Courtesy Photo The staff of 97.9 WXTF huddle around a microphone in the studio on Thursday. The station is celebrating its 10th anniversary later this month.

ALPENA — For the last decade, the local radio station WXTF-LP in the Harrisville area has been a source of music, news, and information for residents in the area and now, around the globe.

The small radio station, which is owned and operated by the Alcona Music Project, which is a 501(c)3 non-commercial station, depends on private donations to remain on the air and is celebrating its 10th anniversary later this month.

Volunteers manage and operate WXTF and there are nearly 20 disc jockeys from around the nation who play music and offer programming. Local listeners can tune in at 97.9 FM seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Alcona Music Project Secretary Pat Bushey said there is a deep connection between the station, its staff, and residents. He is also one of the DJs that mans the microphone.

Bushey described what type of music listeners can enjoy while listening.

“It is an eclectic mix of music really,” he said. “It is up to the DJ what they play, and it can be rock, pop, cajon, bluegrass, plus public announcements and local news.”

Many of the local DJs have a background in music, television, and even theater. Some have their own shows and enjoy many different types of music. In order to make listeners feel welcome, and to not stir up debate or controversy, WXTF does not discuss or promote politics or religion.

Mike Wnuk, president of the Music Project, said being a DJ was a perfect fit for him because of his passion for music.

“I decided to do this because of my love for radio and music,” he said. “I’ve been in bands, had experience in broadcasting, and I wanted to expand upon that.”

Doug Cheek, who is very active with station operations, promotion, fundraising, and legal matters like licensing, said the station always has been and will always be about the community.

“We depend on the community to keep us on the air, and they depend on and enjoy us for entertainment and information,” he said.

DJ Joe Lukasiewicz said the station’s broadcast range is limited in Northeast Michigan, but on a clear day, when the leaves are off the trees, people in Oscoda and other areas further outside Harrisville can tune in. Also, he said everyone who has an internet connection can listen because now, the station streams its material globally. People can stream programming via the station’s website.

“It put us into the global market and allowed for DJs from all over the country to participate,” Lukasiewicz said. “We’ve seen demographics from Canada and Great Britain who have listened. Our reach is as far as the internet goes.”

The station is also key for public safety. It utilizes the Emergency Alert System to quickly get out information about hazardous weather and other public safety issues to listeners.

“It gives us a platform to help people be informed and remain safe,” Cheek said.

A full list of WXTF programming, information about its DJs, and other information is available on the station’s website, 979harrisville.org. People can also donate to the station via the website.

The Alcona Music Project and WXTF have a jointly-used Facebook page people can follow and interact on too.

To celebrate the anniversary, an open house will be held on Nov. 23 at the station in downtown Harrisville. The station will let people check out the facility and enjoy refreshments from 3 to 6 p.m.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.