KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- After 45 years on air, a morning radio legend in Kirksville signed off for the final time on Friday.
KTUF’s Helen Adams started her career in radio back in 1967, but not behind the microphone, instead in front of a desk as a receptionist.
“When I started here I was fresh out of high school,” Adams said. “I was a secretary, a receptionist and also a traffic controller who scheduled the commercials and other programs. I did that for 18 years and then worked as high up in the management as I could, except for my boss’ job.”
Her enthusiasm and spunk were just two of the many things visitors noticed when walking through the front door of the radio station in Kirksville.
Noticing Adams had a great telephone voice, she was approached by her station manager, Alvina Britz, in 1986.
“She wanted me to go on air and I said I couldn’t do that because I couldn’t even chew gum and walk down the street at the same time,” said Adams. “But she needed an answer by 8am the next morning, so at 5pm that same day I went up to Alvina and asked what happens if it doesn’t work out? She said too bad, it’s sink or swim Helen, so I didn’t want to sink and so I saw, and I loved it.”
And let’s just say the rest is history, from then on listeners tuned in to hear her wit and of course, her funny banter.
Adams many accomplishments include “Adopt-A-Child” program, K-9 Klassic with Victim Support Services, Salvation Army food drive and Habitat for Humanity.
She also did hundreds of live appearances in the community.
So what will Adams miss the most?
“The things I’m going to miss the most are the listeners. They stood behind me through thick and thin, no matter what was going on in my life, they were always there for me,” Adams said. “I so appreciate my family here at the radio station, and again I can never say enough how the listeners always came to bat for me. I’m really going to miss that.”
To view Helen Adams entire interview uncut click here.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO