WOMT Radio in Manitowoc will be celebrating its historic 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a full century since the station first signed on the air on Nov. 8, 1926 at 5:30 p.m.
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 in Manitowoc. 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,” a station release stated. “To honor this milestone and commemorate 100 years of live, local radio, WOMT Radio will host a year-long anniversary celebration throughout 2026 featuring special events, contests, and community experiences.”
To kick off the anniversary year, WOMT Radio will share exclusive details live on-air. On Friday, Jan. 9, during Be My Guest, Lee Douglas will welcome Terry Stevenson and Jim Medley to reveal behind-the-scenes plans for the celebration. Later in the month, on Friday, Jan. 23, Stevenson will join Jim Medley and Rick Sawyer on The Jim and Rick Show for a major announcement tied to WOMT’s 100th anniversary initiatives.
Throughout the year, WOMT will invite the community into the celebration through a series of major events.
Hungry for History: 100 Years of WOMT is a 1920s-themed dinner event benefiting the Manitowoc County Historical Society and presented by Rummele’s Fine Jewelers. The event will be held Thursday, April 9, at The Venue in Manitowoc. Tickets will be available for $30 beginning in January at the WOMT Radio studio and the Manitowoc County Historical Society. The evening includes a panel discussion moderated by Jim Medley with Lee Douglas, Damon Ryan, and Terry Stevenson.
Also in spring, WOMT will present a rare exhibition of radios spanning decades from the private collection of Manitowoc resident Steve Kanter. This Historic Radio Showcase will be on display to the public for several weeks at the Manitowoc Public Library.
The celebration continues into fall with WOMT’s Tap Room Takeover Party at PetSkull Brewing Company on Friday, Nov. 6. Join WOMT for the inaugural tapping of their anniversary beer, sponsored by Hubbartt Electric and brewed by PetSkull Brewing Company.
WOMT Radio will also serve as the Major Presenting Sponsor of both the 2026 Manitowoc County Fair and the 2026 Third of July Festival, a celebration of music and community in partnership with The Wharf.
WOMT History Trivia, presented by Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing, will air 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, Dec. 18, 2026.
The Secret Cash Giveaway, presented by Weichert Realtors CornerStone, will feature $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, will award $100 weekly at local coffee shops.
Win with Red Wing and WOMT 100 will offer 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 Radio will officially unveil its 100th Anniversary logo on Feb. 1, marking the start of a new chapter while honoring a century of broadcasting excellence.
“WOMT Radio has always believed in the value, significance, and relevance of local radio,” said Vice President Terry Stevenson. “Our mission has never changed — to connect people, serve our community, and be a trusted source for local news and entertainment. We are honored to share this celebration with the listeners and businesses that have supported us for 100 years.”
President Mark Seehafer said, “This anniversary is not just a milestone for WOMT Radio — it is a milestone for the community. Radio has shaped Manitowoc’s history, and we look forward to continuing to shape its future.”
For ongoing updates including event announcements, ticket sales, and contest details visit WOMTRadio.com and follow WOMT Radio on Facebook and Instagram.
