This is not an official government website.
© 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as John Bergman. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
Issued
April 15, 2026
house side of the record
People
1
Linked members mentioned in this section
Legislation
0
No linked legislation in this section
Committees
0
No linked committees in this section
Senate Holds
0
No hold activity linked here
Source Document
Connected Data
People mentioned
1 Helpful Term
Extensions of Remarks
Material lawmakers submit for the official record even when it was not spoken live on the floor.
Source Control
Reader mode is for comprehension. The linked government PDF is the official published source.
Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHONORING THE CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF RON JOLLY AND COLLEEN WARES
McCLELLAND
HON. JACK BERGMAN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two remarkable voices of Northern Michigan, Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland, whose decades of service in the broadcasting industry informed, entertained, and connected communities across the state of Michigan. As they signed- off for the final time on April 10, 2026, we honor their lasting contributions to local journalism and public discourse.
in Northern Michigan. Joining WTCM (AM) in Traverse City in 1994, he became a constant presence in the lives of countless listeners. Alongside him, Colleen Wares McClelland built an equally impressive career, spanning over 45 years with Midwestern Broadcasting. Her steady presence and thoughtful engagement helped shape the Ron Jolly Show into one of the region's most beloved morning broadcasts.
Together the pair created more than just a morning radio program: they built a community of listeners who tuned in every weekday morning from 7 to 10 a.m., bringing high-level discussion of local, state, national, and global issues into cars, homes, and businesses across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their conversations invited diverse perspectives and reminded listeners that even without seeing each other, as Michiganders, we are all connected. Their open phone lines fostered meaningful dialogue and thoughtful conversations, strengthening civil engagement throughout the region. When announcing their retirement, they spoke candidly about how difficult it will be to step away, yet, easy or hard, they would “hold hands and jump at the same time,” a final testament to their partnership that was built on trust, respect, and a commitment to serving others.
Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland for their dedicated service to informing the public, preserving local history, and entertaining communities throughout our great state. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Ron and Colleen and wish them all the best in a well-earned retirement.