WAPL morning radio host stepping away after 39 years amid ongoing health issues, search for new morning co-host begins
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – A popular rock station based in Appleton announced that one of its on-air hosts is stepping away after 39 years of entertaining northeast Wisconsin citing ongoing health issues as the reason why.
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According to a social media post from 105.7 WAPL, plans were initially made to celebrate Rick McNeal’s retirement from the station, however, ongoing health issues are causing McNeal to leave the station earlier than planned.
Hey folks, it’s with heavy hearts that we announce some tough news. We had exciting plans to celebrate Rick’s retirement and honor his remarkable 39-year career of entertaining Northeast Wisconsin at WAPL.
Unfortunately, due to his ongoing health issues following the WAPL International Incident in early March, Rick is now stepping away.
105.7 WAPL
Officials with WAPL say they will now be forced to move forward without McNeal and are beginning to start a search for a new co-host to join Cutter on the morning show.
It’s a tough spot all around, no doubt about it. Sucks for him, sucks for you, sucks for us.
105.7 WAPL
Station officials say that they hope for everyone to come together to send McNeal everyone’s best wishes and that if Rick is feeling up to it, he could possibly return down the line as a guest.
WAPL adds that updates for an upcoming benefit event for McNeal will be made soon and his goodbye can be heard here.
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Anyone wishing to send cards or correspondence to Rick can be sent to the station at the following address:
WAPL-FM
c/o Rick McNeal
PO Box 1519
Appleton, WI 54912
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