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SPRINGFIELD \u2014 Kevin Howard has introduced legendary rock bands on stage, interviewed music stars, and become a mainstay on Springfield radio. And he\u2019s not done yet.<\/p>\n
In the interview above, you can listen to Howard reflect on his 30 years in Springfield with Ozarks First Anchor Jesse Inman. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
On Oct. 15, 1995, Howard rolled into Springfield for what he thought would be a short stay.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe it\u2019s been a touch of laziness, but I truly fell in love with the city and didn\u2019t want to leave,\u201d Howard said. \u201cI met my wife at a radio contest and it sealed the deal. I wasn\u2019t leaving, and it became home.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Zimmer Midwest General Manager Carla Leible said Howard was an easy hire for the company.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe loved the fact that he had been in the market for such a long time and was very involved in the community,\u201d Leible said. \u201cKevin has a passion for radio that shows, and we\u2019ve been lucky to have him as part of the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of Howard\u2019s biggest contributions to the Ozarks is Boobapalooza, a charity breakfast he\u2019s helped organize for 26 years in partnership with Coyotes Adobe Caf\u00e9. The annual event raises money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.<\/p>\n
Listener Annie Bach remembers when the idea for Boobapalooza first came up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll always cherish the fond memory of Kevin asking my opinion of calling the new breast cancer fundraiser Boobapalooza,\u201d Bach said. \u201cI thought it was brilliant!\u201d<\/p>\n
The 26th annual Boobapalooza will be held Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Coyotes Adobe Caf\u00e9, 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.<\/p>\n
Howard and Louzader can be heard on 98.7 The Dove every weekday from 5 to 10 a.m.<\/p>\n
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