SHAMOKIN - When people see Tom Kutza, they usually notice he is walking with a cane, the result of several spinal problems over the years.
But on Saturday, Kutza, often referred to as Shamokin's "morning mayor," on Saturday, could hardly contain himself; it was almost like he had grown wings.
"I feel like a little kid again, like I could take on the world," he said. "All the aches and pains are gone."
Kutza, who for 38 years was the signature morning man on WISL-1480 AM of Shamokin, was back on the airwaves again broadcasting live from the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts, not only over his old frequency, but worldwide over the Internet.
"We have gotten such phenomenal response from our booth here at the festival over the years, this was the natural progression," said John Treese, who is one of the founding members of WISL1480.com, along with his brothers, Frank and Jim.
With a display of WISL and area memorabilia
behind them, Kutza took his place behind the old-time microphone, salvaged by the Treese boys from WISL's former home, the Lark Building. It was like he never left the airwaves, streaming through interviews and commercials with relative ease.
With Jim Treese working the old WISL control board, playing commercials for F&S Beer and keeping Kutza in line, the hours seem to fly by as the "morning mayor" wanted to interview everyone who visited him at the stand.
Whether it was the chief of police, or an old colleague of his, Kutza was absolutely thrilled.
"Being back like this, you have no idea what it means to me," he told the Treese boys on the air.
As word began to get out that Kutza was back on the air, many of the vendors who had radios at the festival were tuned to the station; it was just like "way back when."
"The officers have been listening to the broadcast in the car," Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths said. "It's bringing back a lot of great memories, and it's wonderful to hear it back in the area."
Kutza was appreciative of the officials of the Independence Fire Company and Bill Milbrand for allowing him and the Treeses to use their carriage house for their displays.
According to the Treese brothers, Saturday's show will be available for listening on the online archive, along with videos of the show and other scenes from the festival.
"This event has been so great to us, it was only natural that we bring Tom here and do this broadcast," John Treese said. "As far as the display goes, no one's looking at it because everyone wants to see and hear Tom."
And Kutza, thrilled with the result of the day's events, is ready to do it again.
"Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we will be back here for next year's festival and the celebration of Shamokin's 150th anniversary," Kutza said.