KSOI radio project moves forward

Plans to bring a radio station back to the community are moving forward. The Clarke County Development Board of Directors approved a request to award a $54,803 Pillars grant for the proposed full-power FM KSOI 91.9 FM radio station project, during the February board meeting.

“This is not a commercial radio station, this is a community radio station,” said Board Member Jim Kimball. “I think it’ll be a tremendous asset for our whole area. I think you’ll see this as more of a tool than you realize.”

Grand River Valley Radio President Joe Hynek originally approached the board, in October 2010, requesting $71,000 in funding. During the November meeting, the board asked Hynek to seek other funding support before further consideration. CCDC President Bill Trickey assisted Hynek in reaching out to other organizations.

Hynek told the board that thanks to the support of eight area organizations and private donors he was able to raise $16,775 for the project. Hynek received a $214,000 grant from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program in October 2010.

• For more of this story, see the Feb. 17 issue of the Sentinel.