Letter to the editor

Truly amazing. What started out to be an advertising gimmick for my store, has now turned five years old. Who would’ve “thunk” it?

There’s so many people who deserve credit for the show’s success. J Boyd Ingram, owner of WBLE Radio, who has endured me invading his studio on Saturday mornings. He is, without a doubt, the coolest, calmest individual I’ve ever had the pleasure to be associated with.

It would be very difficult to attempt doing the show without my right hand man Johnny Pace. Johnny’s a Dandy. He has a true affection for his community.

Also Folks believe it or not my mother, Annie Swindle, has taped every episode of the show. 249 so far.

The Local Yokel Show has been blessed with great local sponsors over the last five years. It’s a local show. Wouldn’t be right not to have local sponsors. Eight more local merchants want on the show but the ones there have no intention of giving up their spot.

John Howell and The Panolian have always supported the show. Pictures, stories and just being there with us.

It couldn’t be a show without the “Stars.” It is just mind blowing the outstanding musical talent we have right here in Panola County and North Mississippi. Great singers, amazing song writers, and God given talented musicians number in the hundreds. We started the show with a dozen CDs. Now there’s over 500! I’ll tell you that Johnny and I do have an ulterior motive. One day one of these “Local Yokels” are gonna make the big time and invite me and him to The Opry. It’s gonna happen. There’s just way too much talent for it not to take place.

The main reason why the show remains so popular is because of “YOU.” I’ve had the pleasure of meeting literally thousands of North Mississippi folks from every walk of life who tell me how much they enjoy the show. The greatest asset to The Local Yokel Show is you the listener.

We hope you keep tuning in each Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. on Country 101.

We just try to keep it lighthearted and humorous. Same thing goes: Got a CD and want it played? Get it to me. Must be a studio cut CD. We play every artist at least once then go on requests. No ugly words cause my Momma, Mamaw Quebel, and my Rylan Clair are listening, along with a bunch of other mommas, mamaws and grandyoung’uns.

/s/Ricky Swindle