The Salem Elks Lodge handed out its yearly awards Saturday night, recognizing those in the organization for their hard work and presenting its 2023 Distinguished Citizenship Award.
Exalted Ruler Mike Hooe presented the organization’s top yearly award to a community member who has gone above and beyond in community service to WJBD-WSIQ General Manager and News Director Bruce Kropp.
Hooe called Bruce’s integrity and a work ethic unmatched and always fair and accurate in covering the good, the bad, the triumphs, and the tragedies of the citizens of Salem and the surrounding area for more than four decades. He also noted the early development of a website that now attracts over 100,000 unique visitors a month as well as realizing the importance of social media in disseminating news and information.
“Simply put, Bruce Kropp is “the Voice of Salem” and we are incredibly fortunate that he chose our community to be his own. For all he has done to promote our community, its many public, private, and civic organizations, and programs, and his tireless work to keep the citizens of Salem and the surrounding area informed and safe, the Salem Elks Lodge #1678 is proud to present its 2023 Distinguished Citizen Award to Bruce Kropp.”
In accepting the award, Kropp noted that one of the nicest parts of his job is being able to cover award events noting the accomplishments of those in the community as well as assisting all the various groups that make Marion County a nicer place to live.
