2016 was a year of transition and change at KFIL.  We celebrated a milestone anniversary, a retirement, and a marriage.  What does 2017 have in store?  Only time will tell!  In 2016, we celebrated 50 years on the air.  KFIL first went over the airwaves June 27, 1966.  We were honored to receive the key to the city of Preston presented to us by Preston Mayor Kurt Reicks, with City Administrator Joe Hoffman in attendance.  Preston businesswoman, Sally Gibson, did an outstanding job painting our front windows depicting the many facets of KFIL and the role we play in the community.  August 10, we held an anniversary open house which was attended by many friends, loyal listeners and clients.  Weather played a significant role in August; on the 18th a wind storm blew through Preston knocking down many trees and also knocking KFIL and KVGO off the air for several hours.  The following day, August 19, Sports Director and sales exec, Devon Krueger, said goodbye to KFIL to continue his radio career in Brainerd.  Devon and Allie Thompson were married September 17 during a beautiful ceremony in Winona.  Long-time employee and well-known man-about-town in Preston, Bruce Fishbaugher, retired September 30.  Morning DJ Denny Cornell hung up his mike after his shift on November 11.  Denny is still with KFIL but in a sales capacity.  Afternoon announcer, Bryan Dawson, left at the end of October to pursue other career avenues.  To fill the gaps in the studio and office, Sales Exec Grace Tienter-Ertl was hired to replace Devon.  Ben Aberg was named Interim Sports Director and took over Denny's morning shift.  Luke Lonien was hired to cover Bryan's afternoon shift and was later named Sports Director.  Traffic Manager, Shari Hanson, took over the task of Sales Exec working with Bruce's accounts.  Finally, Denny Cornell was named December Employee of the Month by Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, an honor well-deserved.  Whew, it's been quite a whirlwind year!  It's our pleasure to provide coverage of local town events, ag news, high school sports broadcasts and the very best in true country music.  We hope to be around for at least 50 more years.  Merry Christmas, friends, and may everything wonderful be yours in the new year.

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