On Sept. 2, CIDO 97.7 FM Creston Community Radio ceased broadcasting. Not to worry, however — the interruption was short-lived as the technical staff have installed new transmission equipment on Mount Thompson overlooking Creston.
The signal has been restored to its properly licensed location and power level thanks to the heroic efforts of dedicated volunteers. Over the past year volunteers have raised the thousands of dollars required to perform the upgrade and co-ordinate the technical efforts required to make it happen. The Creston Valley Community Radio Society board extends its appreciation to everyone who helped make it possible.
The upgrade has been a long time in coming — the dual challenges of fundraising and the brief service window on the mountain have kept the transmitter in West Creston for the past three years, artificially limiting the broadcast area. The updated installation will allow CIDO to re-establish its prescribed broadcast area west to West Creston, north to the shores of Kootenay Lake, east to Moyie and south to Ponderay, Idaho. Restoring the reach of the station brings with it benefit to the broad community it serves.
And it is a broad community — international in scope and approaching 30,000 in population. All residents of Creston and area are invited to tune in to 97.7 FM.
As a fundraiser, CIDO 97.7 FM will be hosting a garage sale, barbecue and live music from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m on Sept 16. Sale items can be dropped off today or Friday morning from 10 a.m.-noon.
— CRESTON VALLEY COMMUNITY RADIO SOCIETY