In a letter in this week's edition of the Syracuse New Times, Hot 107-9 morning man Dakota makes good on a prediction and thanks the paper for a recent award.

Here's the letter...

Congratulations! Your prediction that I would "piss someone off" in 2002 proved prophetic ("Psychics Predict," Dec. 26). On my first showof the year, starting Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 a.m., I pissed someone off at 5:34 a.m.!

Thanks also for the Best of Syracuse award for Best Local Radio Disc Jockey. I intended to come to your party to pick it up, but I spaced. After Sept. 11, the fall was nothing but a blur. But it is always a big thrill for me when I am mentioned in your paper."

Lee Abrams, chief programming officer at XM Satellite Radio, will be the keynote speaker at this year's annual WJPZ Radio Birthday Banquet. The event is scheduled for March 2 at the Syracuse University Sheraton. For additional information, call Scott Meach at (888) 323-2257.

National industry trade publication Radio Ink has nominated Lisa Morrow for sales manager of the year.  Morrow is VP Sales at Syracuse-based Galaxy Communications.

Madeline Halkovich has accomplished a feat not easily achieved in the radio industry; she has managed to stay at one station for 50 years.

Yesterday, Buckley Radio switched its four Hartford-area AM stations from an adult standards format to news-talk. The new lineup includes WDRC morning host Brad Davis, Dr. Joy Browne, and the Dolans.  

For the first time in several years, B104.7 (WBBS) is not alone at the top of the Arbitron ratings for Syracuse. In 12+ numbers for the fall quarter, B104.7 shares it's familiar number one ranking with fellow Clear Channel station 570 WSYR.

Clear Channel Communications has cleared one more hurdle in its quest to acquire The Ackerley Group. In a special meeting held yesterday, Ackerley shareholders approved a plan to merge with the country's largest radio group.

Syracuse University recently honored five local individuals for "exemplifying the spirit, life, and teachings" of Martin Luther King Jr. Included in the group of this year's recipients of Unsung Hero and Heroine Awards is Cora Thomas, host of Saturday Morning Gospel on WSIV AM 1540 and Sunday Morning Gospel on WAER FM 88.

AllAccess.com has honored 93Q (WNTQ) with its 'Web Site of the Week' award this week. Based in California, All Access Music Group is a leading national Internet source for radio industry news and information.

Archive article reposted with help from volunteer Ashley Caster

Y94FM's Pete Michaels and Brenda Bissett will be on stage next month at the Crouse-Hinds concert theater as part of the Upstate New York Ballet's production of Cinderella.