Fun and Friends At KSST Retirement Reception For Enola Gay Mathews, 32-Year Employee

Enola cuts the first slice of the cake, assisted by long-time fellow employee Dollie Kelly

On December 22, 2021, just two days before her last day on the air, KSST owners and staff held a Retirement Reception in Enola Gay Mathews’ honor in the KSST Channel 18 TV studio.

Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers read a proclamation from Sulphur Springs City Council, recognizing Enola Gay for her long tenure and outstanding performance as a disc jockey at KSST, her notoriety for her love of Western Swing music, her commission as a Yellow Rose of Texas and various local awards for community service.

Mayor John Sellers congratulates Enola upon her retirement, to begin on December 24, 2021 following her last day on the air on the KSST Good Morning Show

Over a two hour period, many friends drifted in to say “congratulations,” enjoy a sandwich plate and slice of cake, and visit awhile with Enola and friends.

Enola Gay was hired in August 1989 and soon became the Good Morning Show host. After 32 1/2 years, she’s decided it’s time to spend more time with grandchildren and to continue writing, a skill she enjoys and hopes to improve by doing more!

Friends, listeners, business associates and well-wishers dropped in during the 2-hour come and go event.

KSST Station Manager and Owner Chad Young read a heartfelt email submitted by Kelly Grimes, noting Enola’s early days at the station, and the way she has become a member of the Bradford family. Kelly and Dwayne Grimes were unable to attend the event, but made sure to express their congratulations.

Chad Young will take over the microphone to continue to inform and entertain KSST listeners on KSST’s Good Morning Show beginning next week.

“As we move forward, we will continue to keep our KSST listeners informed in the way they have been accustomed,” he said.

Posse members Billy Wayne Orr and Sam Tatum with Buddy Gore
Enola with Ina Gore and Gale Roberts
KSST Owner Chad Young talks with listeners Judy Temples and Barbara Stewart
A moment with retired long-time fellow employee Don Julian

Carey Gable, center, is a new voice on the KSST 1230 West Show, He dropped by with his children

A blast from the past! Luis Comacho Jr. worked at KSST two decades ago as a youth and remains in broadcast today. He gets a look at changes since Chad and Rhonda Young became owners of KSST

Mayor John Sellers chats with Markeda Fisher (left) and (right) Sports Director Ross Labenske chats with Coach Eric Buck
Chad Young with local veteran Bob Kerr
Shirley Patchen paid a quick visit
Jo Marie Neal dropped by to share some memories

Doug Haston, KSST Channel 18 Videographer, will now have employee seniority; he has been capturing the sights and sounds of Hopkins County since 1990
“I will miss my KSST family!” Enola thanks everyone for sharing “her day” and reminds everyone to “Keep listening to KSST, as plans are made to observe the station’s 75th Anniversary March 1, 2022”
Other well-wishers were Gina Prickette, Mary Milligan, Diane Dixon, Rhonda Young, and Betty and Butch Young
City of SS Librarian Hope Cain and Bill Owens, General Manager of Jay Hodge Chevrolet
also long-time Guaranty Bank employee Lynda Hager
and delivering a gift and a hug was Carolyn McKinney, recently retired from the Hopkins County Dairy Center
L. to R. KSST staffers Matt Janson, retired KSST Sports Director Don Julian, Enola Gay Mathews and Channel 18 Videographer Doug Haston in the Channel 18 TV studio, which houses memorabilia of KSST’s long history of serving the community

Author: Enola Gay

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