Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-15

HONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES McCLELLAND

Context

On 2026-04-15, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES McCLELLAND" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E330] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES McCLELLAND ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two remarkable voices of Northern Michigan, Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland, whose decades of service in the broadcasting industry informed, entertained, and connected communities across the state of Michigan. As they signed- off for the final time on April 10, 2026, we honor their lasting contributions to local journalism and public discourse. For more than 30 years, Ron Jolly was a trusted voice for communities in Northern Michigan. Joining WTCM (AM) in Traverse City in 1994, he became a constant presence in the lives of countless listeners. Alongside him, Colleen Wares McClelland built an equally impressive career, spanning over 45 years with Midwestern Broadcasting. Her steady presence and thoughtful engagement helped shape the Ron Jolly Show into one of the region's most beloved morning broadcasts. Together the pair created more than just a morning radio program: they built a community of listeners who tuned in every weekday morning from 7 to 10 a.m., bringing high-level discussion of local, state, national, and global issues into cars, homes, and businesses across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their conversations invited diverse perspectives and reminded listeners that even without seeing each other, as Michiganders, we are all connected. Their open phone lines fostered meaningful dialogue and thoughtful conversations, strengthening civil engagement throughout the region. When announcing their retirement, they spoke candidly about how difficult it will be to step away, yet, easy or hard, they would ``hold hands and jump at the same time,'' a final testament to their partnership that was built on trust, respect, and a commitment to serving others. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland for their dedicated service to informing the public, preserving local history, and entertaining communities throughout our great state. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Ron and Colleen and wish them all the best in a well-earned retirement. ____________________

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HONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES McCLELLAND Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E330] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES McCLELLAND ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two remarkable voices of Northern Michigan, Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland, whose decades of service in the broadcasting industry informed, entertained, and connected communities across the state of Michigan. As they signed- off for the final time on April 10, 2026, we honor their lasting contributions to local journalism and public discourse. For more than 30 years, Ron Jolly was a trusted voice for communities in Northern Michigan. Joining WTCM (AM) in Traverse City in 1994, he became a constant presence in the lives of countless listeners. Alongside him, Colleen Wares McClelland built an equally impressive career, spanning over 45 years with Midwestern Broadcasting. Her steady presence and thoughtful engagement helped shape the Ron Jolly Show into one of the region's most beloved morning broadcasts. Together the pair created more than just a morning radio program: they built a community of listeners who tuned in every weekday morning from 7 to 10 a.m., bringing high-level discussion of local, state, national, and global issues into cars, homes, and businesses across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their conversations invited diverse perspectives and reminded listeners that even without seeing each other, as Michiganders, we are all connected. Their open phone lines fostered meaningful dialogue and thoughtful conversations, strengthening civil engagement throughout the region. When announcing their retirement, they spoke candidly about how difficult it will be to step away, yet, easy or hard, they would ``hold hands and jump at the same time,'' a final testament to their partnership that was built on trust, respect, and a commitment to serving others. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland for their dedicated service to informing the public, preserving local history, and entertaining communities throughout our great state. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Ron and Colleen and wish them all the best in a well-earned retirement. ____________________