Methow Valley FM Stations off the air

[tristanbgilb]

Two Beloved Methow Valley Radio Stations Temporarily Off the Air
By Tristan B. Gilbert

TWISP, Wash. — As General Manager of KFAC-LP 105.5 FM and Adjutant of American Legion Post 143 Methow Valley, I wanted to share an update with our listeners and the community regarding two of the Methow Valley's low-power FM radio stations. Although both stations are temporarily off the air, each has a bright future ahead, and we are working diligently to restore service as quickly as possible.

The first station is KTRJ-LP 93.7 FM, is operated by my good friends Dave and Julie Corrigan. KTRJ-LP is in the process of relocating from its longtime home in Winthrop to its new home at the American Legion Hall, 626 Bridge Street in Twisp. During the move, the station has temporarily gone silent while its studio and transmission equipment are carefully relocated and reinstalled.

Fortunately, listeners can continue enjoying KTRJ programming online through the station's audio stream at www.KTRJ.org. Once the relocation is complete, that stream will continue to allow listeners to tune in from virtually anywhere they have internet or cellular data service.

Dave and Julie have created something truly special. KTRJ-LP has become a cherished part of the Methow Valley by offering a unique blend of inspirational Christian programming, uplifting music, Bible teaching, and classic old-time radio shows such as The Shadow, Gunsmoke, and many other timeless favorites. Their dedication to sharing the love, grace, and hope found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has touched countless lives throughout our valley.

The second station is KFAC-LP 105.5 FM, the community radio station operated by American Legion Post 143 Methow Valley. Unfortunately, our station recently suffered a transmitter failure, forcing us off the FM airwaves while we determine whether the transmitter can be repaired or if it must be replaced.

Thankfully, KFAC-LP continues broadcasting online through our live audio stream at www.Legion143.org allowing listeners to stay connected while we work toward restoring our over-the-air signal.

Both stations have properly notified the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of our temporary silence. KTRJ-LP is silent because of its licensed facility relocation, while KFAC-LP is temporarily off the air due to equipment failure.

Community radio has always meant more to me than simply broadcasting music. It is about giving people a voice. One of the things I am most proud of at KFAC-LP is our commitment to supporting local musicians by giving them meaningful airtime alongside nationally known artists.

Our playlist includes an incredible collection of local talent, including Emele Clothier, T.R. Stewart, Terry Hardesty, Gregg Hardy, Leah Larson, Ilo Curtis, Danville, and even Libido—a band I was fortunate enough to perform with more than twenty-five years ago. There are many more local artists whose music deserves to be heard, and every one of them helps make KFAC-LP uniquely representative of the Methow Valley.

I also want to publicly thank Wes Wilcox and Dennis Morgan. Their voices are used for producing station announcements, public service messages, and donor acknowledgments have given KFAC-LP an exceptionally professional sound. Their generosity has made a tremendous difference, and I sincerely appreciate everything they have contributed to our station.

Although these temporary outages are certainly disappointing, I believe they also mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. KTRJ-LP's move to Twisp creates new opportunities for collaboration between our two stations, while KFAC-LP's transmitter replacement will ultimately strengthen our ability to continue serving the community for years to come.

Community radio exists because people care enough to volunteer their time, donate equipment, support local businesses, create local programming, and simply listen. I am grateful for the patience, encouragement, and continued support shown by our listeners throughout the Methow Valley.

I look forward to the day when both KTRJ-LP 93.7 FM and KFAC-LP 105.5 FM are once again broadcasting across the valley, continuing our shared mission of informing, entertaining, inspiring, and bringing our community together—one broadcast at a time