I had just heard the weather report, which was reported by a professor from WIU. It was the most obnoxious and distracting weather report I had ever heard.

Don't hate on Dr. Tom! He has a love for his field. Something which is sorely lacking in most professionals these days.

Dr. Tom Williams is quite likely our region's foremost weather authority. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin and teaches Advanced Meteorogy as an Associate Professor for the Department of Geography at WIU.

While his unbridled enthusiasm in delivering reports for Tri States Public Radio may seem over the top to some, we think that's part of the charm of listening to a community public radio station!

Dorie Vallillo and Rich Egger

I am certain that I cannot be the only one who misses Jeff Holtz on Ovation... his velvety voice was so soothing and pleasant in the forenoon. His gentle knowledgeable annotation enhanced the morning's music perfectly. The new guy, I'm sorry, but he is irritating. His tone seems almost flip and sarcastic... has no place on a morning classics program. I'm very happy to hear Jeff's Saturday night jazz program, but I surely do miss him in the morning... his voice is like cashmere.

I initially did not like the new "Ovation" host, Ken Zahnle. Although his voice is somewhat halting, I think it just takes some getting used to. Jeff Holtz was very good for many years. It is impossible to replace him but I think we need to give the new guy a more of a chance.

I have been thinking about this question for a while. As an owner of an HD radio, I enjoy the xponential format very much but a lot of the songs seem to be repetitive.

Since Tri States Public Radio now has two radio stations, would it be possible to have it so that when music is on one, talk is on the other? For example, classical music could play overnight on the FM station, while BBC news programming could play overnight on the HD station. I think this is the way Peoria's public radio station does their programming. I realize that shifts like this cannot happen overnight but are there any thoughts about a change?

I also remember filling out a survey some months ago. Will those results be put on the website or were they simply for "internal" use?

It's nice to hear from someone who actually OWNS an HD Radio! And, you must be listening pretty regularly to notice the repetition in the music; the producers of XPoNential DO repeat the sets every eight hours within a 24 hour period.

Yes, it is possible to program our HD channels as you describe and we would like to move in that direction. Two factors (one related to the other!) prevent us from doing so at this time: (1) While HD radios are slowing becoming more prevalent and reasonably priced, they are still far from being the norm in most homes and cars; (2) Programming two stations means double the programming COST. Ouch! We look forward to the day when there are enough public radio listeners in the tri state region willing and able to support a second program stream.

P.S. 2008 Survey results are attached. You can also find them in the "About Us" section of our webpage -- see the yellow button at the bottom of the left hand rail.

On the Illinois Edition program on Sunday it was about music during the Great Depression and people during that era. I was with my mother listening to the program and she enjoyed hearing music she has not heard in years. It said that the piece was produced by Tri States Public Radio. I think he said his name was Alex. I have heard him do reports for a couple years now (I think) but I did not see him on the staff page.

Nice job!

We're glad you enjoyed the piece. Alex Heuer is one of our very talented student reporters. He recently won a scholarship to attend the Public Radio News Directors convention in Washington, DC, where he met NPR's Scott Simon.

Love "Sound Opinions." Thanks!

It was a wonderful surprise to be driving home from my afternoon commute in Los Angeles to hear a familiar voice on the radio. And to hear such a positive story of my hometown community being broadcast on a national level was a joy as well.

Congrats Rich!

It would be amazing if somehow you got Ray LaMontagne to come for a celebration series concert. I went tonight to listen to the Neilds sisters and they were wonderful. Thank you!!