April 30, 2026 — In the wake of severe storms that brought significant flooding to communities along the Fox River, local radio proved its unique ability to support the local community, to inform, connect, and mobilize. Star 105.5 WZSR worked with local township officials to help coordinate a rapid volunteer response, assisting residents whose homes were threatened by rising waters.

As conditions worsened, the station’s morning team, Joe Cicero and Tina Bree (“Joe & Tina”), used their live, local platform to call on listeners to assist with filling sandbags for affected neighborhoods. The response was immediate, with volunteers of all ages arriving to support the effort and help protect homes throughout the area. Local officials later credited the station’s involvement as a critical factor in the success of the initiative.

“Using our radio station as a megaphone to find people of all ages to step up and fill sandbags to save homes is an amazing thing,” said Joe Cicero. “Over 16 years on the air as a morning team, we’re always amazed at how people will step up to help others. The immediacy of being able to announce that volunteers are needed—and then seeing people show up—feels great. Radio works when you say you’re live and local, and mean it. This isn’t the first time we’ve rallied residents to help during flooding, but we sure do hope it’s the last.”

“Local radio is at its best when it brings people together, and that’s exactly what happened here,” added Gordon Mays, Connoisseur Chicago Operations Manager and Star 105.5 Program Director. “The response was immediate, overwhelming, and truly inspiring.” This effort highlights the continued importance of local radio as a trusted , real-time resource—capable of delivering information and activating communities when it matters most.