empower, and multiply them for Christ.

Our Mission

The Z8 Initiative is a LifeLight ministry dedicated to inspiring and motivating young people through Gospel-centered events and worship. We bring together youth and young adults, across denominational lines, to experience Jesus in real and relevant ways. Whether they’re believers or searching for answers, we provide a place where Gen Z can gather and connect.

Our vision

Z8 is not just about events—it’s about launching a movement. Our goal is to awaken, empower, and multiply a generation that will make Jesus known in their homes, schools, and communities.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks about a Christian revival in Sioux Falls with the younger generation "Z" with Z8 Coordinator Maddy Schneider, Z8 Educator/Director Mady Theisen and Lifelight CEO Josh Brewer. Erica Kirk clips from Fox News.
From the Lifelight website:
What is z8?
At LifeLight, we believe Generation Z doesn&rsquo;t just have an 8-second attention span; they have an 8-second filter&mdash;searching for truth, purpose, and love. In that short window, we have the opportunity to introduce them to the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ.
Why Generation Z?
Generation Z is on track to become the largest living generation in American history. Although many consider them a post-Christian generation, we see them differently. Z8 is on a mission to awaken these young people as world changers&mdash;to win, send, empower, and multiply them for Christ.
Our Mission
The Z8 Initiative is a LifeLight ministry dedicated to inspiring and motivating young people through Gospel-centered events and worship. We bring together youth and young adults, across denominational lines, to experience Jesus in real and relevant ways. Whether they&rsquo;re believers or searching for answers, we provide a place where Gen Z can gather and connect.
Our vision
Z8 is not just about events&mdash;it&rsquo;s about launching a movement. Our goal is to awaken, empower, and multiply a generation that will make Jesus known in their homes, schools, and communities.

Sioux Falls Gen Z Christian Revival, Lifelight, Gen Z8, and Erica Kirk TPUSA

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, (since 1977) reminisces with KISD DJ Magical Mike McKay about the golden last years in the mid seventies of KISD AM radio in downtown Sioux Falls at 8th and Main Ave. Mike was the magician that later made the Statue of David disappear. Both KISD and Jon Michaels were later inducted into the South Dakota Music Association Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

From it's induction into the South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall of Fame:

"KISD AM 1230 was a powerhouse top 40 radio station in Sioux Falls from 1966-1977 with enormous local and regional influence, bringing some of the biggest national and international acts to the area.  In 1966 the Starr Group from New York bought the license for KISD.  Partners included Peter and Michael Starr plus author and commentator William F. Buckley.  In September of that year the format was changed to twenty four hour rock and roll and KISD  quickly became the number one station in Sioux Falls.

The Starr Group hired Ray Ford from Phoenix to be the station program director.  They brought in nationally known DJs like Bill Proctor, Tom Rambler, and Brian Cummings along with local announcers Jerry Dahmen, Michael Goodroad, and Ken Mills.  Cummings and Mills have been inducted into the SDRRMA "Hall of Fame".

KISD promoted major concerts at the Sioux Falls Arena called "Summer Happenings".  Artists included Three Dog Night, Gene Pitney, Lovin Spoonful, Easybeats, Turtles, The Mob, The Flippers, Roarin' Red Dogs, Crow, and the Rumbles.  These shows drew thousands of people and created a new era of rock and roll for area music  lovers.

In 1970 the station was sold to Stan Deck, a broadcaster from Dickinson, ND.  They featured a new wave of DJs including Jon Michaels, Mike McKay, Johnny Knight, Chris Allen, Bill Richards, Robert W. Walker, Don Jacobs, and Joe Blood.   KISD was a big part of rock and roll history in South Dakota."

From Wikipedia:

Verl Thomson, who had founded the station in 1948, sold KISD in 1966 to a group majority-owned by William F. Buckley, Jr., publisher of the National Review; Buckley and business partner Peter Starr also owned the KOWH stations in Omaha, Nebraska.[10] KISD's studios offices were relocated from a site on the edge of town back to downtown; Thomson remained involved with the station by broadcasting editorials but sold KISD in order to focus on his other businesses, a tourist camp and the Sioux Chief Train Motel comprising retired Pullman sleeping cars.[11][12] The station's tower collapsed in 1968 when a boom attached to a sign truck snagged overhead guy wires supporting the mast. The tower, still on Verl Thomson's property, narrowly missed the train motel as it fell.[13]

While Buckley and Starr changed the music format to contemporary (Rock and Roll), KISD's opposition to the establishment of new stations in the Sioux Falls area on economic grounds continued from former ownership. 

