Press Releases

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today spoke on the House floor to honor the life and legacy of WOWO’s Morning News Anchor Charly Butcher, who passed away unexpectedly last month.

Click here or on the image below to view Congressman Banks’ speech.

Text of the speech follows:
I rise today to honor the life and legacy of northeast Indiana broadcasting icon Charly Butcher.

For decades, thousands of northeast Indiana residents would start their mornings with Charly, a beloved radio anchor on WOWO’s Morning News program.

His talent and ability to speak directly through the radio and into the home or car of each listener was unparalleled.

Though he could have become a radio fixture anywhere in the country, Charly chose to stay in Fort Wayne and broadcast locally for more than 30 years.

I was fortunate to get to know Charly both on and off air, but our off-the-air conversations are what I will cherish most.

He was passionate about education, as his wife Sarah is an elementary school teacher, and we would often discuss my work on the House Education and Workforce Committee.

While our entire region mourns his loss, his irreplaceable voice will live on for generations to come.

I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Sarah, three children and colleagues at WOWO.

Thank you for allowing me to remember Charly and honor his legacy.

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