Past employees weigh in on WQRM Christian radio station fire

WQRM, formerly known as WWJC, went silent early Saturday morning after a fire destroyed it’s transmitters that have broadcasted Gospel music to the Twin Ports since the 1960’s.

Now, past employees like Ted Elm, the former manager at WWJC, are sharing their memories of working there and hopes going forward.

"We were the first Christian station in the Twin Ports," Elm said. "If you wanted Christian radio, it just wasn’t available until we came on air."

Elm’s journey with the station began when his parents helped build it in 1963. He grew up doing chores like mowing the lawn. From there, he began spinning records—working his way up to a talk show host.

"I did a talk show for 20 years and interviewed about 20,000 people," Elm said.

Eventually, Elm became the general manager, where he mentored others like Ron Hanson, who moved to Duluth for a position as a D.J.

“God just did wonderful things in me and through me here at the station,” Hanson said.

Hanson served at the station for over a decade. Today, he still tunes in.

"Its been a blessing to have it on the air," Hanson said. "Its been a station all through the years that has honored God and has been faithful to bring the Gospel message to the listeners."

The station is currently owned by VCY America out of Milwaukee.

Both Elm and Hanson hope the company has insurance to repair damaged equipment so that it can continue broadcasting gospel music to the Twin Ports for years to come.

“It’s a mission with them. It was a mission with us. So, the mission continues. It’s just another chapter in the book,” Elm said.