Award to be Presented by the WSU Edward R. Murrow College of Communications

by Dennis Rahm

Longtime local broadcaster and civic leader Jerry Isenhart is joining a prestigious group with the recent news that he will be honored with the Hall of Fame Achievement Award from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University.

The award honors and recognizes outstanding achievements of select graduates that includes the likes of celebrated sportscaster Keith Jackson, Far Side creator Gary Larson, familiar Seattle news anchors Bill Brubaker and the late Kathi Goertzen, and many others.

Isenhart learned of the award several weeks ago, but it was earlier this week when a film and interview crew from Northwest Public Broadcasting was sent to Chelan to produce a piece that will serve as his introduction when the award is officially presented during an April 4, 2019 ceremony as part of the annual Murrow Symposium on the campus of WSU.

LakeChelanNow’s Dennis Rahm caught up with Isenhart who indicated he is both honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award.

Broadcast Icon, Jerry Isenhart, always felt he and the KOZI staff worked for the community

Isenhart was interviewed by PBS in the KOZI studios about the award immediately after his appearance on the local talk show “Second Cup of Coffee” with Jay Witherbee on KOZI Radio. Jerry was owner of the radio station for 30 years and it seemed appropriate for him to be interviewed on the popular talk show that he and Steve Byquist created in the early 1970’s.

Isenhart, a 1967 graduate of WSU, owned and operated KOZI Radio from 1969-1999.  He later developed and launched the former community-based website GoLakeChelan and now operates the webcam focused website LakeChelanCams.

A Chelan resident for nearly 50 years, Isenhart has also led an active public servant life having served as Mayor, city councilman and school board member, as well as serving on the boards of several community and professional organizations.

Congratulations to Jerry and thank you for your dedication to this community.