Scioto County Commissioners paid tribute Thursday to one of the region’s most familiar and beloved voices, honoring longtime radio host Steve Hayes by officially declaring December 11, 2025, as “Steve Hayes Day.” The proclamation recognizes Hayes’ extraordinary career in broadcasting as he prepares to retire after nearly 58 years behind the microphone—26 of them spent waking up Scioto County each morning on MIX 99.3.
Hayes’ wife shared the moment on Facebook, calling the honor “incredible” and reflecting on the legacy her husband leaves behind.
“His voice has been the soundtrack of our mornings, his laughter a comfort, and his dedication to the community truly unmatched,” she wrote. “Steve has given his heart to this community day after day, sunrise after sunrise. To say I’m proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
A Career That Began at 15—and Spanned the Country
According to the official resolution read during the commissioners’ meeting, Hayes began his radio career in 1967 at just 15 years old at WIOI in Portsmouth. From there, his journey took him across the country, with stops in Huntington, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Houston, Louisville, Cincinnati, Lexington, and Danville, Kentucky, among others.
In 1999, Hayes returned to Portsmouth from Lexington to host the morning show and launch the “All New MIX 99.3” format. His leadership and connection to the community later led to his promotion to General Manager in 2017.
Commissioners noted that Hayes’ decision to retire was “bittersweet,” a sentiment he echoed himself.
“I’ve been fortunate to do the thing I’ve loved for a long time,” Hayes said in the proclamation. “But there are some other things out there I’d like to try as well. I will certainly miss the great camaraderie with all the listeners and sponsors over the years who have been a huge part of my extended family.”
Final Show Set for December 17
Hayes’ final broadcast will air Wednesday, December 17, from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the days leading up to his sign-off, MIX 99.3 will celebrate his career with stories, memories, and appearances from local community members—whom Hayes has always described as the true stars of the show.
In a post thanking listeners for the outpouring of support, Hayes said he’s humbled by the response and grateful for the life radio gave him.
“I can’t possibly have everyone on the show to personally acknowledge how much you have meant to me over the next few days in doing what God blessed me to do,” he wrote. “Thanks again for putting up with me over these many years. It has truly been the time of my life.”
Hayes also announced that on Thursday morning after 8 a.m., he will welcome Jake Tolliver to the show, calling him “a true talent born of what our community created.”
A Voice That Defined a Community
The resolution concludes by formally declaring December 11, 2025, as Steve Hayes Day in Scioto County—a lasting recognition of a broadcaster whose voice, humor, and heart helped define local radio for generations.
As one era signs off, Scioto County is making sure it does so with gratitude, celebration, and one final salute to a man who turned morning radio into a shared community experience.
