ROCHELLE — Radio personalities at a local station are reveling in their recent achievements after winning several awards at a state banquet earlier this month in Springfield.
Disc jockey Kris Wexell with 102.3 The Coyote took first place for Best Radio Personality for the second year in a row. Wexell and fellow DJ Jay Burlison captured first place for the Best Radio Local Broadcast Team on The Coyote Morning Show.
Wexell admitted he couldn’t believe when he heard his name called, registering a look of disbelief on his face.
“There is nothing more satisfying than knowing what you do on a daily basis means something, from entertaining and informing to being a part of so many people’s mornings as they start their day,” Wexell said. “It also goes to show how much The Coyote has become a part of people’s lives each day.”
Wexell has been a DJ for 24 years, starting in Kewanee and also working in the Quad Cities.
Wexell and Burlison, who began his career at the Rochelle station in 2011, are a familiar voice to many in and around the Rochelle area. The Coyote also took first place for Best Radio Humorous Commercial, Small Market, with credit to Burlison, Shawn Lowe, and Rick Green. Burlison explained the commercial for an automotive repair shop was creativity coupled with some ad-libbing and sound effects to resemble a top ten list that former late show host David Letterman used to do.

“I think the chemistry Kris and I have is unique in a great way. I also do not undervalue Kris’ years of experience and connections, both with radio and country music in general, that has made for great radio with him and I,” Burlison said. “The giveaways, interviews, and general riffing…So much of what is great about us begins with him.”
Good Time Oldies 1060 WRHL (WRHL-AM) was awarded second place for Best Website, and The Coyote was also awarded third place for Best Radio Station Self Promotion for The Coyote Morning Show for small market.
Each year radio and TV stations in the state compete against each other in their respective market size to take home the coveted Silver Dome award.
“It feels really good to have the validation of your efforts and the recognition of your peers,” Burlison said. “In going up against so many other stations in so many categories, it’s still a proud moment for me to place second or third but to win is greatly satisfying.”
Radio and TV markets are put into Small, Medium, and Large Market categories, based on population. Rockford is Market 152 at 274,500, out of 271 markets total.