Radio Stations in Glen Elder Face Outages and Reduced Power After Lightning Strike
GLEN ELDER, KAN. – Local radio listeners in North Central Kansas are experiencing disruptions to their favorite stations after a lightning strike on Monday impacted the transmitting plant in Glen Elder. Classic Rock Z-96.3 The Lake (KZDY) is currently operating on low power, while KD Country 94 (KDNS) remains off-the-air.
Engineers are working diligently to restore service. According to Derek Nester, the engineer hopes to bring KD Country 94 back to low power service on Thursday, contingent on acquiring necessary parts from sister station, KQNK-FM, in Norton.
Both station transmitters will require factory repair. “Service will remain at low power while both of our transmitters are returned to the manufacturer for repair,” a Nester stated. “Once repairs are completed and tests conducted, the transmitters will be shipped back to Glen Elder to be re-installed.”
During this period of low-power operation, the coverage area for both stations is significantly reduced, primarily reaching the immediate vicinity of Glen Elder.
For listeners outside the limited broadcast range, all programming from both stations remains accessible through various digital platforms. Mobile apps are available for download by searching “KD Country 94” or “Classic Rock Z-96.3” on the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Listeners can also tune in via the stations’ website at KDCountry94.com.
Smart speaker users can access the stations by activating their device and requesting it to play “K-D-N-S on TuneIn” for KD Country 94, or “K-Z-D-Y” for Classic Rock Z-96.3 The Lake.
The stations extended their apologies to their listeners for the inconvenience. “We apologize to all of our listeners while we work through this unfortunate situation,” Nester said. “Our primary focus is restoring full power radio service to North Central Kansas as soon as possible.”
