Kevin Howard reflects on 30 years in Springfield radio

SPRINGFIELD — Kevin Howard has introduced legendary rock bands on stage, interviewed music stars, and become a mainstay on Springfield radio. And he’s not done yet.

In the interview above, you can listen to Howard reflect on his 30 years in Springfield with Ozarks First Anchor Jesse Inman. It’s an entertaining conversation that includes some of the memories Howard has meeting legendary rock bands over the years, memorable radio moments like 9/11 and the ice storm of 2007, and what he misses the most about how radio used to be done.

On Oct. 15, 1995, Howard rolled into Springfield for what he thought would be a short stay.

“Maybe it’s been a touch of laziness, but I truly fell in love with the city and didn’t want to leave,” Howard said. “I met my wife at a radio contest and it sealed the deal. I wasn’t leaving, and it became home.”

In 2020, Howard joined Zimmer Midwest Communications to help launch the newly established station 98.7 The Dove, where he continues to host weekday mornings alongside co-host Chris Louzader.

Zimmer Midwest General Manager Carla Leible said Howard was an easy hire for the company.

“We loved the fact that he had been in the market for such a long time and was very involved in the community,” Leible said. “Kevin has a passion for radio that shows, and we’ve been lucky to have him as part of the team.”

One of Howard’s biggest contributions to the Ozarks is Boobapalooza, a charity breakfast he’s helped organize for 26 years in partnership with Coyotes Adobe Café. The annual event raises money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

Listener Annie Bach remembers when the idea for Boobapalooza first came up.

“I’ll always cherish the fond memory of Kevin asking my opinion of calling the new breast cancer fundraiser Boobapalooza,” Bach said. “I thought it was brilliant!”

The 26th annual Boobapalooza will be held Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Coyotes Adobe Café, 1742 S. Glenstone Ave. Breakfast will be served from 6 to 10 a.m., and the $10 donation will go entirely to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

Howard and Louzader can be heard on 98.7 The Dove every weekday from 5 to 10 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR – OzarksFirst.com.

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