Local DJ heads west for new radio show

For nearly five years, listeners of WXLC 102.3-FM have shared in morning show disc jockey Joe Cicero's excitement over life-changing events.

On Feb. 21, listeners will say goodbye to Cicero as he embarks on another adventure.

The Addison native is leaving the morning show to host a similar program at KKPK radio in Colorado Springs.

"All around it makes a lot of sense at this point in my life," Cicero said. "There is a comfort that comes from being on the air in a place where I grew up. I'm kind of nervous moving 1,000 miles away."

Cicero's announcement Thursday morning was met by a flood of calls from listeners wishing him well.

"The people of Lake County have watched me grow up," he said. "When I first started I was newly married and anti-kid. Now I've got two young sons."

Cicero's morning show partner of more than three years, Rebecca Ortiz, will remain on the air.

Ortiz said she and Cicero had natural chemistry from the beginning, and she is sorry to see him go.

"It is such a wonderful opportunity for him and he is so, so excited you can't help but be excited for him," she said. "It's been a good run."

Cicero will leave Lake County on a Thursday and start his new gig the following Monday, Feb. 25.

When asked what sets him apart from other morning show disc jockeys, Cicero was stumped for an answer.

"We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, just doing what people do when they wake up in the morning," he said. "We talk about stuff going on in Lake County and in our lives. We just try to connect with people."