LIMBAUGH RECEIVES HALL OF FAME HONOR

Rush Limbaugh.

His name alone brings rave reviews or steadfast detractors.

But the numbers speak for themselves. The lively show of this Cape Girardeau native is carried by more than 600 radio stations and is listened to by an impressive 20 million people each week.

Many credit Limbaugh with the rebirth of daytime talk radio -- and even AM radio -- in this country.

Limbaugh will be honored this April with the industry's most distinguished award. He will be inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters' Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

More than 60 television and radio personalities and programs have been so honored. He is among an elite and well-loved list of celebrities that includes Jack Benny, George Burns, Gene Autry, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis, Larry King and Harry Caray.

At 47, Limbaugh has also achieved this distinction at a much younger age than many of these dignitaries.

Although Limbaugh has made the big time, he has never forgotten his small-town roots. He mentions Cape Girardeau often on the air. Our fair city is still home to his mother and brother, and it was certainly an early influence to his conservative roots.

Congratulations, Rusty. Your legacy is a credit to a distinguished family and a proud city.