JONESBORO, ARKANSAS – First National Bank, a local bank with branches throughout Jonesboro made a generous donation of $25,738 to cover the costs of constructing a new tower for KLEK 102.5 F.M. The new tower will allow for a stronger signal from KLEK to reach the citizens of Jonesboro.
When KLEK was originally constructed, the current tower was built at a height of 47 feet. This was the maximum height allowed without the need for a study by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, low power FM stations like KLEK are allowed to broadcast at a maximum height of 100 feet and still maintain their full allotted power of 100 watts by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The decision was made at the time to not risk a futher delay of the launch of KLEK and build at the lower height.
After launching KLEK, an application was made with both the FAA and FCC to obtain the authorization to build a taller tower. The FAA approved the application July 27, 2017 and the FCC approved the application October 12, 2017.
Because of the generous donation of First National Bank, work on the KLEK tower is anticipated to commence in late April after securing a conditional use permit from the City of Jonesboro. Once completed, the tower will be named the “First National Bank Tower” with the KLEK Legal ID at the top of each hour reading “Broadcasting from the First National Bank Tower, this is KLEK-LP Jonesboro”
The presentation of the donation was made by Mr. Will Brewer, Vice President of First National Bank and Mr. Matt Rankin, Community Bank President of First National Bank. Also in attendance was Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin and other city officials.
An emotional LaGanzie Kale, General Manager of KLEK 102.5 F.M. fought back tears as he accepted the donation as KLEK volunteers and board members looked on.
From all of us here at KLEK 102.5 F.M. we thank First National Bank for making this possible!
Click here to see video of the donation!
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