KLBB-AM, the little Stillwater station with powerhouse programming, will go off the air at midnight Saturday after nearly 70 years of programming.
In recent years, the station was best known as the Twin Cities home for Stan Turner's "All-Request and Dedication Show," the Green Bay Packers and the St. Paul Saints. Local legends like Roger Erickson and Ralph Jon Fritz worked there in the past.
Co-owner Dan Smith said he's been receiving "tons" of well wishes since the announcement was made earlier this year. "It's been incredible," he said Thursday.
Smith was told three years ago that the station's tower needed to be replaced. In investigating costs, he realized that it was more feasible to sell the property and build elsewhere. Ecumen, a Twin Cities nonprofit, eventually agreed to buy the land and plans to build senior housing. But Smith still hasn't found a new home for the tower.
Still, he's holding on to the rights to the call letters for at least a year.
"I hope people remember it as a really well-programmed station that was listenable and could compete with a medium or large market while still being able to serve smaller communities," he said.
Turner will host an extended version of his show on Friday. Smith said to expect a few surprises on Saturday.
