I was born and raised in Great Falls and grew up listening to my dad on KMON AM where he was the morning guy. Dad also had a band that would practice at our house for the jobs they played almost every weekend. So, my exposure to country music was huge. At the State Fair in Great Falls in 1971, dad emceed all of the concerts, and I got to sit in the front row for Anne Murray, Glen Campbell, and the Carpenters. I started on KMON Great Falls shortly after high school then made my way to KYSS-FM in Missoula while I was in college. I worked for KGVO, Missoula, then on to KYSN-FM, East Wenatchee, Washington. I came to Billings in March of 1988 after Citadel Communications bought the 102.9 FM & AM970 signals and Cat Country was launched. I play golf and racquetball, neither very well.
Mark Wilson
Cat Country Billings Turns 33 On Monday: A Brief History
Instead of my usual Friday Fragments, I want to reflect on some of the memories that pop up when I think back to the beginning of what we've built here over the years.
An Oreo for Every Occasion
Would you believe that you have eighty-five freakin' choices of America's favorite cookie?!
Mark’s Thoughts on Morgan Wallen’s Career
If you're thinking about the Dixie Chicks being banished for a much smaller offense, I'd tell you the difference. Streaming.
Do You Have a Will?
Do you have your music picked out for your funeral? Have you got a will? Why not?
Parents Competing Against Their Kids
I can remember quite vividly the first time that I beat my dad at checkers and pool. I can also recall the first time that I beat my mom at Scrabble. My folks never "let me win." At anything. Ever.
Thinking of Those in Texas, Firearms in Montana: Friday Fragments
Governor Gianforte signed a bill relaxing some of the rules for concealed carry of firearms in our state. I'm extremely pro-gun anyway. But the best part of this decision is that some of the anti-gunners that I've had fights with on Facebook will lose their minds over the decision.
Being a Kid Today Vs. Being a Kid in the 1970s
I was talking to my daughter on the phone the other day and I had said about all I needed to say. So I said, "I'm going to hang up and talk to you later."She asked me what "hang up" meant.
When Friends Won’t Cover the Tab
I think that we've all got a friend or two who is the last one to grab the check when you're all out for lunch or drinks. And when you're a tightwad friend of mine, you get ridiculed.
Do Montanans Have to Retire to Arizona or Florida?
When we retire, do we HAVE to move to Arizona or Florida? Is it some type of federal law?
Final Thoughts About Flakes Trip 2021: Friday Fragments
This wraps up my post-Flakes Trip week. Hopefully, I've given you some insight about our fabulous week in me-HE-co!
Will There Be a Flakes Trip Next Year?
I hate to remind you, but we are closer to the end of these trips than we are to the beginning.
Meet “Wilson” the Coatis
Sitting with our travel agent, Carol, each morning by the lobby bar was how most of my mid-mornings got going. And residing in the jungle that weaves itself all the way through the resort, are Coatis.