KJOC (FM)

KBQC-FM first began broadcasting live from a bandshell in Middle Park, during the "Old Fashioned 4th of July" event staged by the city of Bettendorf.

KBQC was Bettendorf's first licensed commercial FM radio station, and was built off an FCC construction permit issued in May 1983, after a contentious application process by several proposed owner/operators.

Stromquist and his first hired employee, Barry Martin, originally from Joplin, Missouri, oversaw construction from the ground up, of the transmitting facilities in LeClaire, Iowa, and of the new studios and offices on State Street in downtown Bettendorf, located adjacent to Omeara's Pub.

Martin subsequently became the morning host of KVON in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 20 years, and later worked in public relations for local government.

[4][5] The active rock format proved successful, with KORB becoming one of the highest rated stations in the Quad Cities for a few years.

[6] Following a week of simulcasting, on April 7, a Hot AC format took over the 93.5 frequency as "Star 93.5", and call letters were changed back to KQCS.

[7] Despite being the only hot AC outlet in the Quad Cities market, and having 10 years to build a loyal following, "Star" struggled in the ratings.

A number of other changes were announced, including a local sports talk show and broadcasting of area high school games.