KRUU Radio: Soon to be Solar!

Volunteers to Install Solar Panels

by James Moore

KRUU should be solar-powered by early July 2009.

You’ve probably noticed the decidedly space-age solar panel racks in front of Fairfield’s grassroots community radio station KRUU-LP, 100.1 FM, at 405 N. 2nd Street. With phase II now completed, all that remains is the wiring and the procurement of suitable batteries. Everything may come together in time to flip the switch for KRUU’s third-year anniversary of its tower-raising on the Fourth of July weekend.

Many Hands Make It Work

What an expression of community togetherness this solar project represents. Martha and Alan Kreglow donated the system, including an inverter. The Greater Jefferson County Grant Foundation contributed $2,500 toward the hard costs of the project. Alliant Energy augered the holes and set the 21-foot poles in cement provided by Ideal Ready Mix—and both companies graciously donated their efforts.

Others who have contributed to the success of the project include Clipper Windpower, Sustainable Living Coalition, Vintage Power Wagon, Lonnie Gamble, Nelson LaFrancis, Dylan Katz, Brian Robbins, Roland Wells, Roy Tonnessen, Jack Eastman, Paul Rabalais, Rick Delmer, John Freeberg, Joel Dilley, and Susan Hirschman.

What a tribute to Fairfield that free-form independent radio could take root here and flourish like it has, even in these trying times. A tip of the hat to the scores of show hosts who create such a vibrant aural mosaic week after week, month after month, year after year, as well as those who have been quietly supporting KRUU’s efforts, including the growing number of business underwriters.

You Too Can Be A KRUU Underwriter

For those who may not know, underwriters are those individuals, organizations, or companies who sponsor programming at KRUU. As a non-commercial station, KRUU does not air ads, and by law we are not able to do that. But underwriting is a way to support this innovative community resource directly and have your company’s name and basic information broadcast over the airwaves.

Programming sponsors have included Everybody’s, Fairfield Rotary Club, David Lynch Foundation, LISCO, Landscape Architects, Alliant Energy, Ideal Ready Mix, The Iowa Source, Access Energy, MAPI, West Music of Ottumwa, Fairfield Glass, Aeron, Central Park Gallery of the Arts, Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, Natel, Fairfield Weekly Reader, Tim’s Heating and Cooling, Vintage Power Wagon, and Fairfield High School, among others.

As station manager of KRUU-FM, I’ve had the joy of witnessing the explosion and sustained flow of creativity surrounding this citizens’ initiative. What an expression of a truly Great Place. What a resource for visiting artists and guests. What a golden opportunity for our community to connect not only with each other but with leaders in many fields from around the nation and the world. With 98 percent KRUU-produced programming (over 10,000 shows created), 10–12 hours of live broadcasting a day, and over 100 hosts presenting 80 programs a week, we can truly say, “Listen fresh, listen local”—Talia Winningham’s slogan for KRUU. And it still feels like we’re just getting started. All I can say is, good day, sunshine, and stay tuned.

Friends across the globe can stream live at www.kruufm.com. Drop by the station at 405 N. 2nd Street for a tour or to share suggestions.

KRUU will be supplying the music for the July 3rd Party in the Park Art Walk as well as the August 7th Bark in the Park Art Walk.

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