Starr sold KISD to Stanley Deck, who owned KDIX radio and television in Dickinson, North Dakota, for $700,000 in 1971.[16]

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, (since 1977) reminisces with KISD DJ Magical Mike McKay about the golden last years in the mid seventies of KISD AM radio in downtown Sioux Falls at 8th and Main Ave. Mike was the magician that later made the Statue of David disappear. Both KISD and Jon Michaels were later inducted into the South Dakota Music Association Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
From it's induction into the South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall of Fame:
"KISD AM 1230 was a powerhouse top 40 radio station in Sioux Falls from 1966-1977 with enormous local and regional influence, bringing some of the biggest national and international acts to the area.&nbsp; In 1966 the Starr Group from New York bought the license for KISD.&nbsp; Partners included Peter and Michael Starr plus author and commentator William F. Buckley.&nbsp; In September of that year the format was changed to twenty four hour rock and roll and KISD&nbsp; quickly became the number one station in Sioux Falls. The Starr Group hired Ray Ford from Phoenix to be the station program director.&nbsp; They brought in nationally known DJs like Bill Proctor, Tom Rambler, and Brian Cummings along with local announcers Jerry Dahmen, Michael Goodroad, and Ken Mills.&nbsp; Cummings and Mills have been inducted into the SDRRMA "Hall of Fame". KISD promoted major concerts at the Sioux Falls Arena called "Summer Happenings".&nbsp; Artists included Three Dog Night, Gene Pitney, Lovin Spoonful, Easybeats, Turtles, The Mob, The Flippers, Roarin' Red Dogs, Crow, and the Rumbles.&nbsp; These shows drew thousands of people and created a new era of rock and roll for area music&nbsp; lovers. In 1970 the station was sold to Stan Deck, a broadcaster from Dickinson, ND.&nbsp; They featured a new wave of DJs including Jon Michaels, Mike McKay, Johnny Knight, Chris Allen, Bill Richards, Robert W. Walker, Don Jacobs, and Joe Blood.&nbsp; &nbsp;KISD was a big part of rock and roll history in South Dakota."
From Wikipedia:
Verl Thomson, who had founded the station in 1948, sold KISD in 1966 to a group majority-owned by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_F._Buckley,_Jr.">William F. Buckley, Jr.</a>, publisher of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Review">National Review</a>; Buckley and business partner Peter Starr also owned the KOWH stations in&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha,_Nebraska">Omaha, Nebraska</a>.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KWSN#cite_note-10">[10]</a>&nbsp;KISD's studios offices were relocated from a site on the edge of town back to downtown; Thomson remained involved with the station by broadcasting editorials but sold KISD in order to focus on his other businesses, a tourist camp and the Sioux Chief Train Motel comprising retired&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pullman_sleeping_car">Pullman sleeping cars</a>.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KWSN#cite_note-11">[11]</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KWSN#cite_note-12">[12]</a>&nbsp;The station's tower collapsed in 1968 when a boom attached to a sign truck snagged overhead&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_wire">guy wires</a>&nbsp;supporting the mast. The tower, still on Verl Thomson's property, narrowly missed the train motel as it fell.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KWSN#cite_note-13">[13]</a>
While Buckley and Starr changed the music format to contemporary (Rock and Roll), KISD's opposition to the establishment of new stations in the Sioux Falls area on economic grounds continued from former ownership.&nbsp;
Starr sold KISD to Stanley Deck, who owned KDIX radio and television in&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickinson,_North_Dakota">Dickinson, North Dakota</a>, for $700,000 in 1971.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KWSN#cite_note-16">[16]</a>

Photo is of Magical Mike McKay who was the evening 6-11 DJ at KISD

Long Time TV News Anchor Tom Rooney Joins News Talk KELO Radio

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