WOMT Radio is entering the final months of its historic, yearlong 100th anniversary celebration. WOMT 100 commemorates a full century since the station first signed on the air in 1926.
WOMT Radio was founded by pioneers of Wisconsin broadcasting Francis and Lillian Kadow and originally broadcast from the second floor of the Mikadow Theatre on Washington Street. Today, WOMT Radio is owned and operated by Seehafer
Broadcasting, a third-generation family broadcast company led by President Mark
Seehafer and Vice President Terry Stevenson.
As one of the oldest radio stations in Wisconsin, WOMT Radio has served as a trusted voice for news, sports, community information and entertainment for generations. WOMT 100 has brought listeners and community members together throughout the year through special events, contests and community experiences.
In April, more than 250 community members attended Hungry for History: 100 Years of WOMT, a 1920s-themed dinner featuring a presentation on WOMT’s history and a panel discussion with Lee Douglas, Damon Ryan and Terry Stevenson. Presented by Rummele’s Fine Jewelry, the event benefited the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
In June, WOMT brought The Jim and Rick Show to Washington Park in downtown
Manitowoc for a special live event during MetroJam, giving listeners the opportunity to experience one of the station’s most beloved programs in person.
Later in the summer, WOMT Radio hosted two concerts: Sidewalk Prophets at The Franciscan Center, presented by Nelson Truck and Equipment, and Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos at PetSkull Brewing Company, presented by Mike Howe Builders.
WOMT Radio was also formally recognized in August for its centennial celebration. Mayor Justin Nickels presented the station with a commendation during the August 17 Manitowoc Common Council meeting, accepted by President Mark Seehafer and Vice President Terry Stevenson. Later that month, WOMT was honored during its Chamber Open House, which included remarks from Abbey Quistorf, Executive Director of The Chamber Manitowoc County; Mayor Nickels; Congressman Glenn Grothman; State Representative Paul Tittl; and Michelle Vetterkind, President of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
WOMT 100 continues this fall with Hungry for History After Hours, an event benefiting the Manitowoc County Historical Society and presented by Rummele’s Fine Jewelry. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 15, at PetSkull Brewing in Manitowoc, with limited space available. The evening will feature an encore presentation of 100 Years of WOMT: A History Presentation, the exclusive WOMT Radio Story Slam, giving attendees the opportunity to share their own WOMT stories and memories, and live music from the Riverboat Rascals Duo.
On Saturday, October 31, WOMT Radio invites the community to a commemorative Halloween party at Brick’s Downtown Bar & Grill, featuring live music by Riley Haupt throughout the evening. Brick’s is located in the former Studio 8, where WOMT hosted its annual Halloween Party and costume contest for years. This year’s party will again feature a costume contest, with prizes valued over $250 awarded in each of four categories: Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Most Creative Costume, and Best Couple’s Costume. The evening will also include games, the WOMT Cash Cube and a grand prize drawing valued at more than $1,000. This event will partner with the Chamber Foundation to raise money for its scholarship fund.
On Friday, November 6, WOMT Radio will host a Tap Room Takeover Party at PetSkull Brewing Company featuring the inaugural tapping of “Don’t Touch That Dial!”—WOMT’s centennial anniversary beer, brewed by PetSkull Brewing and sponsored by Hubbartt Electric. Live music will be performed by Chicago Mule.
WOMT Radio will host a decorated cabin during Christmas at Sinawa 2026 on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6. Camp Sinawa’s annual Christmas event features wagon rides through an enchanted forest, a luminary-lined walking path, festive music and decorated cabins throughout the grounds.
Throughout our centennial year, WOMT Radio has partnered with the Manitowoc Public Library, Pinecrest Historical Village and the Rahr-West Art Museum to bring radio history to the community. Created in collaboration with our partner Steve Kanter, a traveling exhibit featuring more than 40 vintage radios offered visitors a glimpse into radio’s past. The exhibit debuted at the Manitowoc Public Library before moving to Pinecrest Historical Village and will conclude its journey at the Rahr-West Art Museum during Christmas at the Mansion.
WOMT 100 has also featured yearlong contests and promotions attracting an outpouring of listener participation, with tens of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes already awarded and more still to come before the end of the year.
The Secret Cash Giveaway, presented by Weichert Realtors CornerStone, features $100 cash hidden somewhere in Manitowoc County each week, with clues posted on WOMT’s social media channels.
The Morning Brew Promotion, presented by Parker Hannifin, awards $100 weekly at local coffee shops.
Win with Red Wing & WOMT 100 offers the chance to win monthly prize packages valued at more than $1,000, with registration held at the Red Wing Shoe Store in Sheboygan.
WOMT History Trivia, presented by Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing, airs live every Friday on WOMT Radio. Each week features a $100 winner, with all weekly winners qualifying for the grand prize drawing of $12,400, to be awarded live on The Jim and Rick Show on Friday, December 18, 2026.
“From its very first day, WOMT has prioritized live, local radio,” said Vice President Terry Stevenson. “Our purpose has always been to serve our community, and we’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the response to WOMT 100. It’s been incredible to see so many people coming out for giveaways, attending events, and sharing their stories, memories and well wishes.”
President Mark Seehafer added, “Radio has been part of Manitowoc’s history for generations. Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone, and we are honored to see how much WOMT continues to mean to the community we serve.”
Learn more about WOMT 100 at www.womtradio.com/100years.
