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REGULAR MEETING March 12, 2018
<br /> and went on to broadcasting school in the shadow of Fenway Park; he obtained his first radio
<br /> position in 1971 at a station in New Hampshire, although he also worked at stations in
<br /> Massachusetts, Colorado, and Pennsylvania before finally landing for good in 1975 at WSBT in
<br /> South Bend; and, Whereas, as Jon's morning radio career at WSBT evolved, he became known as
<br /> "JT In the Morning," as his show offered a variety of music,talk, humor, and contests, oftentimes
<br /> for fundraising purposes or other good works in the community for the benefit of the contest
<br /> winners; and, Whereas, in addition to his radio career as a popular morning DJ at WSBT,Jon also
<br /> in 1997 became the public-address announcer for the Notre Dame Marching Band performing at
<br /> Notre Dame football games, and in 2015 for the South Bend Cubs on weekends and Mondays;
<br /> and, Whereas,Jon has also contributed to the local sports scene as an umpire for many high school
<br /> and college baseball games, and even an occasional South Bend Cubs game; and, Whereas, Jon,
<br /> has been an integral part of the Michiana community for forty-two (42) years and has enjoyed
<br /> being "the bright good morning voice" for Michiana for his entire WSBT career; and, Whereas,
<br /> on the occasion of his retirement from the airwaves at WSBT, the South Bend Common Council
<br /> is proud to recognize Jon"JT"Thompson for his many contributions of his talents to the Michiana
<br /> community, including national and local charities and wishes to specifically thank him for his
<br /> many years of service through "JT in the Morning"; and, Now, Therefore, be it publicly and
<br /> proudly Resolved as follows: Section One(1) On behalf of the citizens of South Bend,Indiana and
<br /> the South Bend Common Council, we proudly and publicly recognize and thank Jon "JT"
<br /> Thompson for his numerous contributions to our community, including his many sports-related
<br /> and fundraising endeavors,and his daily morning wake up calls to his loyal radio audience. Section
<br /> Two (2) We wish JT and his wife, Marilyn, much health and happiness in Jon's retirement, and
<br /> many enjoyable hours of travel to see their children and grandchildren residing in various parts of
<br /> the country, along with numerous trips to historical sites around the country and elsewhere on
<br /> which they plan to embark in their leisure time. Signed and approved this 12th day of March 2018,
<br /> in the City of South Bend, County of St. Joseph, in the State of Indiana.
<br /> Marcy Sears, 524 Lowell Wood South, Mishawaka, IN, stated, I am here this evening in my
<br /> capacity as the National Sales Manager for the WSBT Radio Group to represent that organization
<br /> in this special salute to Jon"JT"Thompson. As one (1) of the members on the senior management
<br /> team that has worked the longest with JT, it in my honor to be here. Jon, I also bring you best
<br /> wishes tonight from Sally Brown,the former General Manager for WSBT Radio Group for many
<br /> years. I would like to say that my respect and admiration for JT, first and foremost, comes as a
<br /> listener rather than a work colleague. Like so many others, I was a loyal listener for years and
<br /> always depended on JT to start my day with current local events and guests that kept me in the
<br /> loop, as well as the good measure of humor. He never let me down. Jon began at WSBT Radio in
<br /> 1975 and has always gone above and beyond in contribution of his time and talent to community
<br /> efforts. For many years, he championed Santa's Cause on his morning show, a holiday effort that
<br /> raised thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations. It has been said that JT is the one
<br /> responsible for selling the most tickets for the Foundation of St. Joseph Health Systems House
<br /> raffle. As an on-air announcer, JT has become a community icon and the WSBT Radio Group has
<br /> a great amount of appreciation for the humor, good-will, information and professionalism that he
<br /> brought to our organization over the years. On behalf of WSBT Radio Group, thank you for
<br /> contributing to the success of our Broadcast Group for forty-two (4 1)years. We wish you the very
<br /> best, always.
<br /> Marilyn Thompson, 17313 Farmington Square Road, Granger, IN, stated, Jon Thompson made it
<br /> look easy.As WSBT Radio's"JT in the Morning"for forty-two(42)years,he helped us kick-start
<br /> our mornings. He has been our community's quintessential next-door neighbor, making sure his
<br /> listeners were kept informed about community events,the latest news, and everything in between.
<br /> He has been our community's favorite sure-tail relative. Always ready to be corny without ever
<br /> being willing to be rude. He has been our community's loyal friend, guiding us through dangerous
<br /> weather, potholes galore, sorry, and unfavorable football scores. During those treacherous early
<br /> hours of 9/11, his steady voice was there. Jon Thompson thought it was a privilege to talk to his
<br /> listeners every morning. For their time, he gave the best of who he was each day. For their time,
<br /> he showed his respect in every way. For their time,he asked only that we be kind, give generously
<br /> to our community's concerns, and not take ourselves too seriously. He urged us all to be better
<br /> together than any one of us could be by ourselves. And,he made it look easy. Each time we tuned
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