Long-time radio businessman Rolfe Blaess was the featured speaker at the Greene County Historical Society event on Friday.

Blaess talked about his time in radio, although never having an on-air shift, he started what is now KGRA in Jefferson in the late 1980’s.  He comments that the original home of the satellite radio station was at 116 South Wilson Street and was licensed as KLSN.

He talks about how far radio technology has come and how his passion for radio grew.

“Have always loved radio (and) I love editing.  Back in the early days of reel-to-reel when you spliced your tapes and its nice to be in the digital age where you can do that all electronically now.  And of course I have a full radio board in my apartment in Jefferson, 18-channel, you would absolutely love it.”

In 2012, KGRA was bought by Mel Suhr along with KDLS in Perry and KKRF in Stuart now known as Raccoon Valley Radio.