The information below is the actual nomination language used by the person who submitted the nomination. All submissions had to answer three questions: one about the nominee's career, one about their contribution to the communist they served, and finally, about their contribution to the broadcasting industry in Arkansas.

Career and accomplishments as an Arkansas Broadcaster

With a broadcasting career that started in 1954 at KXRJ and didn’t end until July 1st 2024 a span of 70 years and just 2 months before turning the age of 90 years old. He was still continuing his day to day operations up until March of this year only because of health issues. After graduating from Arkansas Tech University in 1956 he took on manager roles in Lexington, MO KLEX, Moberly, MO KWIX and KRES before returning to Russellville where it all began at KARV formerly KXRJ. Then in November of 1979 founded KURM one of the most community involved radio stations ever. He later added stations in Russellville by purchasing KARV in 1992, added KARV FM Ola, AR, and KYEL Danville, AR He added KURM FM in 2002. He operated the 5 stations until 2016 when he sold the Russellville operation to EAB. As an owner operator his hands on approach saw him spending countless number of hours devoting his time to the local communities throughout Northwest Arkansas, Northeastern OK, and Southwest Missouri. In 2023 was the recipient of the Rogers Rotary Club’s Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award recognizing and honoring an individual who strive toward the highest level of community involvement, influence and dedication of time and energies toward making our community a better place to live. He was the Grand Marshall of last years Rogers Christmas Parade. He was inducted into the Rogers High School Hall of Fame for his commitment, dedication and service to Rogers High School.

Contributions to their community during their time as an Arkansas Broadcaster

Founded KURM Radio in Rogers, AR on November 9, 1979. KURM was a staple in the community. Kermit’s commitment in broadcasting was matched by no one. He and His station provided in depth coverage for community events, severe weather coverage day and night, local news, weather, and sports programming election coverage, etc… Was the play by play man for Rogers High School for 30 years. Every year was involved with live remote broadcasts from the Benton and Washington County Fairs regularly interviewing kids showing animals with the 4H clubs. Community festivals throughout North West Arkansas. He was a regular at the Rogers City Council meetings and School board meetings for the better part of 44 years. He had a strong passion for the agriculture programs at various schools. Provided a 30 minute broadcast from the Springdale, and Decatur Livestock auctions every Mon, and Tues giving insight on the cattle markets for NWA. Provided lots of Agri programs from various networks to help farmers across the tri-state region. He began one of the most imitated programs of all time Dial-A-Trade at KARV in the 70s, and KURM, along with the Breakfast Show, Party-Line, and KURM football and basketball dream team banquets while Sundays were dedicated to local church and religious programming.

Contributions to our industry

He was a pioneer in Arkansas Broadcasting establishing the 3rd in studio Weather Radar Console in Arkansas providing severe weather coverage day and night by tracking storms long before doppler radar was in existence. He was a vocal leader when it came to implementing the new EAS system across the state. He was always looking out for Arkansas Broadcasters when it came to legislation on the state or national level. He believed in a by the book operation when it came to regulations regarding the FCC. Was always looking for ways to improve broadcast operations sound, and coverage.